Gearing up for the next project in the queue, a 1970 AT1. The shocks are really knackered and rusty. They just cannot be worth the powder coat (let alone re-chroming) cost. So in casting about for replacements I was wondering what others might have used? This isn't to be an 'expenses be damned' project.

They measure just at 12", or about 305mm. I see some aftermarket ones measuring 320mm or about 12.6", so close. And I see some 13" ones at a reasonable cost as well (about $100 + $16 shipping)

Thoughts?

Does the extra room leave more “cushion”? If it didn’t look way out of place, I’d be tempted to give it a try and see… you can always keep an eye out for direct replacements in the mean time..
Sneezles61

I have used the $100 specials on three bikes, soon to be a fourth. I buy the Assault or Redwing shocks that often show up on eBay. I have found them at 12.5 and 13 inch lengths. I don’t do any aggressive off-road riding, so they work fine for my needs. But they obviously aren’t stock appearance when I use them to replace the thermo-flow style shocks on my 1975 models.
 
 

I put one inch longer on my CT1C looks and rides great they look just right to me I’ve got a AT2 I’ll measure my AT to let you know what I found 

Yes my AT2 is 12” my CT1C is now close to 13”

Thank you guys! Those Assault shocks were actually the ones I was looking at. OEMs on the bike are 12", the Assaults are 13", and I was concerned about the added one inch. Appreciate posting up the photos also, as I can see I should not be concerned. Just an extra bit of travel to haul my big a** around! 

Cheers!  

One thing to consider when using longer shocks , is that the swinging arm is pushed down more .
Depending on the size of your rear sprocket , the top run of your chain may wind up touching your
swinging arm . Obviously , with a large rear sprocket , there will be more clearance , than with a small one .