I installed 13" Ultra Classic shocks on my 2006 Street Glide to improve the ride for 2-up, fully loaded touring. Very happy. No regrets. However, I do miss the look of the factory lowered rear end, especially with the Tour Pak off.

I'm looking for advice/opinions on this idea: keep the 13" shocks for ride quality, but return the back end to original FLHX height by using those lowering blocks I see all over eBay.

Thoughts?

 

I wouldn't use lowering blocks on any of my bikes, especially as you like touring fully loaded. If looks are so important then get yourself a set of quality shocks of the 'right' height plus good ride quality.

 

Theoretically, if you longer shocks have more travel, and you then lower them, you have the potential to bottom out your tire into your fender. Don't know for sure if that would definitely happen with OEM shocks, but conceptually thats the problem you're running into. That and altering the angle at which the forks are working.

 

Not sure about the ebay blocks, but I'm using the LA Choppers lowering blocks and they retain original suspension geometry.

Don't know why your idea wouldn't work fine.

 

I did that for awhile on my 2009 FLHTC- comparing to 12" shocks, the 13's gave a better ride in terms of comfort- 1" more suspension travel ( 2.75" total) which also means more time for the shocks to move from extension to compression.

however my $26 ebay type blocks felt as if they were moving at the swingarm attachment and pivoting upwards in extension.

I took them off.

when it comes to "looks" my concern is the look thru the windscreen & I'm tall so my feet hit the ground no problem.


the 12" 09+ FLHX shocks gave a more "stable" ride vs blocks but were harsh and jouncy- I have alot of water control dips and speedbumps in my area.

if you change the ride height, don;t forget to adjust your belt


BTW my '95 had white brothers ( now Burly) lowering blocks when i bought it, they were ok but I removed them...my jiffy would drag on lefts


Mike

 

My last bike was an 09 SG. I thought about doing the same thing w the lowering blocks and longer shocks. Instead, I went w the Progressive 944's. I was happy w my decision.

 

In the past I've done lowering blocks with 13" shocks. No issues.
The ride was better than 12" shocks.

 

I'm running eBay blocks and Harley 13" premium hand adjustable shocks.
This may not be a problem for you but I spaced my bags out slightly for clearance, other than that I had no issues............although if you ask........usually it is not a recommended thing to do.

 

Ive had two Street Glide, 07,2012. I put the 13" shocks on with 1" lowering block. No problem loaded two up and tour pack. Learn to use the air shocks. I think mine is LA Chopper block. Pingel makes clean one. I wouldn't lower any more the wiring is up there. Its is stock high still.

 

I have 13" shocks with lowering blocks. Haven't had any issues. I ride solo (165lbs) at around 18psi. I ride 2 up with tour pak and all her crap at 50psi.