I bought my 06 CVO Ultra used. The previous owner lowered the bike 1" with Progressive springs in the front, and Suspension Technology 12" shocks in the rear. The bike rides well, but my old lady sure misses 4" of shock travel.

I'd rather not spend money to raise the front again, but rather gain the lost inch in the rear. As such, I am considering going to a 13" shock, but use lowering blocks to make up the difference in front and rear height. This way I will have 4" of shock travel while maintaining even height with the front.

So my questions are:

Does this make sense?
Has anyone done this?
What are the pros and cons?

Thanks!

 

I doubt if your OL has ever experienced 4" of travel, certainly not on any Harley! They don't have that much. Stock shocks on your bike, when it was new, had less than 3".

So lets go back to basics, what would you both like to achieve? Are you, and your OL especially, after a more comfortable ride? If so I can offer suggestions!

 

I am after a more comfortable ride, which I believe may come by adding more shock travel, while maintaining current ride height. We have very comfortable seats by the way.

 

There is a bit more to suspension than travel! Although we look at a shock and see a single thing, it does two jobs: 1. the spring on it holds up the weight of the rider and bike, that is all; 2. the damper controls ride comfort, the motion of the bike when hitting bumps and potholes. Ride quality and comfort comes from the damper and the better the quality of the design and manufacture, the better the ride will be.

I have followed shocks threads for many years on HDF and like you wanted greater comfort for me and Mrs B. I got the solution by phoning HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal. He offers a range of shocks from Ohlins and JRI, in a range of lengths and prices. I reckon he can supply you exactly what you want, but scrub lowering blocks as you won't need them!

Give Howard a call! Your OL will thank you a zillion times......

 

Bump back to the top.

 

Don't lower the rear with blocks, I had and it won't ride right. Get a good set of 13'shocks that sit at 12" with you on the bike and still have a full 3.5" travel. Ohlins, JRI etc. If you leave the front lowered it can affect steering geometry. From what I understand lowering the rear or raising the front will be more stable on straight roads but harder to maneuver on twisty roads and parking lots.

 

Have ya phoned Howard yet? He will cure ya bump.....