Talked to a guy that installed 10" shocks on his sporty to lower it. Said he didn't have any clearance problems. I've got 11-3/4" on my custom and it looks like the fender would hit when compressed if it was any shorter.

If it were my bike I don't think I'd go any lower than the Progressive 11 inch shocks. They have 2 styles, standard and heavy duty. If your going to carry passengers then go with the heavy duty. With those you shouldn't have any clearance problems at all.

just my 2 cents though,
KrustyTC

 

10" SHOCKS

I went to the 10" shocks look great no clearance problems just a very firm ride compared to the longer ones mine are not progressive the progressive would be more comfortable probally RSP

 

I went to the 10" shocks look great no clearance problems just a very firm ride compared to the longer ones mine are not progressive the progressive would be more comfortable probally RSP

What year Sportster are you riding? I'd really like the look of the 10 inch shocks but thought I'd have clearance issues.

later,
KrustyTC

 

Did you lower the front too? How is the handling?

 

with 10" shocks you will have to set the shocks on the firmest setting. it will be like riding a hardtail. wouldn't recommend it. from what i've read, 11" is about the lowest you can go and still have a decent ride. i have 11 1/2 " heavy duty progressive 412's. i'm 220 lbs.

 

with 10" shocks you will have to set the shocks on the firmest setting. it will be like riding a hardtail. wouldn't recommend it. from what i've read, 11" is about the lowest you can go and still have a decent ride. i have 11 1/2 " heavy duty progressive 412's. i'm 220 lbs.

That's what I thought. I think 11" is plenty low enough anyway. Also, I only weigh about 135 so I don't think I'll have to worry about bottoming out. My only concern is when my wife rides with me. She's in about the same weight class as I am. I could probably go with the standard duty progressive 412s without any problems. What's your thoughts?

later,
KrustyTC

 

To my original question, Does lowering the rear of the bike mess up the handling? I am considering lowering my bike but don't know if I need to lower the front too.

 

That's what I thought. I think 11" is plenty low enough anyway. Also, I only weigh about 135 so I don't think I'll have to worry about bottoming out. My only concern is when my wife rides with me. She's in about the same weight class as I am. I could probably go with the standard duty progressive 412s without any problems. What's your thoughts?

later,
KrustyTC

krusty,

here's the link to progressive's web page where they give their advice on standard vs. heavy duty: http://www.progressivesuspension.com/appview.asp?AppsNumber=551

my opinion is that the standard duty would probably be best for your situation. i can tell you that i ride only solo at about 220 lbs. with 11 1/2 " progressive heavy duty 412's. progressive shocks come with 5 firmness settings (stock harley shocks have 3 firmness settings). i set mine at the second softest setting. hope this helps.

killmeyer

 

To my original question, Does lowering the rear of the bike mess up the handling? I am considering lowering my bike but don't know if I need to lower the front too.

yes...lowering one end of the bike without lowering the other will mess up your handling. you may be able to lower the rear about 2" from stock and still have decent handling. here's what i did...and it may work for you, or someone else. i have a 1996 xlh 1200. i lowered the rear about 2" from stock...to the 11 1/2" progressives. i wanted to try it like that and see what it was like. and i have to say that i like it that way. kind of leaned back in a position similar to an old chopper. it's very comfortable for me, probably because i have a backrest on my seat and forward controls...and i'm 6' tall. perhaps you could try lowering the back first to see if you like it...then, if you want to lower the front too...just raise the forks up through the triple trees. you'll need a torx wrench for this. should be able to get a 1 to 1 1/2 inch drop in the front from this...and all you have to buy is the torx wrench. good luck.

 

oh yeah...i forgot to mention that the 2" drop in the rear with no drop in the front does effect handling a little bit...but, not greatly. if you thing is the twisties, then lower both equally...if you thing is cruisin' than you have more room for error.

 

Thanks for the answers. The guys at my local dealer said that it would handle terribly if I only lowered the rear. I will have to try that first. Again thanks.

 

Thanks for the answers. The guys at my local dealer said that it would handle terribly if I only lowered the rear. I will have to try that first. Again thanks.

Yeah, it's gonna make your trail# alittle higher. Little heavier steering but not bad.

 

We have been shortening the rear shocks on harleys for about 13 years and have had great feed back. It all depends on how low you want it caompred to rider weight and clearance.