Questions about lean angles
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 410
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From: NOVA
Ok so I have a few more questions regarding suspension. First off, I now know, thanks to you guys, that I can use the Monotube cartridge from a roadster to increase the front end. If I also used roadster damping tubes along with roadster monotubes, would I gain any ride height or would I just receive stiffer forks? I guess both would be positive gains.
Now onto the next question. I was looking at the 15" shocks and ended up finding 16.5" shocks made by Ohlins that go on an XR1200R and I'm now very curious if these would fit our bikes. If so this would give a sportster some pretty crazy ground clearance and it'd also be quite unique. That being said, I have seen some people running some type of belt tensioner with 15" shocks. I'm guessing that this would be required as I also have seen them on the XR1200R after some quick research.
Lastly, I have a question for those of you with the 15" shocks. How good is the quality and ride? I see the Burly Brand and the progressives are the most common and run under $300. Does it provide a nice, firm and sporty ride?
Now onto the next question. I was looking at the 15" shocks and ended up finding 16.5" shocks made by Ohlins that go on an XR1200R and I'm now very curious if these would fit our bikes. If so this would give a sportster some pretty crazy ground clearance and it'd also be quite unique. That being said, I have seen some people running some type of belt tensioner with 15" shocks. I'm guessing that this would be required as I also have seen them on the XR1200R after some quick research.
Lastly, I have a question for those of you with the 15" shocks. How good is the quality and ride? I see the Burly Brand and the progressives are the most common and run under $300. Does it provide a nice, firm and sporty ride?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Nick, if you are referring to Progressive Monotubes, you don't need damper rods, as they replace the ones you currently have. As for Ohlins shocks, we have HDF sponsors who supply them and at least one gives us discounts. I recommend phoning Howard at Motorcycle Metal and discussing things with him. He can build versions of Ohlins shocks that you won't find in the Ohlins catalogues! With your forks at max height I don't think those 16.5" shocks are suitable, around 13/14" is probably a better match.
Having mentioned Ohlins shocks, you do know that they have announced a cartridge for our Sporties? Fully adjustable, although I haven't seen any advertised for sale yet. As an Ohlins dealer Howard may have a handle on them.
Ride quality comes from the design of the damper internals. You've mentioned Ohlins, so having done so go with them! They are the only way to travel.....
Having mentioned Ohlins shocks, you do know that they have announced a cartridge for our Sporties? Fully adjustable, although I haven't seen any advertised for sale yet. As an Ohlins dealer Howard may have a handle on them.
Ride quality comes from the design of the damper internals. You've mentioned Ohlins, so having done so go with them! They are the only way to travel.....
Last edited by grbrown; Apr 9, 2016 at 07:28 AM. Reason: Spelling!
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
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From: NOVA
Thanks for the info grbrown! I was going to order the Monotubes for the roadster as its supposedly gives me about 2" on the front end at 5.5" of travel. I am definitely tempted to go with 15" shocks in the rear as I see a lot of people run these but I also think 16.5" is just a tad taller and might be worth looking into. Also, thanks for telling me about the HDF sponsors and discounts; I will definitely be looking into that.
As far as the Ohlins NIX 22 cartridges I heard they are coming out in May of this year and the price should be around $800 from what I have looked into. I may go this route and will be waiting to see if they actually come out next month.
As far as the Ohlins NIX 22 cartridges I heard they are coming out in May of this year and the price should be around $800 from what I have looked into. I may go this route and will be waiting to see if they actually come out next month.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I'm keeping an eye open over here in the UK as well! I have Ohlins FKC101 cartridges for my Glide. Unfortunately it was at least a year from when they were announced before they became available to us punters. I'm hoping we don't have to wait so long for those NIX22s. Now a Sportster with Ohlins front and rear, to go with a Glide ditto.....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
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From: Stockbridge GA
16.5" shocks may be too tall. Your belt may end up rubbing on the swingarm. Ive seen some guys that make "dirtsters" with very tall shocks use a roller to support the belt so it doesnt rub.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: May 2015
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From: NOVA
I was thinking that there would be a need for a roller/belt tensioner. If I were to unbolt the shocks and raise the bike to the level it would be at with 16.5" would that be an accurate way to check for clearance?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
You can get the look...
You can get the fun....
But a Sportster is not a good "chase Rossi" bike.
Keep your 13" rear shocks, add some preload or compression to the front forks, get your rear sets pegs and related linkages, get some clip on handle bars and related cables and lastly get a nice pipe that tucks in and clears the pegs (a few options do a search).
Enjoy the new style and have fun.
You can get the fun....
But a Sportster is not a good "chase Rossi" bike.
Keep your 13" rear shocks, add some preload or compression to the front forks, get your rear sets pegs and related linkages, get some clip on handle bars and related cables and lastly get a nice pipe that tucks in and clears the pegs (a few options do a search).
Enjoy the new style and have fun.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Kenny, we are all entitled to a decent ride. If the MoCo sold a stock Sportster with Ohlins equivilent suspension both ends I guarantee many of us would be after them in no time flat! In the meantime, stock Sportster suspension, except the XR, is a disgrace. I'm looking forward to upgrading mine before too long.
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Just to be clear, the longer Progressive monotubes for the roadster model will fit the stock 48 front end without modification or compromising safety? Meaning the tubes still heave sufficient overlap seating for rigidity through full extension? I'd be pairing with 13" rear. Hoping to do this to my wife's 48 and just want to get it right. Thanks!
13" rear progressives helped me stop dragging my pipes so much (vance and hines big radius 2 into 2 pipes). Then I cut the tips off my heat shields, that helped a lot too as those dragged before anything else. Then I did +4 fork tubes, which raised the front and helped a little bit more, though not as much as the rear stuff had. Changed to pegs with no ground feelers too.
I have to make a real effort to drag my pegs now. Which is pretty much the edge of my riding comfort.
I have to make a real effort to drag my pegs now. Which is pretty much the edge of my riding comfort.