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General Category >> Rubber Side Down! >> 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
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Message started by strang on 03/26/13 at 16:12:57

Title: 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
Post by strang on 03/26/13 at 16:12:57

Want to try some sportster shocks and looking on ebay there seem to be two sizes: 11.5" and 13".
Thoughts on pros and cons of each before i pull the trigger?

Title: Re: 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
Post by Serowbot on 03/26/13 at 16:49:51

13" might be too tall... it's pretty steep stretch for the chain and swingarm...
I have 12.25" Intruder 800 shocks.... The stock beltguard needs modding and I replaced an engine bolt that rubbed...
I also keep my belt a little looser than stock...
To be safe... I'd stay under 12.5"...
I don't know of anyone using 13" shocks on a Savage...

Maybe somone else will correct me... :-?...
http://suzukisavage.com/cgi-bin/YaBB.pl?num=1364087944

Title: Re: 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
Post by strang on 03/26/13 at 17:06:58

oops should check for shock threads on front page :)
don't see many good intruder shocks come up on this side of the pond, don't think as many sold in old blighty. Lots of new sportster shocks on the evil bay with low miles so thought I'd go this way. I'll go pull the trigger on the 11.5.
thanks serow

Title: Re: 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
Post by engineer on 03/26/13 at 18:28:50

One thing to keep in mind about Harley Sportster shocks, the mounting eye is wider than that on a Suzuki. So when you put them on and tighten the nut you will be bottoming up on the shock and its bushings, not the shoulder of the stud. This will limit its freedom of movement because they must rotate a little as the swing arm goes up and down. I suppose the rubber bushing would provide some of that but they wouldn't have gone to the trouble of installing steel inner bushings and studs if the extra movement wasn't needed.

There is plently of material on the mounting eye of the Harley shock and they are welded to the rest of the shock only in the center area so you should be able to shave a little off the side of each eye and get a decent fit.

Title: Re: 11.5" vs 13" Sportster Shocks
Post by WD on 03/26/13 at 22:31:26

Don't forget to grease the shock lower bolts and upper studs... Much smoother operation. A slight wipe is sufficient. Keeps the eyes from binding as hard under load. Old Duo-Glide trick.