Measuring your shock absorber
The right length matters most when you choose a new shock. A few millimetres show in the corners, on the side stand and in the stance of your bike. So always measure before you order.
Measuring in four steps
- 1Put the bike on its centre stand or a lift, so the rear wheel hangs free. The shock is now fully extended.
- 2Find the mounting bushes at the top and bottom. With a clevis at the bottom, measure from the centre of the bolt hole.
- 3Measure with a tape or calliper from the centre of the top bush to the centre of the bottom bush. That is the eye to eye length.
- 4With twin shocks, measure both sides. Write down the length in millimetres and compare it with the length on the product page.
When to go shorter
A shorter shock lowers the rear. Useful if you want your feet flatter on the ground or a tighter line on a cafe racer. Mind you: there is less suspension travel left and the side stand may become too long.
When to go longer
A longer shock raises the rear. That gives more ground clearance and quicker steering. Going more than 10 to 20 mm longer? Check the chain, the fender and the side stand.
Why a custom length has no ABE
An ABE covers one version on one motorcycle, in the length the manufacturer had approved. A different length is a custom build. Those custom builds are assessed by TÜV, but they come without a model specific ABE. Riding custom shocks in Germany? Ask your inspection body what you need. Every product shows its status.
Not sure?
Send us your motorcycle, year and the length you measured. We will check it with you.