So I just recently installed 13" RK rear shocks on my Iron 883 and I am now looking at replacing the stock front fork springs. I am undecided between the progressive fork springs and the progressive monotube kit. the springs are so much cheaper and I'm not sure whether or not the monotube are worth it over the springs. I was wondering if anyone has tried both or particularly the monotube kit. Which is harder to install? I saw that the springs have a spacer you may need to cut but apparently the whole front wheel needs to come off for the monotube kit. Either way I'd be up for the task if it's worth it. Hoping I can make the front end as good as or better than the rear

 

If your going to keep it at the same height Id do springs. If your going to raise the front to match the raise in the rear monotubes for a standard sporty is an easy way to accomplish that.

 

I did the mono tubes on my deluxe and it was a world of difference. No more brake dive and the front end tracks much better. Im sure they would do the same for your sporty. I had a sportster and I know how rough they ride. I would do mono tubes if I had another one. Hope it helps.

 

Yeah I am also looking for additional ground clearance so this would be great. I came from riding sportbikes and I like to have too much fun sometimes haha. Do you know how much the monotube kit would raise the front on an Iron?

 

Monotubes are like struts and well springs are just springs.
Major difference.
Mono's all the way ~mano~.

 

This is the one I used. Shop around, you can get them for much cheaper.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com...u-2013-touring

$187 at Direct Cycle parts

http://www.directcycleparts.com/shopping_cart.php

 

It would depend on which monotube kit you got. The Iron has 3.25" of front travel, my Low has 4". If you bought a kit for the Low it would raise it 3/4". The R Sportster has 5.5" of travel. That kit would raise it 2 1/4".


The Sportster R came with 13" shocks and 5.5" up front and is arguably the best handling Sportster. My Low will be getting suspension for the R. I'll be installing a Jiffy stand from the R at the same time.

 

Wouldn't you need longer fork tubes to get the extra height?

 

I was wondering this as well because if it doesn't then I will definitely want the extra travel. What was the rated lean angle for the "R" model sportsters? I'm assuming mine would be somewhat close if that is possible without longer fork tubes.

 

I went with just the springs on my '12 Sportster 1200C and it made a world of difference in all aspects of improving the ride and handling.