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21st March 2009
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Biker
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Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 32 Sportster/Buell Model: sportster xlch Sportster/Buell Year: 1975
Reputation: 10
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shock absorbers
hey there fellow enthusiast i need to know if im an idiot for thinking i can keep 12.5 inch shocks on my bike with a very stiff spring 13.5 is the lowest everyone says to go i know, but i have really sweet shocks dont want to get others my ride is a 1975 ironhead sporty xlch
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21st March 2009
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Senior Chief Master Mechanic 1st Class
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: North East US
Posts: 1,267 Sportster/Buell Model: xlx Sportster/Buell Year: 1985 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1979 Other Motorcycle Model: Sprint ss Other Motorcycle Year: 1967
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I'm not sure what your asking hear. Are the stock shocks 12.5? There are three settings on stock shocks for weight adjustments. Unless yov have changed something like the front end, I don't know why you would want 1 more inch higher. Unless your stock schocks are 13.5. If thats the case you have answered your question.
In other words 12.5 if not stock. Only after (lowering) kit for front end. If that what your trying to do. If you like riding safe!
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23rd March 2009
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Biker
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Posts: 40 Sportster/Buell Model: xlh Sportster/Buell Year: 1969
Reputation: 10
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Your rear tire will hit your fender with 12.5 " shocks. Also depending on exhaust it will hit pavement before shocks bottom out.
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23rd March 2009
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Senior Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Alexandria, VA
Posts: 2,532 Sportster/Buell Model: XL 1200R Sportster/Buell Year: 2007 Sportster/Buell Model #2: XL 883 Sportster/Buell Year #2: 1986
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Just readjust the fender and problem solved. I ran 10.5 inch shocks and didn't bottom out.
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23rd March 2009
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Cornelius, OR
Posts: 3,992
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Up to 78 needs the longer shocks.
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Ryder Rick "If life doesn't kill me, nothing ever will."
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23rd March 2009
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Biker
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Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Tombstone, AZ
Posts: 53 Sportster/Buell Model: XLCH Sportster/Buell Year: 1975 Sportster/Buell Model #2: 1200C Sportster/Buell Year #2: 2006
Reputation: 10
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Stock on the 75 is 14-1/2. I tried 12's on mine and the fender was right on the tire...more importantly the chain was hitting the sprocket cover. I have some 13-1/2 now with preload at the top and I don't think you could get any lower without radical changes.
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1975 XLCH
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23rd March 2009
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Biker
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Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 28 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH1000 Sportster/Buell Year: 1977
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my 77 has 12.5s with a 16" rear meat and the clearance is only about 1/4" with engine off the frame. Going to have to do something diff.
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23rd March 2009
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Senior Master Custom Bike Builder
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: beaver dam wi. 10,000dam beavers can't be wrong
Posts: 8,977 Sportster/Buell Model: xlh Sportster/Buell Year: 95 Other Motorcycle Model: wla flathead45 Other Motorcycle Year: 1945
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I got 12.5 fx shocks on mine, it hits now and then two up but by myself its all good.
I also have a fatbob rear fender that I carefully centered over the wheel to give me as much room as possible
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I still believe that overhead valves are a passing fad
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23rd March 2009
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Harley Engineer
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 309
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jackster
Just readjust the fender and problem solved. I ran 10.5 inch shocks and didn't bottom out.
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someone needs to explain to me how to "readjust" the fender. 10.5" shocks on a 75 IRONHEAD will put the tire right into the fender, which is very nonadjustable. they might work on your new EVO sporty, but no way will they work on an mid 70's IH |
23rd March 2009
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Banned
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Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Venetian Islands, Miami Beach
Posts: 3,923 Sportster/Buell Model: XLH/I.R.C. Special Sportster/Buell Year: 1974
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I'm running 12" shocks off a BT with a 16" rear tire on my'74...
...with no clearance issues whatsoever.
This is with a stock '74 rear fender and no frame mods whatsoever.
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