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My hated my OEM shocks on the '07 XL883C. I just about lost a tooth filling every time I hit a bump... harsh ride. Switched to Progressive 412's x 12.5", and was a lot happier with the difference. It's important to note at the same time I also got rid of the OEM seat, and replaced it with a Mustang wide touring seat. My butt is 100% happier with those two changes. I think the shocks helped more... but the seat spreads the load and makes it more comfy too.
My butt is 100% happier with those two changes. I think the shocks helped more... but the seat spreads the load and makes it more comfy too.
That's a good diagnosis. Comfort starts at the road and a change to aftermarket tyres can help, as the stock ones are so hard. I've been using Avons on my Harleys since the 1970s, much more compliant and comfortable. Biggest improvement as you rightly say is going to be shocks, but avoid the budget models.
A comfy seat is the cherry on the cake! Finally, if your seated position has you very upright and your knees are higher than your hips, there is a risk of discomfort whatever you do, with so much weight on a small part of your sitting area.
Grab a set of street glide air shocks! They are the same height as most stock sportster shocks and work way better! Very little modification needed to make them fit, either remove the belt guard or add a few washers. I picked up a set with all of the hoses and an air pump from a guy on the street glide parts for sale side for $100 plus shipping. There are also sets all over craigslist in my area.
They aren't that great on the heavy touring models but they work awesome for me, 6'3" 225 lbs, on my sporty. I usually ride with 0-2 psi and about 10 psi with the wife.
Made a little bracket to mount the valve, picked up some longer lines from the dealer and ran them through the frame and done! Probably the best mod, for the price, that I've done. Plus they look awesome on the bike.
I went with Progressive 430's Standard Springs. I wanted a shorter seat height so I got 11". The 430's are hand adjustable so I can adjust on the fly depending on the ride. I'm 5'8" tall and 175lbs. I installed a solo spring seat so I sit higher than the on the frame seats to begin with.
I don't bottom out but it's a stiffer ride which I don't mind. I'm choosing form over function in this instance.
If I ever change I'm going with some sort of air shock as they seem to give the best of both worlds.
Grab a set of street glide air shocks! They are the same height as most stock sportster shocks and work way better! Very little modification needed to make them fit, either remove the belt guard or add a few washers. I picked up a set with all of the hoses and an air pump from a guy on the street glide parts for sale side for $100 plus shipping. There are also sets all over craigslist in my area.
They aren't that great on the heavy touring models but they work awesome for me, 6'3" 225 lbs, on my sporty. I usually ride with 0-2 psi and about 10 psi with the wife.
Made a little bracket to mount the valve, picked up some longer lines from the dealer and ran them through the frame and done! Probably the best mod, for the price, that I've done. Plus they look awesome on the bike.
Have to agree with you...they're great! I also installed SG air/oil shocks and other than it's not chrome lol, it all good. The best thing about it...this upgrade was only $125. My pulley bolts cost more than that.
My hated my OEM shocks on the '07 XL883C. I just about lost a tooth filling every time I hit a bump... harsh ride. Switched to Progressive 412's x 12.5", and was a lot happier with the difference. It's important to note at the same time I also got rid of the OEM seat, and replaced it with a Mustang wide touring seat. My butt is 100% happier with those two changes. I think the shocks helped more... but the seat spreads the load and makes it more comfy too.
I am enjoying new Progressive Shocks I just installed a few days ago also. I also have the more comfortable Harley Sundowner seat which is great with the new Progressive 12" 412-4068C shocks.
The ride now with the Leather Pros bags and Leather Pros T3900 trunk is just right. Plenty of travel, no bottoming even when hitting some pretty serious dips and sunken manhole covers. Now I may have to get some Progressive Front springs to match, or maybe try some better fork oil.
I have the same Progressive 12" 412-4068C shocks that Jay has. (Well, actually, he has the same ones I have, heh heh). I couldn't be happier. I'm 6'0" 195 lbs, and I have the shocks at the middle preload setting.
When I first got them I didn't have them adjusted right, but with a little help from the folks here, they're as good as gold. Hey, for $400, 600 or more, you can probably do even better. But at $235, they're worth every penny.
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