11 inch shocks on an 01 RK

B

Babeees <333

New member
I'm looking at an 01 RK for my wife and it's about 1 inch taller than she's comfortable with and I was wondering if installing shorter shocks on the rear is possible and safe?
 
Yes, and yes. It's possible and it's safe. You can find numerous threads about it on here. Just my opinion, but if you are lowering, use shocks and not blocks. I have a thing against altering the suspension angle. You may want to check on the seat to. If the seat is a stocker or one stock height, you can probably get her down a bit by simply getting a different saddle.
 
There are other cheaper and simpler things she can try before you change the shocks. Does she wear riding boots with built-up heels and soles? There are boots out there which can help her that way. Have you considered having the front of the seat trimmed to make it easier for her to reach the ground? There are several reasons it can be difficult to get our feet on mother earth, of which the vertical height of the seat is only one! Study her riding position and how she fits the bike to identify the things that might help her. Also remember that stopping is only part of the ride - being comfortable while moving is also important, something shorter shocks can ruin!
 
Well, if the seat is already lower than stock, shocks are your option. If you get 1" lower shocks, they will work just fine. Don't forget HD makes a low profile shock for baggers that would lower it about 3/4 inch and it keeps the air. Progressive has so many shocks, you can find something there that would work. Look at the 412's or if your wallet is fat the 440's. I'm not sure the stock length on a 01 RK, but if you go 1" lower than stock you should be OK. Personally, I'd probably look at the Progressive shocks before I got the HD low profiles, but I'm not going to tell you what to buy. You know what you need and want better than I do.
 
Quality shocks that are a little shorter are not going to ruin the ride you get with a stock shock, and they probably will make it better. I've put shorter Progressives on my Dyna and the ride is better than it ever was with the stock HD shocks. Same for my RK.
 
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