I am wanting to lower my Roadking to the SG height. I see fleabay has a ton of SG shocks for $100 - $125 price range. Has anyone of you roadking guys done this?

 

I did at one time. The Street Glide shocks will lower you an inch at the expense of a little harsher ride. I also installed shorter progressive springs in the front forks. I have since realized the error of my ways and returned the front end to stock height and replaced the Street Glide shocks with Ohlins 3-3's. I'm much happier with this setup and don't grind off my foot boards nearly as easy as when the bike was lowered.

I have a set of Street Glide air shocks if your interested.

 

My cvo came with 12 inch shocks, for me I didn't like the way it handled, turned wider slow speed and the cross member would bottom out on some bad roads with bumps 2 up loaded. you can buy lowering kits to lower the rear for 60 bucks to see if you like the ride

 

I also did it, and also went back. I'm also short legged, so you'd think I would have stayed with the shorter shocks.

With oil tuning, I was able to get both of them nice riding. But the 13" shocks are nicer than the 12" shocks. 12" shocks have a stiffer spring, so even with oil tuning, they are just a bit harsher. Or more accurately, I was able to get the 13" shocks sweeter than I could the 12" shocks.

The bit of seat lowering I got with the 12" shocks wasn't worth the ride degradation, the reduced ground clearance and the reduced lean in turns.

 

so there's your 2 easy low(er) cost options.

on my FLHTC I ran SG shocks the past couple of years and it was "ok". not great but ok, harsher ride as the damping has to happen in 2/3's the suspension travel in 2/3 the time.

and I still went back to 13" when touring.

on a whim I bought the $16 + 9 shipping ebay lowering blocks from a forum member and threw them on the other day with the 13"
the ride is much smoother than with the FLHX shocks.
these do alter the angle of the shock which won't work with the RK Classic bags

This change will reduce my conversion time from "city" to touring ride heights as I'll only have to swap the lower shock mounting point.


so far, so good- $25.

mike

 

I'm 5'10" + gotta admit the SGs are a lot easier to flat foot than the RK, especially when the GF + tourpak isn't aboard. BUT, IMO, lowering the bike is the last option. Have you considered talkin to MCC about a seat mod? That would be my first move.

 

If lowering it using the street glide shocks, why is it making the ride harsher. Wouldn't the street glide guys be complaining too?

 

the 12" shock has 2/3 the suspension travel of the 13"...and if the shock is moving at the same rate of speed ( compression/rebound)...less time to travel top to bottom as the distance is an inch less.



Mike

 

I ride with friends that have Glides and RK Classics only about a half inch difference in seat height between them. I prefer the very slightly firmer Glide, better road feel and handling. More than makes up for a very tiny loss of lean angle. IMO For $125 bucks pick up a set, if you don't like em re-sell them. Also just my opinion the stock air shocks on both bikes suck.

 

I went with SG shocks in the rear and a Progressive Drop-In kit for the front. The ride is more harsh. I'm getting ready to change the oil in the rears to see if I can help it out a little. The front is dialed with 50/50 stock and SE oil.