Harley Davidson shocks as replacement

[Guest]

As anyone tried installing some used Harley Davidson 13" shocks in order to replace their old worn out GS shocks? I surprisingly haven't found much info about it, but figured this would be a popular upgrade since some slightly used harley shocks can usually be found for $50 or so. If you don't recommend this change, why not? If you have harley shocks installed, how do they ride? Thanks guys.

[steve murdoch]

I do not have any specific knowledge on stock Harley shocks but i think there is a reason that they are inexpensive and plentiful.
Harley owners swap them out pronto.

[Tenshots1]

Well I have seen that at least some HD shocks are made by FOX, which are known to be great shocks for cars, and I figure are probably good for motorcycles as well. I assumed that they are cheap and plentiful because people love to customize their harley, especially with the lower 11" shocks.

[eil]

I think they would probably be better than the decades-old stock shocks, but not as good as the midrange (price-wise) aftermarket options. Harleys are heavy bikes (with heavy riders ) so I'd expect them to be rather firm on most GSes.

[Tenshots1]

Thats why I like the thought of them. I weight 300lbs and my wife also likes to hope on the back of my GS550E from time to time. We definitely need something stiffer that wont break the bank.

[Buffalo Bill]

In that case, try them and tell us what they're like.
Why would Harley guys take them out, too stiff or too soft?

[tkent02]

Not chrome enough probably.

[storm 64]

I wouldn't put Harley anything on my GS. Heck, I was a little upset when my NGK B8ES's came in a Honda package!

[Tenshots1]

In that case, try them and tell us what they're like.
Why would Harley guys take them out, too stiff or too soft?

I think they are usually replaced for shorter shocks. 11" probably.

[hillsy]

I remember reading on a Yamaha XJ site how guys would use Sportster shocks on their Maxims to lower the rear without bottoming out. Pretty sure "performance upgrades" weren't part of the equation, but I guess if you had an L and wanted a pair of shorter shocks that could handle the weight then the same conversion would probably work out OK.

And like you say, they're cheap.

[tkent02]

Are they eye to eye?

[hillsy]

Are they eye to eye?

Sporty shocks are all eye to eye

[Steve]

I weight 300lbs and my wife also likes to hope on the back of my GS550E from time to time.

If your wife is large enough to cast a shadow, there certainly can't be much room for her on that bike.

If the Harley shocks don't work or don't fit, the MDI (cheapos) might be OK for you.

.

[bwringer]

I think it's your scientific duty to try 'em out!

I have a faint memory of someone who tried this a while back and was disappointed, but honestly, it hasn't come up much. Maybe it's time for a report "from the field".

[almarconi]

I did this to replace the worn out air shocks on my KZ750 spectre. The harley air shocks are made by Showa, same company that made the originals for the KZ. Pretty easy to install, press out the old shock bushings and press in some new Kawasaki ones. The airlines are easy to install and they come with a schrader valve so adjustment is easy. Vast improvement over the old worn out Kawasaki shocks.