I want to remove the OEM shocks on my 06 883XL and will be replacing them with 12.5" HD Progressives. I am hopeful that this job will not be too difficult. I have been thinking that I should probably purchase a motorcycle jack....I'm going to be wanting/needing one anyway. With the jack, I should be able to adjust the space between the rear tire and the fender by lowering or raising the jack, until I find a point where theshocks remove easily....and likewise adjust that same space so that I can install the new shocks without a problem. Does that make any sense?

While we're at it.....If anyone has any helpful hints or things I should know about before I attempt this job, please be so kind as to let me know.

Thanks.

 

It's easier than changing oil. 4 bolts - turn them left to remove, turn them right to tighten. You can do it with a floor jack or even just a friend if you're careful and do one side at a time. A friend can lift up or push down on the fender to help you get the job done. Have fun.

 

DD, When I replaced the shocks on my sportster, I used a m/c jack and lifted the bike high enough to place a small floor jack under the wheel. I removed both shocks and attached the new shocks at the top and used the floor jack to line up the lower bolts. If the new shocks are shorter than the stock shocks and you replace one at a time, it will difficult to compress theold shock enough to attach the lower mounting bolt of the new shock. If you do, then the old shock will be in a bind and will be hard to remove. It is an easy job with the right tools.

 

That's exactly what you need to do.

 

The first time I did it, I did it OCD's way. The second time, I did it ss's way.

 

Just changed mine to progressives of approx. the same length without using any jacks, bike on jiffy stand. I cranked the left shock up to max setting and the the right to the lowest setting. Then removed & replaced the right shock. Next set the new right shock to max setting and the left to minimum tension. Remove & replace the left, set desired tension on both shocks. Piece of cake.

 

Does doing this stuff void warranty or anything?

Also, what length is stock on my Nightster, and what length should I get for replacement? I'm 130 pounds and want to soften the ride but do not want to lower it at all -- in fact would not mind raising saddle height just a bit but don't want to mess up handling.

THANKS

 

Thanks, everyone. I love this forum!

 

I replaced my stock shocks with 412HD, 11.5". I have an 07XL883L. Used MC jack. Had to run rear wheel on to a 2x4 to get the jack under the bike, then used the 2x4 to raise or lower the wheel to line up bolts. Do one at a time. You may have to take the second one loose at the top to get the first one on. Don't remove both lower bolts at the same time. It can be a bear to line everything up if you do.

 

One at a time!!!