Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Accessories Help with lowered rear shock applications please.

I thought that I have read somewhere, that some have used 11.5 sportster rear shocks on their America/Speedmaster but needed to switch over the stock bushings to accomplish this? If this is possible, what years or models will be best suited for a 2008 America? I normally ride solo but do have the misses along for rides several times and do not want to bottom out (my weight is 190 and she is approx 150 - you never truly know do you). I like the looks of the progressive 430's but I also like the adjustment of the 418's. Any suggestions, expereince, or differnet approach on this would be nice and if you have a pic of these installed that would be even better. My America is an 08 if that could be a difference.

Thank you in advance for the help

applying physics to this, basically you can not use the same shock mounts and use a shorter shock, you will be just as well to weld a hard tail swing arm on. basic steps to follow: take an angle measurement of the stock shocks on the bike. after this block the bike level and take the rear shocks off and lower the bike to the desired ride hieght. with the angle/degree useing the strutt mount (top shock bolt hole) mark the swing arm. now you need to find a shock that will fit this lenght. go more vertical if need be with the new shock but not horizontal. this will mean you will have to move the bottom shock mount in further (get the new shocks before making a bracket or welding a new mount) making a bracket is easy. some that i have seen are just angle iron that bolts tru the existing mount and moves the new one ahead. I prefer to weld a new ear in place, looks better and more solid. i have rear hydraulics for my bike that alows me to adust my ride hieght to a point. good luck any more questions send me a PM Bonedaddy

I put 11.5" 412's on my Speedy. We ride 2 up all the time (untill Jo gets her own bike) we have no problems. I weigh 195 and Jo is 170. Not bottomed out yet.

i also put the 412s on mine never had so much trouble.motorway ridin was ok but on minor roads felt every bump two up.packed up for a rally was even worse.ive heard good things bout hagons.back to the 412s my neighbor ended up takin em apart and putin a spacer on th bottom of th spring.been on ayear now no problems.

applying physics to this??
dont know much about that bonedaddy
with 10&1/2 -412's shock's on mine i do know the ride is better and she's a lot more stable in corners then it was with the stock

i started to convert kilo's to pounds Frank for your sake i gave up real quick
Christmas must have been REALLY good for you Buddy

Sounds like 11.5 is no worries, 10.5 for solo only(?) and dunno on a 11. Do you think the 418 or 430 would offer a better ride over the 412? Or is it like most things when you lower it; that it makes very litle difference once you've been sitting for an hour plus?

oops sorry Bud my bad they are 11-1/2" and i bought then because i liked the price bein shorter the stock was a bonus