Need to get a better set of rear shocks for my 2009 1200 sportster. Now that the wife is on the back more often need better shocks. I weigh around 240 and the wife is around 170. I've researched rear shocks for the sportster and there's alot of choices out there. Trying to get some first hand opinions

 

Mine's an 09 Iron and I ride solo. However...I put Progressive 412s on the back, and Progressive fork springs in the fork, and it rides like a whole new bike. Best $330 I can imagine spending on a Harley. (That includes shocks and springs.)

 

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF. There are countless threads on shocks, all around HDF, so the subject can be very confusing, not helped by a wide variety of available brands. However the very fact that you are carrying two of you changes things, as many of the less expensive options can be over-whelmed. So don't buy cheap, if you want good results and great comfort. I have Hagons at present on my Sporty, but Ohlins on my Glide, which I am also now considering buying for the Sporty.

 

Welcome from NC and to HDForums.

I also have Ohlins on my King and also considering for my Custom. I ride solo mostly, but I'm now spoiled on the Ohlins.

 

It's the only way to travel!

 

this is not something that you will get one correct answer, cause we are all diff. with diff needs, i was thinking off getting the 412 progressive but endet up with the road king dampers and they are miles better then stock even for me with 300 pounds pushing down in the seat, i have since read that some people got the 444 after the 412 and they say the 444 are a better schock/for the money, what changede the bike the most is the mono tube kit from progressive, they only come with normal springs i wanted the Heavy duty version cause off my weight but with 7 disc on each side it is perfekt and the ride is now totally stabel front end i will not consitter just springs for when i change bike many years from now, maybe ill try the mono tube from öhlins next time, af then mono tube kit i drive 10-15miles faster .

regards
Sören

 

I agree with above...many variables and brand choices.

My opinion would be to look at shock length.

Not knowing which model Sportster you have Iron are 11 inch and I think European model Customs are 13.5 inch.

If riding double sway toward the longer shock.

As for performance...spring preload option would be the cheapest function you should look for.

Rebound and compression adjustment...that costs money.

Budget..Used Harley Air Shocks (do a search)
Perhaps best.. Ohlins brand.

So many variables...good luck with your decision.

 

how much money you willing to spend for sub 3 inch travel shocks? that's the first question.