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Springs for Sportsters

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Old 11-16-2018, 12:01 AM
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Default Springs for Sportsters

Ok my 1200L comes with shocks that measure 11.5" just sitting still, so I assume 12" when uncompressed. I don't have a bike jack yet, so I can only guess.

looking for a little more travel and hopefully better ride, so wondering if anything like a 14" progressive shock will work. Bike is a 2007. I have read a 13" is doable, and that rigid mount sportsters can use even longer ones. So are 14" doable? Would I have to change anything else on the bike for it to work?

Worst case I will look for 13's but still wondering.
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 10:39 AM
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Yes 14" are doable. I think max is 15" though.
 
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Old 11-16-2018, 07:17 PM
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Do any other mods have to happen if I do this?
 
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Old 11-19-2018, 10:58 AM
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Originally Posted by handirifle
Do any other mods have to happen if I do this?
Before doing anything check your forks. But first let me tell you my experience. I have a XL883L, or SuperLow, bought new. Ride comfort was pretty bad, so I went over it with a fine-tooth comb. What I found was that my forks sagged over half of their total travel - I even had the dealer strip and check them over under warranty. I have since installed single-rate fork springs, set sag correct at 1/3rd travel and the front of my bike is now around an inch higher. I also have new longer shocks a little over 13", so my bike sits level and rides a little higher - a Super-not-so-Low!

I don't recommend using really long shocks, in fact don't see any reason to do so. If you want improved ride quality then buy yourself improved quality shocks.
 
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Old 11-19-2018, 12:50 PM
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My worst ride comes from the rear though not the forks. I will upgrade to progressive when I do. I asked about the longer ones more to level it out than ride quality. Dont really like riding uphill.
 
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Old 11-19-2018, 01:38 PM
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I put 12.5" Progressive 412s on my 2017 XL1200T along with Progressive Monotubes on the forks. Made a world of difference. Never bottomed out again. No need to go all the way to 14" IMHO.
 
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Old 11-19-2018, 02:57 PM
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I was really thinking 13" but wondered about longer. Hoping 13" would bring it closer to leveled up
 
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Old 11-20-2018, 09:57 AM
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Originally Posted by handirifle
My worst ride comes from the rear though not the forks. I will upgrade to progressive when I do. I asked about the longer ones more to level it out than ride quality. Dont really like riding uphill.
Be assured that as soon as you put decent shocks on you will discover how poor the forks are!

Originally Posted by handirifle
I was really thinking 13" but wondered about longer. Hoping 13" would bring it closer to leveled up
As already recommended, check your forks first. My money is on them sagging too much at present. IMHO 13" shocks, or a little longer, should be just fine and be a good stepping stone to upgrading your forks later.

Take a look at the suspension reports by HDF sponsor DK Customs. They don't cover all brands by any means, but do give some good guidance and recommendations - may even give members a discount!
 
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Old 11-20-2018, 11:29 AM
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Thanks guys this is all valuable info much appreciated.
 
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Old 11-20-2018, 11:39 AM
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Gbbrown
Thanks will do some reading up on suggested sites.
 
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