Aftermarket lowering shocks

Just wanted to pass on an experience in case it can save anyone else some hassle. I am lowering a 2003 standard 883 for my height-challenged daughter. I bought (from an eBay seller) a set of 11.5" lowering shocks, Midwest Motorcycle Supply #116-30. They were $80 vs. MoCo's $200 for factory items. They lowered the rear, of course, but two observations.

First, I know that shorter shocks need stiffer springs to maintain the same load-carrying capacity, but these were waaay stiff. The bike was almost like a hardatil, maybe about 1" of travel even with my 200 lbs. + on it and the lowest preload setting. Since I was lowering the bike for use by someone smaller and lighter than me, the effect would have been even more pronounced.

Second, the mounting bushings on these are about 1/4" narrower than the stock shocks, which means the shocks sit about 1/4" closer to the frame when installed - no big deal, except that the lower mounting bolt on the belt-drive side goes in further and comes too close to the sprocket - rear wheel wouldn't even turn until I removed them and spaced them out with some fender washers. The obvious other fix is a slightly shorter shock-mouting bolt, but thought it was worth mentioning. And if you replace that bolt with a shorter one, make it one with a high SAE grade and not the cheapest thing in the bin at Home Depot - this would not be a good place to have a cheap bolt break from stress!

Long story short, I ended up trying a set from HD even though they were twice the price, and the spring rate is MUCH better - still stiffer than the longer stock shocks, of course, but decent travel and ride. And they have the bottom cover thingie over the rear preload adjustment so they look a little better. The aftermarket shocks went on eBay at a loss. If you're dropping the rear end for a shorter, lighter rider, I'd recommend the real McCoy from HD or at least check into the spring rate of what you're buying.