I need advice on what a good set of shocks for riding 2 up on my sportster. I ride solo for 90% of the time, but would like to take my wife on a trip every now and then. The shocks I have now squish down almost all the way when we are both on the bike. They are probably stock from 2001. Together we weigh close to 400 lbs.


Any advice would be helpful!

 

JRI, Howard at Motorcycle metal.

 

have you tried adjusting them and making them stiffer when she rides? I adjust mine with a spanner wrench when the OL is riding.

 

I recently picked up a 2006 XL883R an the stock shocks really sucked, put a set of 13inch progressive suspension shocks off my ol 87 FLT "hay they fit!!!", an what a difference. You can't go too cheep on shocks, I've tried the cheepos an you get what you pay for.

 

12.5" Progressive 412s, heavy duty model.

NOTE: These will be pretty stiff when you go 1 up, but you can turn the preload all the way down for solo riding and that will help a bit.

 

Road KIng airshock's would be cheap, and the air adjustability is just what you need. Better ride and control either way....... About $75 on Ebay......

 

Yup, exactly I was about to suggest the same option. Either a Road King or Street Glide, both will work just fine and cheap too...

 

Get the HD air shocks, very easy to change from solo to 2 up.

 

I did it either, there is no way back...

Mucho more comfort, better road holding, better cornering abilities when taking the 12,75" ones.

 

I did the same on my Sporty...ran that way for over 3 years. Very comfortable/stable and easily adjusted for a passenger.