* . . . 1200S Showa Shocks on a 08 1200N

* . . . 2014 XL1200T - Checking Suspension Measurements & Modifications

* . . . 1200S Shocks: Testing & Mods w/ Spring Rate Charts

* . . . Future Subject

• See Suspension Settings for Factory 39mm Cartridge Valve Forks and Gas Canister Piggyback Shocks for setting up the factory piggyback shocks.
• Length is 13.5“ “eye to eye”.
• The factory dampers for piggyback shocks for S models are now obsolete from the MoCo and not rebuild-able ¹²⁾. So when they go bad, they have to be replaced either with a used or aftermarket set.
• Some spring weights:
  • The 1200S shocks have a 54/78 lb/in spring. ¹³⁾
  • The 12.5” 412 has a standard 75/120 lb/in spring for 180 lb riders. ¹⁴⁾
  • The 12“ 412 has a 90/130 spring. ¹⁵⁾

• Be careful, if you need to replace the bushings, not to crack the dampening wheel at the bottom of the shock. ¹⁶⁾

• 2007 Harley 1200 Low Springs 100 pounds per inch progressive wound (but built by Harley to go progressive too late to help much. It goes to hard rate at a spring height of 6“ or a shock length of about 10.5”) ⁴⁷⁾
• 2006 Harley 1200 R shocks a little too much low extension damping but appears to be acceptable ⁴⁸⁾
  • Preload adjuster set to full hard to give about 20lb. of spring preload at 13.25 c to c on the shock (the only setting that is acceptable due to spring length). ⁴⁹⁾
  • Ride height ends up 1.33“ from full compression, (with a 200 lb. rider) and 1.9” from full extension (bike on a jack) 12.5“ shock c to c with the bike on the Low stand. ⁵⁰⁾

• Shock length fully extended: 13.25” (you are in this range any time you crest a hill at high speed the trick is to keep the tire on the road at all cost) ⁵¹⁾
• Shock length with bike straight up no rider weight: 12.1“ (you are in this range every time the road goes down, it happens just as often as the road goes up) ⁵²⁾
• Shock length with a 200 lb. rider: 11.4” (you are in this range right after a raised or rising bump) ⁵³⁾
• This is all spring rate trying to save hardware.
  • Shock length fully compressed 10“ ⁵⁴⁾
  • Shock length with the bike on the kickstand 12.5” (this is a bling thing and it's not significant for handling. ⁵⁵⁾

• 340 mm / 13.39 inches center to center with 92mm / 3.62 inches of travel.
  • https://www.harley-davidson.com/store/screamin-eagle-fully-adjustable-piggyback-shocks