12" shocks

[pancho]

Does running 12 inch shocks on a Valkyrie cause any problems? Car tire, MC tire, loaded up.... anything?

[98valk]

good chance u will hit the fender where it clears the frame cross brace at the shock towers.  remove the seat and u will see the cross brace.

[Chrisj CMA]

Does running 12 inch shocks on a Valkyrie cause any problems? Car tire, MC tire, loaded up.... anything?

I had 11.5” progressive shocks on a valkyrie with no issues whatsoever loaded two up m/c tire

[Jess from VA]

The bike will noticeably drag pegs sooner in the leans and hard corners, if you like that kind of riding.  Stock pegs (or similar) are not as bad as other bigger things and floorboards.  I run 13s, and my cobra boards are ground down sharp on the outside edges.  I won't change fun riding style to save those parts, just replace as necessary.

Tire issues can be fixed.  Weight (esp passengers) on the bike is an issue.  So is quality of shocks.  So can be the tail light wiring in the rear fender.  The only other thing that comes to mind is getting the jack and adapter underneath.  Shimming the kickstand helps get the jack and adapter underneath, but it will be closer clearances.

I'm 5'9" and 12.5" is as short as I would go. 

[pancho]

The bike will noticeably drag pegs sooner in the leans and hard corners, if you like that kind of riding.  

Actually I do Jess, It's nice when sweeping onto a four laner from a light....  Good thought on the jack, but I will work that out as needed,, I just want the bike to sit lower overall. For one thing I think it will look better, and second, I have a new Corbin seat which pushes my legs out further when I put them down. Corbin said it might take  a couple of thousand miles to break in, but I think that is just to give you time to forget about it,, it doesn't seem to be changing. I find many times, I don't come to a  complete stop unless necessary, and that has caused me to make errors in judgement more than once.  

I want to get a set of Progressive 412 Series Shocks 12" Chrome 412-4079C,
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Progressive-Suspension-412-Series-Chrome-12-Rear-Shocks-for-Harleys-412-4079C/323783384969?_trkparms=aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D225086%26meid%3D0deda083076c4ff5aba75d939a78925c%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D3%26rkt%3D12%26mehot%3Dpf%26sd%3D193613707810%26itm%3D323783384969%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv5PairwiseWebWithDarwoV3BBEV2b%26brand%3DProgressive+Suspension&_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851

made for a heavier Harley, but I haven't yet convinced myself that Valkyrie bushings will press into the eyelets, and no one here seems to know. I guess I will be the first to find out.

[Jess from VA]

I am not a Corbin lover; quite the reverse.  I admit they may be nicest looking bike seats ever made, but not the nicest sitting seats at all.  But this is a personal thing, and many say they love them.

I had several Corbins (bought new and came with bikes purchased.)  None of them ever broke in one iota no matter how many miles/days/months on them, and none of them had a good driver's pocket; I could never get my butt to stay at the back of the seat without sliding forward, I slipped and slided all around on them, and got sore ass on them after an hour.  They are how I discovered the Airhawk seat cushions.

The simple trick with a bit too tall of a bike (or seat), is to use the one (left) foot down at all stops technique (right foot stays on the brake pedal).  It's really rare you need both feet down (uneven pavement or potholes, or high cross winds).  It's just a habit that is easily changed with practice.  With both feet down, it is common for the bike to shift right and left as you sit waiting to go, but with a slight left lean on the left foot, it says solid in one one position until you go.  

I know many have used PS 412s on their Valks.  I've called PS on the phone and got tech support and had excellent help and assistance on fitment, and the right model number to order.  My 440s came with a bag of bushings, and you just had to pick the right stuff from the bag for a direct Valk bolt up.

That is one sharp bike Pancho.    I like custom work a lot, but I'm afraid I'd snap wooden floorboards off my first ride.  My Cobra boards have a built in pivot (up) in them, no spring holds them down, only gravity.  When I drag them (every ride I take), they tilt up (with my foot on them), though in hard turns, I tend to lift my foot off them an inch or so, so the pivot doesn't distract my attention forward.

One other thing about 12" shocks.  When departing concrete aprons from business to street, a lean on the apron to turn into the street will increase chances of dragging your exhaust (lowest part).  Though I know nothing about Cobra exhaust, except the noise and drone riding near them.   The first time I rode with a group of them, all their drones seemed to synch up together, and I thought my bike was blowing up.  

[pancho]

[  I like custom work a lot, but I'm afraid I'd snap wooden floorboards off my first ride/color]

These boards fold up,,, I wouldn't ride with them otherwise, that would cause problems.  These were made to use as a form to sand cast aluminum ones, but I liked the wood so much I never have done it yet. Just need to add a bit of water to my casting sand mix and fire up the foundry furnace...    one day soon.

I called Josh at the Progressive tech line and told him what I wanted to do. He pulled up some drawings, but could not give me the information I needed on the mounting eyelets, he is referring it to someone in engineering an will email me later. Maybe I can get him to send me bag of bushings.

I could never get my butt to stay at the back of the seat without sliding forward They make leather seat covers these days so no sliding around on them anymore. My problem is when I am in the pocket, the seat is too wide where my legs go over so it makes it uncomfortable to get both feet planted firmly the way I want.... I have to move forward.  I can shave the foam, but the cover would not fit perfectly after,, I am trying to avoid that, plus, I would just like the bike to set lower if possible for a longer look.    I'll see what Josh comes up with.