I have been doing some research on what is the best way to lower my 2003 sportster 1200 custom. I have experience lowering cars and lifting jeeps although this is my first bike and little different. I am looking for something that i can plant both feet firmly on the ground at a light, and that will look nice. What is the stock shock length? I want to do this right, and safe. My budget is about $350. I may only just drop the rear, cause i would like to have decent ride. Do i go with 412 shocks? (what size) lowering blocks, or lowering blocks and different shocks. I have looked at the burly kit but read it was a rough ride.... help!

 

The shocks should be 11" If you go any lower it will look cool but rip out wireing harness under fender.

 

they are 13" from the factory and i should get 11" shocks right? just want to make sure

 

BS!!!! I run 10" shocks on my '00 which identical to the '03, ride two up OFTEN, and my tire hasn't even touched/rubbed the wiring.

Wottj, your '03 Custom should have come with lower shocks than the 13"ers. I think they came with 11.25" or something along those lines. My XLH which a "Sporty Standard, not a "Hugger" model, came with 12.75" or so shocks. You can use either shorter shocks or use the lowering blocks. You could always go with the 12" air shocks off of a Street Glide and use lowering blocks to get down to the 11". Use the "Search" function on here for "lowering a Sportster" in the sportster section, as it's been discussed numerous times.