Total newbie and have questions in regards to changing my stock shocks for either 11' or 11.5 progressive shocks I can't flat foot at the moment as I'm 5'4 tall and being that I don't have any experience riding I want to start off by feeling comfortable with my bike by being flat footed, anyone have experience with these shocks did you have to change yours and which ones worked out better I've heard so many different things about progressive shocks! Any input appreciated hubby sais since I'm 145 pounds I might not feel the change ...
2017 Dyna Street Bob❤️

 

Nice looking scoot and always happy to see/hear of a woman riding her own! Be safe and enjoy. (Sorry, I can't really help with the shock info)

 

Nice bike!

Check out this REPORT LINK we did on Rear Suspension.

In the link provided above, you will find lots of very useful information, including this chart(along with many more):



You can see from the chart that while the Progressives will provide a better ride quality over stock, the Twin Adjustable Bitubos saw more points of improvement in ride quality over the Progressives for a lower cost. Here at the shop, we do love the front suspension components from Progressive but the rear shocks leave much to be desired.

Here is a LINK to the Twin Adjustables if you'd like to check them out.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you have questions.

Cristy

 

Since you're very short/light rider compared to what their typical suspension components are designed for, I would recommend calling the manufacturer you're considering...maybe they can set you up with a tailored package that is both lower for your height and softer for you weight.

The alternative would be buying something off the shelf and adjusting the sag all the way down but your ride quality will greatly suffer and besides any of the standard spring rates are probably designed for a 200# rider.

 

I have used those shorter shocks. The shorter they are the stiffer the ride is because of the impact angles and the ability for the shock to travel. Going under 12" I suggest getting the best shocks you can so that your back won't get punished. Also look at dropping the front end an inch.

 

I had them for the same reasons, really harsh ride but it helped me gain confidence, put the stock shocks back on and even though they are crap they are way smoother than the progressive 412’s @11”

 

Thank you to all of you truly appreciate the feedback!!

 

I put progressive 11s on all my bikes because I'm also short. See my sig pic of my dyna wide glide - its got the 11s on it. They work great and feel better than the stock shocks. Also, get some boots with 2" heels - Harley makes plenty of those and get a super reduced reach solo seat - also on my sig pic. My seat lowers me an inch and pushes me forward and is very comfortable with lots of lower lumbar support. Harley makes it. So, 11" progressive, boots and seat and you'll be good to go. Many people have put 11s on the Street Bob, some even put the Burly slammer kits on them. The Burly shocks are 10.5".

On my sportsters and dynas, I have found basically no difference I handling from stock, just that the ride is smoother with the progressives.

 

Have you considered an air ride system? I had a set of Legends Air Ride on my 2011 SuperGlide Custom and though I am not short at 5'9", when the air was all the way out it was as low as it can get. With the adjust-ability of the air ride, you could let it out when coming to a stop and air it back up when riding. My knees would be bent while flat footed on the ground when the air was all the way out.

 

My new-to-me ride came with the Progressives, so I can't compare to stock. I can say the ride is comfortable, especially for a Sportster. They're great shocks. As for changing to a lower shock... My previous bike was the Street 750 and I changed my 13" shocks out with Burly 10.5" shocks. Yes, a bit stiffer, but in a good way, not uncomfortable at all. The extra leg leverage it gave me was fantastic and made me so happy! I am 5' 1".