I am looking to upgrade my suspension and possibly change things up quite a bit on my 2014 48. I'm thinking either 12", 12.5" or something even more dramatic. Question is, will 12 or 12.5 change the geometry of the bike too much? If I went even taller and also raised the front end to even it out some while cafe-ing out the bike what are some things I should be concerned about?

Thanks!

 

I think the main thing you want to consider is the gap between the tire & rear fender, a oversized gap doesn't look good on a Harley in my pinion.

 

I put 13.5" shocks (from a Roadster) on my 2007 XL1200L and I didn't run into any problem even though I left the front end untouched. The bike just turned quicker into corners. Months later, I raised the front using the damper rods of a Roadster.

HTH.

 

I did something similar to lewk.
13" Electra Glide rear shocks and Roadster damper tubes for a 2" lift from stock.
Doesn't look as cool , but my spine says "thank you" every time I hit a pothole.
Here's where I got my inspiration.
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=944857
Mick

 

Everyones got it right. It wont look as "cool" to some but who cares? Only raising the rear will make it steer quicker and have a little less stability in higher speed straight runs. Best to raise the front too. Many use damper rods from a standard or roadster. The only issue with that route, and its not that big of an issue, is sourcing the parts. This would be the time to upgrade your springs, seals and such for better performance. The easiest way (I think) is getting monotubes from progressive for a standard. Last year of the standard was 2008 so just use those. Progressive says they wont fit a 48.........they will. Easy to do, take your old stuff out, drop in the new, no damper rods, springs, spacers or seals to source or deal with.

This is how much it will raise your forks.

 

Ditto. Raising the rear only will give you quicker steering, which is nice in the twistys!

 

I went with 12.5 Progressive and love them. I didnt notice any changes in handling but my back sure like the softer spring rate. I can crank it up one notch on preload and take my wife for a ride too

 

Andrew, what line of progressive shocks did you put on your bike? Is it a night and day difference?

 

I put the 412's on
http://www.progressivesuspension.com...-series-shocks

I wouldnt say they are day and night difference but very noticeable.
I weigh 175 and went with the 12.5's to get the softer spring rate and I say they are worth it.

from Progressive :
"The 12.5" shock is a bit longer so it can use a 75/120 lb./in. spring, and the 12" shocks have to use a 90/130 rate spring because they are a bit closer to the bottoming point. The 12.5" shocks will have the softer springs and more travel for a more compliant ride quality."

 

I have a '14 Iron, stock shock length is 11", correct? I'm only 5'6, so I'm a short dude, worried about going up to 12.5", but I don't know how dramatic the difference would be with a 12" shock.