Drag Specialties 13" Ride-Height Adjustable Shocks Heavy Duty Black

For spring rate - that depends on what you weigh yourself - heavy-duty springs are best suited for solo riders over 220 lbs. As to length - I'd recommend you go with the longer shocks and then shorten them to the length you want. You'll probably find that the having the ability to add length for extended trips to be a nice touch.

The stock shocks on 2005 Harley Davidson FLHRCI Road King Classic measure 13" when fully extended. So, you'll want to the 12" shocks and then adjust them to their shortest lengths. With regard to handling, no it won't make it worse, just a little different. You may find the bike steers a little bit more slowly. Ride quality, however, will be way improved since these shocks have valving that is waaay better than stock. I'm confident you'll be glad you got these on as an upgrade!

Yes, these shocks can be adjusted 1/2" longer or shorter than the length specified on our website for your machine.

I've never heard of Sportster shocks being used on the newer Street Glides, but nothing surprises me these days! The problem with the newer bikes is the shocks' internals have gotten worse, as you've noticed. That, and you're on the upper end of the range for which the suspension on these bikes are developed certainly contributes to the feel that you don't like. Your best bet would be a set of heavy-duty shock springs since those, ideally, need to be matched to your weight. The heavy-duty shock springs we use are ideal for riders 220 lbs. and up. To my point on the OEM shocks' internals, these Drag Specialties items have better internal valving when compared to the OEM units, so you'll get a better ride quality overall, especially when the spring rate is matched to your needs. I'm confident you'll find the rear end of the bike feels much better when using these shocks with a heavy duty spring rate. If you're looking to retain stock ride height, you'll want to order shocks that are 12" long since that's what was installed on the bike when it rolled off the assembly line.

It really depends on your loadout and weight. Heavy-duty springs are best suited for solo riders over 220lbs. If you ride two-up and/or with a full load of luggage at least 50% of the time, heavy-duty shocks are also recommended. Otherwise, choose standard-rate springs.

If your shocks are OEM and/or have never been served, you'll find these shocks to be a great improvement in ride quality. The internal valving is much-improved when compared to stock so they tend to provide a smoother but better feel for the road. They're actually pretty nice. The most important thing is to get the spring rate correct for your needs. Generally speaking, if you're over 250 lbs. and ride solo most of the time, if you ride two-up at least 50% of the time, you'll want to choose the heavy-duty spring rate. Otherwise, go for standard rate springs.