suspension
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
suspension
Hi everyone, I have an 08 Sportster XL883L and am going to change it to the normal height suspension, my question is do I just have to change the rear shocks and front fork spring set up, or is there more to it than that? Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 7,539
Likes: 12,184
From: Indianapolis
Another thing to think about, the SuperLow has smaller diameter rims/tires. Might look kinda strange if you raise it too much.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
As Firehawk says it depends on how much you raise it. If an inch or two, then, taller shocks, longer dampers in the fork, and probably a longer jiffy stand. All easily doable in one day if you have all the parts. Also I would change the fork oil and get new fork seals, since you have to pull the old ones anyway.
Advanced
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 67
Likes: 15
From: Oregon
08 isn't a superlow. Hopefully someone else will know for sure, but it's possible that the front is standard height and all you'll need to change is the shocks. I'm not sure if the old low model actually had shorter damper rods or not.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
Well my 2007 XL1200L had 4" of space between bottom triple tree and top of lower fork seal, while sitting upright with no one on it. I think it dropped to 3" with me on it, but never measured. He can use that for comparison I guess.
Thread Starter
|
2nd Gear
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
From: Nova Scotia
Thanks for all the replies, I think all rear tires are 16" and the front tires could be 19" or 21" on any model (correct me if I am wrong). Thanks for the advise to change the fork oil. According to Ronnie's online parts finder there is some different pieces in the front forks between the low and regular Sportster. I will measure between the lower triple tree and the seal to see what I have now. I could leave the front alone but I do not want to make the handling unsafe.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
Last edited by lewk; Sep 6, 2019 at 10:09 AM.
Trending Topics
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,821
From: Kalifornia
Ha ha ha.......
What he said ^
When I changed my rear shocks for 11 3/4 to 13" and left the front alone, it actually handled very well, especially in curves, but I got a bit nervous about high speed cruising. Not wanting to take a chance, I raised the front too. Ground clearance is way better, and handling is still good.
One thing the high rear/low front did also was gradually vibrate me towards the front of the seat on longer rides. I did not like that either.
Take your bike for a ride now, as it is, and check front end dive. This will let you know if any changes need to be made in that department before you open it up.
What he said ^
When I changed my rear shocks for 11 3/4 to 13" and left the front alone, it actually handled very well, especially in curves, but I got a bit nervous about high speed cruising. Not wanting to take a chance, I raised the front too. Ground clearance is way better, and handling is still good.
One thing the high rear/low front did also was gradually vibrate me towards the front of the seat on longer rides. I did not like that either.
Take your bike for a ride now, as it is, and check front end dive. This will let you know if any changes need to be made in that department before you open it up.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I do have a SuperLow, which I acknowledge is not the same as a Low. I changed my shocks for 13" ones, which was simple enough. Up front I found that my forks sagged over 50% of total travel, with me sitting on it, which is way too much. Correcting that sag raised my front end almost an inch, which gave the bike a level appearance and improved ride comfort. So it is worth checking your sag before doing anything. We're here to help!