Stiff Suspension - HELP
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2009
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Stiff Suspension - HELP
Hello,
I've been riding sport bikes for about 15 years and decided to graduate up to a cruiser. I did a lot of question asking and reading up on what might be a good first cruiser. I purchased a 2005 XL883L Sportster. It feels comfortable to sit on and the few I test drove felt good. The very first ride I took after purchasing this bike was about 45 minutes long and it literally beat me to death! The rear suspension is so stiff my back ached for 7 days following that first ride. I really don't know much at all about Harleys as this is my first one. Do any of you experts have any advice for me about options to improve the ride of a sportster or is this just how they ride?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
I've been riding sport bikes for about 15 years and decided to graduate up to a cruiser. I did a lot of question asking and reading up on what might be a good first cruiser. I purchased a 2005 XL883L Sportster. It feels comfortable to sit on and the few I test drove felt good. The very first ride I took after purchasing this bike was about 45 minutes long and it literally beat me to death! The rear suspension is so stiff my back ached for 7 days following that first ride. I really don't know much at all about Harleys as this is my first one. Do any of you experts have any advice for me about options to improve the ride of a sportster or is this just how they ride?
Thanks in advance for any advice you can offer.
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Intermediate
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Thank you -- I didn't realize there is a sportster specific forum.
Regarding the air pressure in the tires -- I did check that and it was at 40psi so I lowered the pressure to 32 to see if that made any difference and it really didn't.
Regarding the air pressure in the tires -- I did check that and it was at 40psi so I lowered the pressure to 32 to see if that made any difference and it really didn't.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Houston, Texas
great thing about Harley's is the after market....
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Cheesecake- when you say 'set up the suspension' do you mean adjusting the stock shocks / springs or am I probably better off to just purchase a top quality after market rear shock?
That's the odd thing, all the other bikes I've owned, I've never done a thing to them but purchase them, ride em, and service em and they were always a comfortable ride. So now of course all my sportbike buddies are all saying I guess the harleys just have a harsh rough ride to them so I better get used to it.
That's the odd thing, all the other bikes I've owned, I've never done a thing to them but purchase them, ride em, and service em and they were always a comfortable ride. So now of course all my sportbike buddies are all saying I guess the harleys just have a harsh rough ride to them so I better get used to it.
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Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Billings,Mt.
I would try adjusting the preload on the stock shocks first.If this does not helpthere should be some aftermarket shocks that you can buy that are set up for your weight,etc-.
Progressive and Works Performance are some brands you can look into.
Progressive and Works Performance are some brands you can look into.
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From: Forest Lake, Mn
Drop your shocks to the 'softest' setting. IF still not to your likin', as posted, Progressive, or other after market "softer" shock.
I have been 'adjusting' (WELL, that's WHAT I tell her
) her 'new' 96 Sporty. Actually, I find the ride VERY 'comfortable'. BUT it has Progressives on it already. 
AND, you may want to consider what I 'normally' ride.
And I jus' clicked off over 150 yesterday, running for parts. (HATE the 'wimpshield', tho.) She LOVES the ride, also. BUT in your 'defense' (NOT that you need any whatsoever!!!!!!!), she has NOT logged a l-o-n-g day on it, yet. That will change Saturday.
IT is MFUO, that the 'lows' ride stiff as a board, to start with. BUT, that is MFUO.
I have been 'adjusting' (WELL, that's WHAT I tell her
) her 'new' 96 Sporty. Actually, I find the ride VERY 'comfortable'. BUT it has Progressives on it already. AND, you may want to consider what I 'normally' ride. And I jus' clicked off over 150 yesterday, running for parts. (HATE the 'wimpshield', tho.) She LOVES the ride, also. BUT in your 'defense' (NOT that you need any whatsoever!!!!!!!), she has NOT logged a l-o-n-g day on it, yet. That will change Saturday.
IT is MFUO, that the 'lows' ride stiff as a board, to start with. BUT, that is MFUO.
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I came from a sport bike background as well. My wife has a sporty and it has the progressive shocks on the rear. It still rides like a truck compared to a sportbike. New springs on the froks would probably help as well. Welcome to the world of Harley's.