Shocks question

[Toledo Mark]

I have a 99 standard and would like it to be a little taller.  If I change out the OEM rear shocks with a 13" Progressive would that make it taller?  If so, about how much taller? and which shock would you recommend?  I ride solo and I am about 240lbs.

[Jess from VA]

13 is stock, and I never heard of anyone going taller than 13.

Assuming your bike has OE shocks, they are 13s, but 14 years old, so new 13s will maybe sit a half inch (max) taller at rest than the OEs...but, that is only at the shock behind the rider, not the whole bike.  Progressive 440s (or Works) are tops, you would want 13" heavy duty, which come set to the lowest cushiest setting, and maybe go two or three (of 10) full turns down on the preload adjustment to start.  Your shocks will be much better quality and probably not travel (up and down) as far as your OE shocks do now, but this is not really going to raise the bike much in actual suspension height.

If you are unsure of your current shocks, are they fully covered tubes (OE) or exposed coils (after market.... of what height?)

What are you trying to achieve?  You can get taller seats or an Airhawk seat cushion which will get YOU taller on the bike. (What appears to be an Ultimate Bigboy is already one inch taller than an OE seat)  For less bent knees at the center controls, taller guys have used a one inch peg lowering kit (but you drag sooner in turns).

[miscott]

From what I understand, 13" shocks are the normal OEM height.
I did switch my oem shocks out for a pair of 13" Progressive HD430 series shocks and I really like them.
I weigh in at around 255 and with the progressives set at the #3 adjustment, I find them the perfect height and ride comfort.
  If your running the stock 13" Valk shocks, this video might help you decide what to do about the ride height....

    

Progressive shows us how to set Suspension Sag	powered by Aeva

[old2soon]

My second D/S was a 65 series which I moved up from a 60 series. And the 65 series IS taller. And everything I've read says stock shocks are 13" tall. Good luck with finding YOUR fix. RIDE SAFE.

[Jess from VA]

Pretty good video.  Remember, when the guy says we will raise the ride height, he means the ride sag height, meaning less travel down with you sitting on the bike.  In no case will this be taller than 13" on a Valk, or 12" on that Ultra.