Do longer shocks actually increase ground clearance, or do they merely raise the seat height?

I have a 48 and wouldn't mind a bit more ground clearance - speed bumps can be quite nasty!

I see in the Progressive catalog that they have shocks/springs all the way up to 13.5 inches. These shocks do come with springs, right?

Has anyone gotten more ground clearance by increasing the length of the rear shock/spring? Sorry to be such a novice at this, but my first harley.

 

They increase ground clearance, increase lean angles, increase comfort, raise seat height, make it harder to flat-foot at a stop.

 

tekdiver is spot on. youll def get better ground clearance and lean angles.

Im in the UK so my '10 sporty came with 13" rear shocks as standard which ive lowered by 2". now the thing drags its *** like a dog. going back to 13"

just remember though - if you do change your shocks out and raise your scoot, your jiffy may be too short and the bike might lean way over!

 

I bumped mine to the 13.5" and LOVE the ride and increased lean angle.

 

OK, so it changes the frame height relative to the swingarm, right?

Hmm ... hadn't thought about the jiffy stand being too short. Anyone have an issue with that?

Also, I'm wondering if the belt tension will change because the wheelbase gets shorter as the frame height increases, at least I think it does?

Anyone have any clearance issues between the swingarm and the mufflers/exhaust?

If I can't raise the forks, what will the higher rear suspension do to my steering response? Anyone notice quirkiness when turning in after going higher in the rear?

I'm thinking of going from 11 inch stock to 12.5 inches.

 

The wheelbase gets shorter (measurably, but not noticeably), but the distance between the two sprockets stays the same. There shouldn't be any clearance issues. The higher rear end will quicken the steering, and could potentially be enough to cause you to need a steering stabilizer. 12.5" is well within the range of normal, and shouldn't cause any issues at all. It will only raise your rear end .67" or so.

 

Talked to Progressive yesterday. They recommended against going any more than one inch higher in the rear suspension. My 48 has 11 inch shocks stock.

They said the "steering" would get too "heavy." So, unless you can raise the front end, you are limited in raising the bike I guess. They don't have anything for raising the front suspension on the 48.

Anybody have real world experience on this? Did the steering get too "heavy" when you went more than one inch on your 48.

 

along with more clearance you get a better ride, more room to absorb bumps. i put 13.25" on my 06 not so lo and added roadster length forks, depends what you want and can $$$$

 

badger1984 and rodhotter, would you mind posting pictures of your raised rides? I just saw a raised Nightster that had me drooling; would love to see pictures of yours as well!

 

I went from 11.6 inch shocks to 13 inch progressives.
Yes, the ride height increases, as does the comfort level.
Since I went up 1.5 inches, I pushed the forks down in the clamps till the nuts were flush, and also took the sag out of them with progressive springs, so the front sits higher as well, and also gives a much better feel.

One thing about the shocks though, the ride height does not really increase, that is, the wheel can move more, if you overload the shocks, the ride height is the same.
But if you adjust the shocks so the sag is normal when you sit on the bike, it will be higher. If you leave them soft and weigh 350 pounds, it wont be any higher....

But longer shocks give you the option to crank them up for sport (more clearance) or softer for a lower more plush ride.

On my 2009 1200L, it looks like the belt is getting close to the exhaust support with the bike unladen. I would not go to 13.5 long shocks on my bike.
I also added a bit more belt slack as the wheel moves more.
Not sure about it, my belt seems to get quite tight when things are hot.
If the belt runs tight, it can pull the rear wheel out of alignment as the swingarm is rubber mounted?
Push on your belt and you can see the swingarm move....
Odd Harley stuff...

Brett