replacing rear shocks

[atomsplitter]

Actually Idaho Red the rake is unaffected by longer rear shocks. What is affected is trail measurement. The taller rear shock will shorten trail (that's a measurement of front axle center on the ground to the centerline of the fork leg projected to the ground) and provide faster turn in. The max length you can go to is 13.5" eye to eye on the rear shocks. The shaft drive won't accomodate any longer shocks than that. If you don't need the taller seat height stay with the 12.5" shocks. If you go shorter shocks your trail values get longer and the turn in gets slower, plus you get limited travel so usually a harsher ride with heavier springs to keep from bottoming the shocks. My Bobber's rear shock has 3.25" of travel, the OEM shock with its limp spring would bottom out going over a #2 pencil with my lard butt in the seat.

 

[Tripps]

I've replaced shocks on about avery bike I've owned and over the years I learned an important lesson, don't compromise. If you want a better ride, pay for it. On my Rocket I put Hagon's on it. Great shocks. Replaced the fork springs with progressive springs to improve the front as well. On my T-120 Race Tech's on the back with progressive springs in the front including preload adjusters, on my Bobber Black Ohlins in back (and put Matris full emulators in the front). My spine is worth the money I spend to save it (the Bobber alone was over $2000). If you go cheap you don't get the quality and it will not be as adjustable as you may desire. Go with rebuildable kit for the long term and you will be happier in the end (at least the part you sit on).

Bobber rear suspension going in:

Bobber's front suspension after Monkey Moto fitted Matris emulators (fully adjustable for preload, rebound and compression damping):

My T-120 with upgraded rear suspension better fork springs and fork preload adjusters:

The only bike I have with really good suspension equipment from the factory, my 98 Trophy 1200:

I also went with Hagon Nitro and Progressive springs on my Touring, big improvement. ( but it's still a pig, lol)

 

[Kevin frazier]

I also went with Hagon Nitro and Progressive springs on my Touring, big improvement. ( but it's still a pig, lol)

A 265hp pig ! No, a bull in china shop maybe

 

[Tripps]

My buddy used to call her Matilda, he said she's a little wide in the ass, but she's a good girl