And I cant agree with you. A cheap shock made for your set up/weight will out perform an expensive shock that is not. Though not the greatest of examples the 12.5" SG shocks (very expensive new) I got for my bike absolutely sucked. Why? Because they were made to handle a lot more weight, I put them on a lighter bike and I only weigh 160. Might as well have been riding a rigid. My cheap 11.5" shocks worked much better.

Now I will say an expensive shock you start to have more choice on spring rates and such so you have a better chance of having a better set up. But just because its a more expensive shock doesnt mean it will perform better if its not set up for you and your bike.

 

You're arguing that black is white! It isn't wise or appropriate to fit shocks meant for one bike onto a very different one.

 

Yes but many people do thinking they are going to be great shocks just because they paid a butload for them. Cost is irrelevant if they are not set up for your application.

 

There is no point buying shocks that are not suitable!

 

If I can summarize the above not suitable shocks will suck regardless cheap or expensive....both points are right, off course buying suitable shocks better quality will cost more and worth it

 

you wouldnt mount springs off a 1 ton truck on a Volkswagen

 

How true is the below statement?

if a 12" stock shock allows tire to rub the fender, then....
a 12" touring air shock will not fix it !

because the are both 12" and behave the same at their softest setting in terms of travel.

 

But that is my point. People do it ALL the time, but they think because they spent some bucks on them they have to be great.

 

Travel and overall-length are not necessarily directly related. Since you're having fender clearance issues you need to 1)raise the fender, or 2) reduce your minimum suspension clearance.

Shorter suspension means a rougher ride, no way around it. There's a reason my bike has a ride-height that has abundant fender clearance. Don't find me complaining about ride issues. (Although, it doesn't look as nice as those nice and tucked new rides, it sure rides better.)

 

[QUOTE=Scuba10jdl;11946451]Travel and overall-length are not necessarily directly related. Since you're having fender clearance issues you need to 1)raise the fender, or 2) reduce your minimum suspension

Raising the fender never occurred to me before.....but just painted the bike. If I need new holes or new fender it won't fly.
Reducing the travel will make my life even tougher...not an option.

So we are left finally with increasing the length from 12.5 or 13.

Thinking that this bike started as a bugger....