Suspension Advice Needed

[jakeolsen]

I just got a great deal on some 12" 412 series rear shocks for my bike.
This is obviously not factory height for the shock.

What do I do to the fork springs to make sure the bike is even?

I am going to be putting progressive springs in the forks anyways.

I really don't want to push the fork tubes past the triple clamp.

Thanks in advance.

[Steve]

Well, if you don't want to slide the forks up, the only thing you will be able to do is to not install any preload spacers when you put the springs in.

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[salty_monk]

You could just ride it but expect steering to be slower.. you may also notice some other differences.

The only true way to equal it up is to drop the tubes through the clamps (what you say you don't want to do).

Your other option is to get some custom height tubes from Forking by Frank that are shorter (around $200 I think).

YOu can't just cut the spring short in the forks (or not fit preload spacers as Steve suggests) as you'll end up with an inch of completely uncontrolled travel at the top end. You need some blocks like they use for drag racing (but that takes directly from the available suspension travel so you'd go from 5" to 4" which probably isn't such a big deal).

Dan

[jakeolsen]

The difference from factory is only .5" correct? I guess that wouldn't be too bad to compensate by sliding the tubes.

[salty_monk]

It's 1" I think. The stock are 13" I believe. I would put them on & ride it... see how you like it, take it easy. If you don't like it try dropping the tree 1/2" & ride it again... keep dropping them till you like the ride.

Dan

[jakeolsen]

Thanks for the help. I tried and tried to figure out what the stock size was because the progressive site recommends 13" but shows an * that states it is not stock length. I haven't been able to find it in my manual yet.

[salty_monk]

I think stock is 325mm. 13" is 330mm.

12" is 305mm so you're 3/4" short.

Dan

[jakeolsen]

Thanks. I think when I put it all together I will go 1/2" and see where it gets me. I don't know how much room I will have with superbike bars. I knew there was a possibility of having a snag or two with a 12", but I am 5'6" and, when the bike was in one piece, I needed about 1/2" to be flat footed on the bike. Besides, somehow I was able to snag a brand new in box set of 412 hd series progressive shocks for $45 shipped. I figured I can always get my money back out of them if I have to.

[salty_monk]

I did something similar & ending up flipping them for Profit once

I think they will be fine. You should have 1/2" clearance with superbike bars. From memory you'll have about 1" or more depending on the fork caps you have.

[jakeolsen]

I did something similar & ending up flipping them for Profit once

I think they will be fine. You should have 1/2" clearance with superbike bars. From memory you'll have about 1" or more depending on the fork caps you have.

I had air shocks, but I don't want to keep them. I was thinking maybe swap the flush mount ones from the tubes off of my 550 parts bike. Sounds like those should be just the ticket.