Installing an 08 shock on a Classic

If you were wondering if a shock from the newer J series would work on an F series bike, well, it will. Our man swapped his out in about about 20 minutes. It's extremely easy; it bolts right up. What you're gaining is a somewhat stiffer shock, and preload adjustability. There are no other adjustments on this shock.

Here are the two shocks side by side. The one on the bottom is the 08 shock. It's about 1/4" longer. This means that with 130/90-16 tires, the centerstand probably won't lift your rear tire off the ground. You might need a thin piece of wood or something for that.

File:08 shock – 1.jpg

These are of the shock installed.

File:08 shock – 2.jpg File:08 shock – 3.jpg

Review: "When I sit on the bike it feels much stiffer than stock. It's firm but not jarring. I am very happy with it. I feel like for $42 and 20 minutes of my time, it was absolutely worth it."