Rear Suspension Question....
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Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 51
Likes: 11
From: Oxford MS
Rear Suspension Question....
So after some riding on my 48, I've come to the conclusion that the rear suspension needs some help. These tore-up Mississippi roads aren't easy on the rear end. Now, I realize part of the point of the 48 is that the bike is low-slung, but I'm also about 220 lbs so I am assuming I can push the springs down a little even if I went with shocks with a slight lift. Not talking about 15" Burly's or anything.
From what I can tell, Progressive's are going to be the way to go if I don't want to get into $600 ish shocks, which I don't. So my question is, would 11" shocks still technically be better than the factory shocks, or should I push up to 12" or even 13"? Are Progressives good shocks to begin with? Should I look at a different brand? What if I ever want to set it up for a passenger? Who shot JFK? Did we really land on the moon? What is the meaning of life?
yeah I got a little off track there....
Thanks in advance for any help
From what I can tell, Progressive's are going to be the way to go if I don't want to get into $600 ish shocks, which I don't. So my question is, would 11" shocks still technically be better than the factory shocks, or should I push up to 12" or even 13"? Are Progressives good shocks to begin with? Should I look at a different brand? What if I ever want to set it up for a passenger? Who shot JFK? Did we really land on the moon? What is the meaning of life?
yeah I got a little off track there....
Thanks in advance for any help
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 349
From: The Biggest Little City, Reno, NV
I think you would be better served with 12 1/2 or 13 inch shocks. Progressives are better than stock and if you get the higher dollar progressives they are better yet.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
I changed the rear shocks on my 2017 XL1200T Superlow to 12.5" Progressive 412s. I sometimes think I should have gone to 12" but I'm very happy with these. Very reasonable price, too. I also replaced my original front fork inners for Progressive Monotubes. Equally happy.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Two things affect ride qwuality with shocks - length of stroke and damper quality. So by all means use longer shocks, but also be sure to get shocks with better quality dampers. That usually involves spending a little more!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,837
Likes: 1,430
From: NJ
13" at minimum. I'm your weight and I blew a lot of time and money trying to stay low and cheap. For bigger people and rough roads LOTS or travel is king.
If you want to stay low just add a 1-2" lowering block.
If you want to stay low just add a 1-2" lowering block.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 168
Likes: 22
From: Chicago
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Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 85
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From: King Ontario
When I got my 2006 XL1200C it was lowered and only had 1 inch rear suspension travel. It had a real tough ride. I put Progressive 412's 12.5 inch HD shocks and raised the bike considerably. I had to raise the front back to stock height as well. It now has a nice plush ride, even two up. I also noticed that the bike handled much better, especially in the corners.
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From: Frozelandia, Minnysota
I went cheap, a pair of used Road King airshocks, lighter oil (can't remember if I used 5 or 10 wt, think it was 5) and only 9 ounces of it. It takes a nearby road that would lift me off the seat on the frost heaves smoother than my van or pickup does. I was worried they might mess up the handling, but if anything, it feels better now, bike feels planted better not jolting on bumps in the curves.