Sportster rear suspension mods

[chornbe]

Well, in an attempt to correct some of the crappiness of the Sportster's rear suspension, I ordered a set of shocks to replace my age-unknown Progressives that I bought used 2 1/2 years ago for the bike. One side is completely blown out now. Replacing them with "good" 440-series proggies was $$$-stupid (man they're pricey for a marginally better shock!). For under a buck fitty, I ordered these nitrogen-filled, dual-spring, multi-rate shocks with all the adjustments. Hey, they're Chinese (I thought they were made in Europe - turns out they're only marketed from Europe and drop-shipped from China) and cheap and I don't and can't expect any miracles, but frankly ANYTHING would be an improvement over these crappy Progressives that were on there.

Now all I need is time to install them and the new tires.   Looking like one evening later next week or some weekend in about 3 weeks. Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

Anyway, after they're on and test ridden, I'll report back with a write-up of them.

[atadaskew]

That bike will now lean to the left.

The thing that's nice about Progressive 440s is their lifetime warranty.  Mine are good (much better than stockers of course) butt even though I ordered the standard spring, even on min preload they are stiff for my 150lbs.  They are breaking in though.  With my gf on the back, total weight of 260 lbs, they feel just right on min preload.  
I can't imagine for what size person the HD spring is for.  400 lbs?

[Snapping Twig]

Hopefully they'll hold up for a while.

Should be nice if they deliver, they look good.

If/when they bonk, try a set of WORKS dual rate Street Trackers. Mine were $600 delivered. Not cheap, same cost as Progressive, but quality.

[Lasercut]

That bike will now lean to the left.

The thing that's nice about Progressive 440s is their lifetime warranty.  Mine are good (much better than stockers of course) butt even though I ordered the standard spring, even on min preload they are stiff for my 150lbs.  They are breaking in though.  With my gf on the back, total weight of 260 lbs, they feel just right on min preload.  
I can't imagine for what size person the HD spring is for.  400 lbs?

I am looking at the Prog. 440's for my Dyna (Superglide Custom).  Thinking of going with the 13" length, about 1/2" longer than stock.  What length did you decide on?   I'll probably wait to hear the report on the left leaners (they're not red?)

[chornbe]

It's been my experience that the longer the better out back.... ya know, within the constraints of the design, of course. There's enough belt adjustment and raising the back of the Sportsters and Dynas *greatly* increases turn-in clearance and if you keep the front at stock (or up to about 1/2" lower), it'll turn in a lot quicker. The shocks I got for my Sportster are 13.7" to replace the 12.5 stockers.

[atadaskew]

I am looking at the Prog. 440's for my Dyna (Superglide Custom).  Thinking of going with the 13" length, about 1/2" longer than stock.  What length did you decide on?   I'll probably wait to hear the report on the left leaners (they're not red?)

I got the 13.5 length.  Transforms the handling (as well as ride).
Whatever you do, do NOT get the heavy duty springs unless you weigh over 300lbs.  Me and my gf together weigh about 280 and the standard shocks feel perfect on the preload set to minimum.

[chornbe]

I got the 13.5 length.  Transforms the handling (as well as ride).
Whatever you do, do NOT get the heavy duty springs unless you weigh over 300lbs.  Me and my gf together weigh about 280 and the standard shocks feel perfect on the preload set to minimum.

The rear shocks for the Sportster with heavy duty and the Ultra Classic standard (if you replace the airs with standards) are the same. That should tell you everything you need to know about the heavy duty springs

[chornbe]

Got these new shocks mounted up after some drilling and minor mods to the mounting hardware. Took the bike for a quick ride through the neighborhood. The back end feels very nice now. Not great - because the bike is what it is - but it's far better than it was.  

[Gbaz]

how are those shocks holding up?