Suspension upgrade suggestions

[theNixer]

Hello all,

Fairly new to the forum. Been a lurker for awhile. You guys seem to be a fairly knowledgeable bunch so I thought I'd ask you all this question.

I'm looking to upgrade my stock rear suspension on my 08 1200R. Main goals are a nicer ride and enhanced performance. Not so much interested in lowering or trying too look "bad a$$". I ride two-up fairly frequently, on shorter rides. And Solo on longer rides. Two-up our combined weight is under 300lbs. Solo I'm just under a 150. I've been looking at the Progressive line up. The 412's, 418's and the 440's. These seem to be the direction a lot of Sportster owners go in. Any suggestions on other brands that would be a good choice?

I've also considered going with a bit longer shocks too. Currently the stock shocks are 13". Looking for any suggestions or draw backs there might be going with a longer shock.

Anyway, I just wanted to pick some brains here to figure out the best bang for my buck on some noticeably nicer suspension.

[1KPerDay]

I had Works Performance build me a pair for my FXD. I liked them a lot. Pretty much any quality shock will be better than stock sporty bits, IMO. I had mine build an inch (I think) longer than stock.

[theNixer]

Did you have to make any mods to your bike to fit the bigger shock in? Or, did it just fight right in with out any messing around? Any thoughts on standard springs vs. heavy duty?

[1KPerDay]

No, they just bolted right on. I had heavy-duty ones built because I go about 280 in gear. If anything they were a tad too stiff solo... they felt perfect 2-up.

You're a midget so the "standard" springs would probably be fine (on any quality aftermarket shock) IMO. Works custom makes your shocks based on your weight, riding style, luggage, etc. There's a Korean brand that makes supposedly really quality shocks for the money... YSS or something. Dunno if they make harley shocks. I bought a pair for my R90/6 but haven't bothered to put them on as the bike's in storage.

People who have had both the progressive and Works have told me they liked the works better, but everything's just hearsay. Like I said, anything would be better than stock.

Ohlins are good but pricey. You might also look at Wilbers. Hagon some like but I've heard bad things. Dunno if Penske makes twin shocks but they're really good. With all the harleys around I'm sure you can find some progressives for a good price. You might check the harley forums and ebay for some take-offs. You might also see if the adjustable shocks from the ersatz Dyna Convertible or Dyna Superglide Sport or Sportster Sport will bolt up to your bike... I'd be surprised if they didn't. I put some of the latter on my Dyna Daytona and they were better than stock by a good margin. Paid like $120 for them on ebay I think.

[chornbe]

Forego the Progressive Shocks unless you're going to get the mac daddy top ends. Their low end stuff is more nicely polished crap and only marginally better sprung than stock. Damping is OK at best.

RaceTech Caddies are the cat's ass.  

Hello all,

Fairly new to the forum. Been a lurker for awhile. You guys seem to be a fairly knowledgeable bunch so I thought I'd ask you all this question.

I'm looking to upgrade my stock rear suspension on my 08 1200R. Main goals are a nicer ride and enhanced performance. Not so much interested in lowering or trying too look "bad a$$". I ride two-up fairly frequently, on shorter rides. And Solo on longer rides. Two-up our combined weight is under 300lbs. Solo I'm just under a 150. I've been looking at the Progressive line up. The 412's, 418's and the 440's. These seem to be the direction a lot of Sportster owners go in. Any suggestions on other brands that would be a good choice?

I've also considered going with a bit longer shocks too. Currently the stock shocks are 13". Looking for any suggestions or draw backs there might be going with a longer shock.

Anyway, I just wanted to pick some brains here to figure out the best bang for my buck on some noticeably nicer suspension.

[theNixer]

Ok, good to know. Thanks for the input. I'll look into those suggestions.

[chornbe]

I put 13" Progressive 412HDs on my Sportster and the ass end with full preload still squats more than it should and the damping is so-so. I'm 190lb or so. Better springs and/or longer shocks are the next purchase for it. I was the ass end a little higher and just better. The rebuilt (race tech springs and valving) forks are great, but the back end remains a weak link.

[theNixer]

I think I will purchasing the RaceTech Fork Kit too. I've heard nothing but good things about it. That and a fork brace I've pretty much decided on. It's just the rear end of the bike that I'm trying to figure out the best solution for. First few thoughts were leaning toward the 418's or the 440's. But I'm not so sure now from what I'm reading here.

I put 13" Progressive 412HDs on my Sportster and the ass end with full preload still squats more than it should and the damping is so-so. I'm 190lb or so. Better springs and/or longer shocks are the next purchase for it. I was the ass end a little higher and just better. The rebuilt (race tech springs and valving) forks are great, but the back end remains a weak link.

[1KPerDay]

Dang that's a good-looking bike.

[chornbe]

I think I will purchasing the RaceTech Fork Kit too. I've heard nothing but good things about it. That and a fork brace I've pretty much decided on. It's just the rear end of the bike that I'm trying to figure out the best solution for. First few thoughts were leaning toward the 418's or the 440's. But I'm not so sure now from what I'm reading here.

Here's my write-up on the forks.

http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/sportster/frontsuspension/

[theNixer]

Yeah I saw your write up. That's what spurred me into reading more about those RaceTech Fork Kits. Great write up btw.

Here's my write-up on the forks.

http://chornbe.com/motorcycles/sportster/frontsuspension/

[chornbe]

Thanks. The difference is night and day.

[Playinthestreet]

Dang that's a good-looking bike.

Oh, it is not.  Surely you know that that bike is unridable.




 

[Nodaclu]

Are we allowed to mention other forums here?

Guess I'll find out....  

Go over to XLForum.net, and look up a user by the name of Whittlebeast.

The guy has loads of experience building automotive suspension systems for race applications. He was floored when he bought a Sportster and starting taking all the various measurements of the stock forks and rear suspenders. Called it "dangerous" as I recall.

Between he and another member, they went through dozens of combinations from various vendors. When all was said and done, both of them got far and away the best level of performance from a hybrid combination of stock 1200R shocks, with 1200L/C springs (and a small 1" spacer) put on them!!

Oddly enough, it appears that the 2009 Sportsters (all lows and customs this year - no standards) have "all new" shocks that may be this exact combination or at least a near clone of it.  

We all knew HD read that board (a couple of employees are active there, and one got their hand slapped for saying too much about an upcoming product before its launch). But I never thought they'd resort to pulling new product ideas from a forum on the intardweb!  

[chornbe]

Dang that's a good-looking bike.

Thanks man. I still love this thing. I can't wait to get it back. It's on loan to a buddy; the engine in his mustang grenaded, so he's using my sporty for commuting to work. He didn't want to take the Street Glide. Something about its being too expensive if he dropped it. Big puss.