Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Vince in Milwaukee on July 14, 2018, 09:44:30 AM
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Posting for a friend who happens to be a HD rider. Along with BMW, we seem to have a lot of folks on here who also own a Harley besides a Moto Guzzi. My friend's Sportster is a 2010 (rubber mounted) and he is in the market to upgrade the stock rear shocks. He doesn't ride a lot, but does enjoy short jaunts out and about Milwaukee. I mentioned Ikon, but isn't that mostly for the European stuff? Any help, advice appreciated.
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Here are some choices, rated by the users.
I would not recommend shorter than stock, if he wants a better ride quality.
https://www.jpcycles.com/2010-harley-davidson-sportster-883-iron-xl883n/shocks?Nao=0
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Ikon has applications for Harleys (and lots of others too). Same with Hagon.
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Have him get some Harley Touring air shocks they are widely available used.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sportster-models/241969-bagger-shocks-on-the-sporty.html
https://www.harley-davidsonforums.com/forums/sportster-general-discussions/51939-air-shocks-sporty.html
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Tons of choices.
I actually run Progressive 412s that are take offs from my old Jackal. I just had to change the inner bushing collar.
But there's no reason not to consider all the options mentioned already. Ikons, Hagons, take off FLH air shocks etc.
Also not sure of his model, but if it's any of the lowered models and he doesn't NEED the low seat height, he might consider slightly longer shocks for even better performance. Stock they can run up to about 13.25" long shock bodies.
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Tons of choices.
I actually run Progressive 412s that are take offs from my old Jackal. I just had to change the inner bushing collar.
But there's no reason not to consider all the options mentioned already. Ikons, Hagons, take off FLH air shocks etc.
Also not sure of his model, but if it's any of the lowered models and he doesn't NEED the low seat height, he might consider slightly longer shocks for even better performance. Stock they can run up to about 13.25" long shock bodies.
Kev, what did Harry put on his 883? I know they were over an inch longer and he liked the added height/travel of the longer shocks...
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Fournales? Depends on what he needs.
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Tons of choices.
I actually run Progressive 412s that are take offs from my old Jackal. I just had to change the inner bushing collar.
But there's no reason not to consider all the options mentioned already. Ikons, Hagons, take off FLH air shocks etc.
Also not sure of his model, but if it's any of the lowered models and he doesn't NEED the low seat height, he might consider slightly longer shocks for even better performance. Stock they can run up to about 13.25" long shock bodies.
I put Progressives on my 2014 Sportster (forget the model number). I'm with Kev on the longer shocks - makes a huge difference. IMHO Sportsters with stock shocks are unrideable (there are a few exceptions). Prior to replacing the shocks I would brace myself prior to running over a manhole cover.
Be forewarned, replacing the shocks will exacerbate the shortcomings of the front suspension. He should plan on replacing the fork springs while he's at it, and maybe buy a fork brace.
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Kev, what did Harry put on his 883? I know they were over an inch longer and he liked the added height/travel of the longer shocks...
I don't remember, but we could probably go look it up. At the end of the day though there are plenty of solutions and I'm sure a decent shock from one aftermarket supplier will be comparable to another in the same price range found elsewhere.
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He needs to find shocks with a longer stroke than the stock crap that come on sportsters. He should also consider shocks with rebound damping so he can dial them in for the conditions.
Anything that has a longer stroke will be better than the stock shocks and he can go up from their based on budget.
I have only owned 3 motorcycles that I didn't feel the need to upgrade the suspension. The Kawasaki Concours 1400, the Versys 650, and the Triumph Trophy SE. All the other motorcycles I have owned need suspension upgrades to be rideable.
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Ohlins
Check into them. Several versions are now available for H-D, including Sportster models. They are not all super expensive.
Check the Ohlins website and look at sellers such as Revzilla, Hard Racing, Pro Pilot Suspension etc etc.
Longer lengths (up to 14" +-), give more lean angle but can over-quicken the steering by reducing front trail. More spring preload on the front may offset this. Also, many options for the front forks. Emulators and different oil often provide an inexpensive improvement in fork action.
You don't have to be making a serious H-D curve-carver to benefit from the quality and ride provided by Ohlins shocks on the rear.
Other options like Progressive, Works etc etc are out there and may cost less but the Ohlins shocks that I've used over the years were the best.
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TwoWheel - FYI, not all stock Sportster shocks are the same length or travel. They vary by an inch or two depending on the model.
Leaf - 14"+ can be problematic on many of the rubbermounts - the 07-13 models have something on the underside that gets close to the belt with shocks that are too tall (I forget if it's part of the crossover/exhaust mounting bracket or the rear master cylinder mounting bracket). Anyway, if you go much beyond 13.5" with that component still in place you risk the belt contacting it at or near full upward extension.
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I put Progressive 412s on my 06 1200 Sportster Custom, and it was a substantial improvement. It was still a Sportster, though.