12" dyna shocks on a road king

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Sep 15, 2014 | 08:37 AM

Whoknew72

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From: Michigan

12" dyna shocks on a road king

I'm being offered a set of Dyna shocks, 12" long, for cheap. Id like to drop the rear of my RK by an inch and this would do it cheaper than the LA choppers kit I'm looking at.

Any thoughts on possible complications or undesirable consequences?

Sep 15, 2014 | 09:10 AM

Tufel

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From: Idaho

Probably will need new springs at a minimum as the dynas are a lighter bike. Other than that not sure.

Sep 15, 2014 | 09:50 AM

bikerlaw

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From: Richmond, VA

They will bolt right on, but ride like crap. Though Dynas are much lighter, the shocks are much stiffer. Yes, I said stiffer. Its has to do with the placement and angle of the shocks on a Dyna versus the touring chassis. Point in fact, you can put touring shocks on a Sportster, and for the same reason, it will ride like its on a cloud. IE, soft as a pillow. So yes, Dyna shocks will bolt up to a touring bike, and work, but they will be way to stiff for most peoples liking.

Last edited by bikerlaw; Sep 15, 2014 at 09:53 AM.

Sep 15, 2014 | 11:06 AM

Hogi

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From: Israel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tufel

Probably will need new springs at a minimum as the dynas are a lighter bike. Other than that not sure.

RKC 773 lbs
Dyna 663 lbs.
110 lbs dif

Sep 15, 2014 | 12:12 PM

bikerlaw

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From: Richmond, VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hogi

RKC 773 lbs
Dyna 663 lbs.
110 lbs dif

Again, irrelevent. The weight of the motorcycle does not determine the stifness of the shocks. The shocks on a touring bike are far more verticle than on a Dyna as well as the fact they are placed directly under the passenger. Whereas on a Dyna, they mount under the RIDER. Its simple leverage, and not the fact a touring bike weighs more. Dnya shocks have a higher spring rate and will ride stiffer.

Case in point. Check Progressives website. 2013 Road King shocks have a 95/130 lb spring rate, while a 2013 Dyna shock has a 210/250 lb spring rate. Much stiffer.

Last edited by bikerlaw; Sep 15, 2014 at 12:43 PM.

Sep 15, 2014 | 12:35 PM

Razir66

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From: Wisconsin

Based on what Bikerlaw is saying, I would advise against it. I got my bike lowered front and rear 1" by the dealer with I believe street glide air shocks and different fork springs up front. The ride is noticeably harsher and these are stock touring air shocks. I can't imagine how rough yours would be with higher spring rates, if mine was anymore harsh I would be looking for an alternative as it is.