Can someone explain to me why several of the after market shocks all set lower than the stock height?

Wife is not happy with the ride of the premium shocks that came on the bike and asked me to look for something better.

I was looking at the Progressive 944 series and the Supershox both say they set lower than the stock height.

What are teh plus and minus of a lowered rear shock

 

2 reasons: 1) appearance (some people like the stance of a lowered bike) 2) shorter riders require their bike to be lowered.

Most shock companies provide you with a choice - stock or lowered. If you wanted a stock height Progressive, you'd go with 444s

 

Most stock shocks are 12", I actually went with 13" JRI rear shocks just for better ground clearance - also being 6'2", I can still stand flat footed

 

Well I am 6'3" with a 36" inseam do not need a lowered shock can touch the ground just fine.


So the Progressive 444 or the JRI what other options are out there?

 

Stock Premium ride Hand adjustable shocks come in 13 inch like on CVO Ultra's from what I understand.

 

Tons. Ohlins, Racetech, Ricor, Terry Cable, others.

 

they also come in 12'' versions.

 

what is standard on the RGS?

 

I just recently added a set of 13.25" Ohlin #2 adjustables (dampening is adjustable) from Howard at Motorcycle Metal. I have about 800 miles on them and I'm amazed at the improvement in both the ride quality and control. I had a set of Works Steel Tracker which were far better than my original shocks but don't compare to the Ohlin's. Of course, the Ohlin's were custom built for me. Part of the process includes providing both my weight and the passengers weight, how often I ride 1 and 2 up, what type of rider I am and what am I looking for. Howard then chose the springs and set up the dampening valving to match the springs (an over simplification, I'm sure). After installing and adjusting the spring sag (which is critical for the best ride) and some experimenting with the sweep valve adjustment (dampening), the transformation was incredible. I can't see where buying off the shelf can compete.

 

12'' premium hand adjustable