Installing aftermarket parts on Harley is a common practice to make the ride more comfortable. For some owners, the stock 13” rear shock is a bit taller than they expect.
The solution is to get a lowering pair of shocks and make the bike a lot more comfortable. But not all aftermarket parts have better quality or design that can improve the suspension system.
That is why I have researched and found the best lowering shocks for Harley Touring. In this article, you will find 7 top-rated products reviewed in detail so that you can make the right decision. Without further ado, let’s get started.
1. Progressive Suspension 412-4080B – Best Overall
- Length: 12”
- Exterior: Black Anodized
- Weight: 10 Pounds
- Body Material: Steel
Progressive Suspension 412-4080B is the most popular and highly recommended lowering shocks according to the Harley experts. It is because the improvement it can bring to your bike’s suspension system is close to a very expensive aftermarket part.
Model Compatibility
At first, let me show the compatible Harley Touring models.
- Among the compatible models, it includes all 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Touring FLT/FLHT/FLTR bikes except the trike and models with fork cartridges.
Features
Its simplistic but durable design can improve the suspension’s performance greatly. The steel-made double-wall damper features multistage velocity-sensitive damping. Moreover, it has a preload adjuster with 5 options.
The trick behind its consistent dumping performance is the high-pressure gas charge. For a smooth and comfortable ride, you won’t find a better product than this one.
Tip: If you feel that the wiring is getting rubbed due to too much lowering, the preload settings will help you solve that. Adjust it according to the load.
? Pros:
- Great load taking capacity
- Improves performance compared to the stock
- Easy to install and adjust
- Heavy-duty durable build quality
? Cons:
- A bit stiffer than one may expect compared to the stock.
Summary
You can’t understand what you are missing until you replace your existing shocks with this pair. For a reasonable price, there are no other options as feature-rich as Progressive Suspension 412-4080B.
Its overall performance and easy adjustment options make it the best rear shocks for Harley Davidson Touring. So, you can order a pair with full confidence.
2. HTTMT LS003 – Runner-up
Key Features:
- Length: 10.5”
- Exterior: Chrome Finish
- Weight: 7.5 Pounds
- Body Material: Steel
The runner-up model is not that popular but offers more lowering capabilities. It has a compatibility issue that makes lots of Touring owners choose another product.
Model Compatibility
First of all, let me give you the list of compatible models.
- All 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Touring FLT/FLHT/FLTR except the trike and models with fork cartridge.
Features
You can tune the shocks to the weight of the rider for perfect fitting. The 10.5” height gives your bike a sporty and more stylish look.
Tip: While installing the shocks, you should use a shorter bolt on the right side of the pair. It is because the stock parts are wider leaving enough clearance for the sprocket. Aftermarket parts are not that much wider.
? Pros:
- A great solution for shorter persons
- Good quality springs
- Durable and nice powder-coated paint
- Ensures smoother ride
? Cons:
- It would be better if the right side came with a shorter bolt to leave enough room for the sprocket.
Summary
When it comes to choosing the best Harley Touring shocks, you can’t skip this model from HTTMT. Some short riders can’t get the expected height with the top pick as it is close to the stock height. But that is not the case for this 10.5” model, and you can order it spending almost half of the previous one.
3. WeiSen Rear Shocks – Best Budget
Key Features:
- Length: 10.5”
- Exterior: Chrome Finish
- Weight: 7.61 Pounds
- Body Material: Steel
My budget pick has everything you may ask for your lowering shocks. It is even compatible with the rides released in 2021. Check out what you are going to get at the most competitive pricing.
Model Compatibility
Like the previous reviews, you should know the compatible model names before anything else.
- It fits 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Touring FLT/FLHT/FLHR/FLTR/FLHX except for trike and models with fork cartridges.
Features
Though the shocks make the ride a bit rougher, they can give your bike a new and more attractive look. It is easy to install and adjust according to the rider’s weight. And, the chrome plating only aids to that look.
Tip: It would be the best action to consult with an expert mechanic about the Harley Touring shocks. He/she can make the necessary adjustments so that the shocks can improve your riding experience and not the other way around.
? Pros:
- Chrome-plated shocks for a shiny exterior
- A wide range of compatibility
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Easy to adjust according to the load
? Cons:
- It feels a bit tougher on the road at the maximum lowered height.
Summary
Would you prefer a similar model as the previous one but even at a lower price point? I think that you would and that is why I have reviewed this model from WeiSen. Mind that downside, and purchase if you are okay with it.
4. Progressive Suspension 412-4075B – Reliable 11.5” Shocks
Key Features:
- Length: 11.5”
- Exterior: Black Anodized
- Weight: 6 Pounds
- Body Material: Steel
You don’t have to leave without premium-quality shocks as I have got another Progressive Suspension product with more lowering capability.
Model Compatibility
Firstly, see the list of compatible model names.
- See the list of the top pick.
Features
Describing this model’s features would be repetitive as it is the same category product from Progressive Suspension. You can expect the same quality as the top pick. The only difference is that this one is 0.5” lower.
? Pros:
- Easy and multiple preload adjuster
- Consistent damping performance
- Heavy-duty construction
- Better service life
? Cons:
- It is not compatible with the latest Touring bikes.
Summary
If you are looking for the same Progressive Suspension quality as the top pick but with a slightly more lowering feature, you will love this one.
5. XFMT Suspension Kit – Recommended for Height Adjustability
Key Features:
- Length: 9.64” Min.
- Exterior: Black
- Weight: Not Specified
- Body Material: Steel
An air ride suspension kit can offer you a wide range of height adjustability like no other model. Spending the same as the top pick, you are getting such a model that has a wider range of compatibility. Let’s know more about the product.
