Trying to get an upgrade(not entirely needed, frankly) for not much out of the wallet.

Progressive 970's...around 900 for a new set for me, too high IMO for what you get...

Öhlins I can probably get for 1200-1300 for the fully adjustable set, about half that I guess if I get the base style without C&R adjustment...

XR1200X Showa's I can get for 200 per side...fully adjustable...the rear half of this kit, basically

For reference, the stock Roadster has 13.36" Showa Emulsion shocks, which are really not bad at all. I'd be willing to part ways with them for about $200 a piece if I do upgrade($335 each @ retail...)

Of course at the price point I'm partial to the XR1200X Showa's, you can't beat that price to save your life, but that may be telling about their quality...Though I've never had a problem with any Showas ever...

What do y'all think

 

Guys! I just realized, the front suspension from the XR or the XRX upgrade with the BP Fork should fit the Roadster. Both are 43mm!

CVARIA, maybe you will see some stock Roadster forks for sale soon...

 

Curious, what's your beef with the stock? Feeling very happy with mine. The front end is so much better than wife's Iron. My rear was set on the 3rd dot, according to Manuel for my weight (215) it should be on 4. However I felt it stiff already, so have it set on 1 and I am liking it, softer, smooth ride. When in the mountains, I might stiffen it up. With stock seat it was not as noticeable, but my new seat is firm and the bumps transfer better, however the stock seat is too narrow and gets very depressed in short order.

 

let's go... give me all your shocks. my dyna needs your rear shocks.... pm me your demands and we may be able to agree...


but.... you may just want to beef up your front springs/cartriges to ohlins or something before tearing your front end off. ... i mean.. i'll take your goods but... it may just be Ducati MONSTER 1100 EVO time for you, scramble it out with spokes

 

No real problems with the stock suspension, I just can't leave well enough alone. And I finally have a bike I feel is worthy of big money upgrades. I guess I can say that the massive amount of potholes, bumps and just terrible road surfaces here in Louisiana lead me to want more adjustability than rear preload.

The Harley upgrade kit for the XR to the XRX style is only 1500 retail...my price is pretty damn good so it's still cheaper than anything from Öhlins... I may want to beef up the upgrade kit fork springs though that's a pretty good idea.

You know what's crazy - the XRX suspension costs less than the Roadster's part for part. Brake calipers are cheap too.


And I work in service, I can't afford no Ducks!

 

the sportster shamer. air cooled monster

 

I also considered Progressive 970 and 944, but those were too pricey for my taste....an issue between cost and benefit for me.

Perhaps consider air/oil shocks....you can pick those up for around $125. I just did mine and replaced my Burly Slammers. Just an option. Here is a post that include a listing of the different shocks length that are from RKs/SGs.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...profile-6.html

 

get something that has compression or rebound or both adjust.. that's where you will find the best set up... 970 look cool and with piggy back helps with keeping the oil cool as well has the adjustable compression.

 

Stock suspension ain't up to much so I can understand why you might want better. You quote a price for Ohlins, however you may not be aware that we have a sponsor who can supply them cheaper, with a discount for members. He also builds us Harley owners more versions than Ohlins themselves. Give Howard at Motorcycle Metal a call. Ohlins are also due to launch their Sportster fork cartridge kit any day, so we can have super suspension at both ends!

 

Of course! Right after I buy a Roadster, Öhlins puts a kit out, lovely.

I was browsing Howard's site last week - giving me tons of ideas.