Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Candy Cobalt]

I'm considering to buy PS shocks. I`m used to ride 12" rear and 1" dropped front (stock FLHRSEI2).

After reading lots of reviews etc.. I found myself thinking about going to 11 1/2" progressive 440 HD`s.


The good question is:

Can I either use a a 11.5" or 11" shock with out any worries of bottoming out when riding 2 up? Passenger load combined around 310lbs.

Thanks!

[VaEagle]

Just curious, what are your reasons for wanting a 11.5 or 11 inch shock setup? Is it for letting you be more flat footed in a parking lot? Looks or what?
If it was for sure footing in parking lots I would consider thicker sole boots, narrower seat etc. before lowering suspension and loosing the travel to absorb road shocks and loosing ground clearance in turns especially if you go to 11 inches.

I am not a suspension guru but from what I have read I would consider an air adjustable suspension like several members on this site have used to make the bike low when needed but at the push of a button could raise it up for best handling and ground clearance. (talk to Midnight Rider and some others for their experiences.)

Good luck with your decision.

[Puzzled]

EDITING to make a contact point correction.

Older post I know....

Stock suspension on 09 and up bikes are limited to 9 1/4" from center of upper shock mount to center of lower shock mount with a stock 18" 180. At this point the tire is making contact with the forward edge of the fender. I run a 9 1/2" compressed shock with 4 1/2" of travel on my bike, air operated. This allows me to flat foot the bike when stopped/parking and air it up to get the 4 1/2" extended bags through the corners.

I would think with a 11" or 11.5" fixed height shock they would have to have a pretty stout spring rate to not bottom out. I'm guessing what ever spring rate would work with a passenger would be harsh solo. A progressive rate spring would help.

[mjb765]

I tired 11.5" once a while back......it's a hard ride.

[FLTRI]

Older post I know....

Stock suspension on 09 and up bikes are limited to 9 1/4" from center of upper shock mount to center of lower shock mount. At this point the swingarm is making contact with the frame. I run a 9 1/2" compressed shock with 4 1/2" of travel on my bike, air operated. This allows me to flat foot the bike when stopped/parking and air it up to get the 4 1/2" extended bags through the corners.

I would think with a 11" or 11.5" fixed height shock they would have to have a pretty stout spring rate to not bottom out. I'm guessing what ever spring rate would work with a passenger would be harsh solo. A progressive rate spring would help.

Old but still spot on! Shorter shock mean less suspension travel and these bikes need all they can get!
Bob

[Puzzled]

UPDATE

I have since switched from a 18" 180 to a 180x60x16" and lowered the bike another half inch (1" shorter tire height). This eliminated my tire rubbing the fender at any number below 9 1/4". With the loss of tire height I was able to also add a lowering kit to my Monroe's for another 3/4" of drop. The swing arm makes contact with the frame a 8 5/8". With the 16" the suspension runs out of travel before the tire hits. In the event of a total air loss the bike is still able to be ridden albeit rigid like.