Questions about lean angles
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Looking to the future we can anticipate Ohlins NIX22 adjustable cartridges for our Sporties, during the summer.......
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 94
Likes: 8
From: Northwest Florida
You have to remember also that adding longer shocks changes the swing arm geometry (the angle that it is in relationship to the the ground) If the shock is longer and springs are shorter or progressive and sag moves the angle back to normal ride and handling should be better. Just my $.02 from years of dealing with off road bikes.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You have to remember also that adding longer shocks changes the swing arm geometry (the angle that it is in relationship to the the ground) If the shock is longer and springs are shorter or progressive and sag moves the angle back to normal ride and handling should be better. Just my $.02 from years of dealing with off road bikes.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 176
Likes: 12
From: in a house
Keep in mind that there's a practical limit as to how much lean angle the Sporty can facilitate.
Having seen the V&H XR1200's run on a track I can tell you that the Sportster CHASSIS is going to become an issue, as those bikes visibly squirmed all over the place trying to run fast into a corner. They were great fun to watch but those (professional) riders had their hands full trying to wrestle those bikes through a curve at speed.
Personally, I feel like 13-14" shocks (as well as the 'longer' fork setup) are a practical limit as they allow enough clearance to run pretty darn quick and the chassis is still OK. Any more than that and the pace required to utilize the extra lean angle just becomes too much for the Sporty's ancient frame (not to mention spindly forks) to handle properly. At that point the snowball starts rolling fast as you look into stronger inverted fork setups, frame bracing, better brakes (gotta stop good when you're going THAT fast), etc. etc. etc.
Having seen the V&H XR1200's run on a track I can tell you that the Sportster CHASSIS is going to become an issue, as those bikes visibly squirmed all over the place trying to run fast into a corner. They were great fun to watch but those (professional) riders had their hands full trying to wrestle those bikes through a curve at speed.
Personally, I feel like 13-14" shocks (as well as the 'longer' fork setup) are a practical limit as they allow enough clearance to run pretty darn quick and the chassis is still OK. Any more than that and the pace required to utilize the extra lean angle just becomes too much for the Sporty's ancient frame (not to mention spindly forks) to handle properly. At that point the snowball starts rolling fast as you look into stronger inverted fork setups, frame bracing, better brakes (gotta stop good when you're going THAT fast), etc. etc. etc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 35,239
Likes: 19,070
From: 40.2444° N, 75.6419° W
Why would you want 45 degrees of lean angle. If i remember right the stock on my former 883r was roughly 32 degrees . I must be an amateur but i have over 35 years of riding experience i've never dragged a peg or floorboard in a corner. The Sportster is a cruiser not a knee dragger fyi. It's simply not in the design. Have fun with your project and ride safe.
I agree, the Sportster can only do so much with or without mods. it may have been state of the art fast in the late 50's early 60's though, but it wont compete now. it would make a good 1/4 miler ( straight acceleration)
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 321
Likes: 25
From: Canuckistan
There's definitely a point of diminishing returns. I went with montubes up front and 430s out back. Spending more for better performance than that on a Sportster didn't make sense to me. Installing the best suspension components like Ohlins is overkill. The suspension starts writing cheques the chassis is not capable of cashing.
Upgrading the stock suspension to the Progressive Suspension components has literally transformed my bike. It now handles like a motorcycle in it's price range should. I've gone from liking my Sportster to loving riding it. It's what I imagined it would feel like when I first decided I wanted to own one.
It's good to see the MoCo is finally starting to get it. The 2016 models seem like a real turning point in factory installed performance parts.
Upgrading the stock suspension to the Progressive Suspension components has literally transformed my bike. It now handles like a motorcycle in it's price range should. I've gone from liking my Sportster to loving riding it. It's what I imagined it would feel like when I first decided I wanted to own one.
It's good to see the MoCo is finally starting to get it. The 2016 models seem like a real turning point in factory installed performance parts.
Last edited by saddleupmc; Apr 15, 2016 at 10:52 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I don't agree with that! Down to personal choice and priorities. I have front and rear Ohlins suspension on my Glide and plan on doing the same for my Sporty, when the cartridges become available. A decent riding bike of any brand is something we're all entitled to - because we're worth it! Good suspension actually makes the bike faster, simply by ironing out all the wretched road imperfections and reducing handling problems.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 321
Likes: 25
From: Canuckistan
I should have said in my opinion. Having said that Ohlins is probably more affordable on your side of the pond. Progressive components are common in North America.