Model Compatibility
Don’t make a final decision without knowing whether it is the right fit for your Touring. The list includes two different packages.
- The pair is suitable for any Harley Touring Model released within 1994-2020.
Features
The most interesting fact is that these shocks can lower your bike up to 3 inches than the stock. The fully collapsed height is 9.64”. And 14.17” when it is fully extended.
With the easy-to-operate adjuster, you can change the height to your most comfortable position. Moreover, the strong metal parts can ensure long service life.
Tip: The listing includes a center stand along with the pair of shocks. But don’t choose it if your bike has cross-under exhaust pipes. Because the center stand would become useless.
? Pros:
- Complete set for more convenience
- Easy to adjust the height
- Lowers the bike a lot when fully collapsed
- Full black exterior suitable for any paint
? Cons:
- The product doesn’t come with a detailed instructions making it tougher to install for not-so-experienced bikers.
Summary
If you click on the link, you will see different options that include either air shocks, a center stand, or a complete set of air ride suspension kits. An all-rounder product with compatibility with almost any Touring model and a great deal of adjustability make this the perfect Harley Touring lowering shocks.
6. SMT- 267mm 10.5″ – Chrome Finishing
Key Features:
- Length: 10.5”
- Exterior: Chrome Finish
- Weight: 7.5 Pounds
- Body Material: Steel
There are not many unique features to mention about this one from SMT. Other than the 10.5” length and chrome finish, it is an ordinary pair of shocks.
Model Compatibility
See if the 10.5” shocks fit your bike or not.
- Its wide range of compatibility includes all 1984-2013 Harley Davidson Touring FLT/FLHT/FLTR models except trike and models with fork cartridges.
Features
As I have told you that there are no special features that you can’t find on the models above. Take the best budget one for example. See its features as I don’t want to waste your time repeating those.
Tip: The manufacturer warns about the possible modification. So, consult with a mechanic before installing the shocks.
? Pros:
- An affordable model with lots of features
- Wide range of compatibility
- Good quality shocks for a smooth ride
- Nice chrome-plated exterior
? Cons:
- It is not compatible with the latest Touring bike models.
Summary
Those who are on a tight budget can buy these shocks if their bike falls under its compatibility list. I would recommend you to check out other budget products because they support more models than this one.
7. Ultima Low Air Shocks – Heavy Duty
Key Features:
- Length: 12”
- Exterior: Chrome Finish
- Weight: Not Specified
- Body Material: Steel
The last one is the most durable product on the list that you can get at a very reasonable price.
Model Compatibility
Ultima shocks fit only a handful of models and see what those are.
- You can choose it for any 1997-2008 FL model.
Features
The last shock on my list is the most durable and highest-rated model. It has the same height as the top pick but compatible with fewer models. The air pressure rating is the same as your stock shocks. According to the users, it is much better than the 13” suspension systems.
Tip: Check your bike’s OEM shock number. If it is 54631-98, you won’t have to look for anything else as it replaces that OEM part.
? Pros:
- Fully covered
- Stylish chrome finishing
- Heavy-duty durable construction
- Easy preload settings
? Cons:
- It can’t lower the bike a lot like the runner-up model.
Summary
Bikers who want to upgrade the stock shocks without spending a lot can check out this product from Ultima. Indeed, it is not compatible with lots of models like others on the list. But it can satisfy any FL (1997-2008) owner with its performance, and service life.
How to Choose the Best Lowering Shocks for Harley Touring?
Shocks are one of the simplest parts of a bike with a few features and specs. Keeping the following parameters in mind, you will be able to choose the right product for your favorite Touring bike.
Expectation
Is the title confusing you? What I mean by expectation is that you should set a limit for lowering the bike. The stock shocks are 13” in height. With aftermarket parts, you can lower it up to 9.64 inches.
The question is, should you do it? You can lower that much if you have the expertise to make some modifications accordingly. Because some parts may get very close.
Do the installation with the help of a mechanic so that the necessary changes are made. However, installing a pair of rear shocks measuring 12 inches from eye to eye won’t be so troublesome.
Adjustment
It is always better to choose a model that has a wide range of adjustment options. In my list, some models come with the capabilities to lower the bike even up to 3 inches. Choose the one that can get you comfortable with the Harley Touring.
Exterior
When I was researching the products, I found some variations in their exterior. Some have a black anodized finish that looks royal and matches any bike model. On the other hand, some have chrome plating.
Also, you can find another type with a combination of black spring or rubber coating on some portion and chrome-finish on some. As the preference varies from person to person, it is not possible to declare a type the best.
Budget
The Last factor is the budget. If you look closely at the product comparison table below, you will notice that the reviewed products are either costly (above $250) or budget-friendly (below $150). Indeed, your decision should be based on your requirements. But the budget is also important, and buy one according to your capability.
How Did I Pick?
A common mistake people do is a search on Amazon or other eCommerce platforms with the term ‘Harley Shocks’. The result can give you lots of good-quality and top-rated products. After a while, you will notice that most of them are not compatible with your bike model.
Those who own a Harley Touring bike can get my help. I have narrowed down the list and chosen 7 products that you can install on your bike and lower the seat height. If you see my top pick model, you will know that it is a very popular model and experts recommend it. After reading the forum discussions, and expert opinions, you will also find the other models.
Conclusion
So, do you agree that Progressive Suspension makes the best lowering shocks for Harley Touring? The top pick lowers the bike only 1 inch from the stock’s height, but the quality and performance have made me like it more than others.
In case of requiring lowering the bike 2 inches or more, you can go for the runner-up model from HTTMT or XMFT (at the 5th position). One thing is for sure that you won’t have to worry about durability. So, choose one according to the needs, and make your ride more comfortable than ever.
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