2020 Iron 883 Suspension Help
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 6
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania
2020 Iron 883 Suspension Help
Hey all, I just recently bought a new Iron 883. It came fully stock and I haven't done anything other than I put a double seat, sissy bar, and passenger pegs on it. My question is: Can anyone help me with tips on how to set up my suspension for double riding with my girlfriend on the back. I weigh 160 and she's about 140. I've checked in the owner's manual to try and see what setting to adjust the rear suspension to, but I can't seem to figure out where it should be.
My problem is that when we are both on the bike it sags a little more than I would like, and I live in Pennsylvania so the roads are... let's just say "not the best." We've had a couple of hard hits and bottomed out pretty hard, which I'm hoping can be alleviated. I guess the real question is: Can I fix this problem by adjusting the stock suspension, or should I look into getting some aftermarket springs? My local Harley shop is closed because of the quarantine and virus, so I guess I'm hoping that the stock springs can be adjusted and make the ride a little easier on us.
Thanks in advance!
My problem is that when we are both on the bike it sags a little more than I would like, and I live in Pennsylvania so the roads are... let's just say "not the best." We've had a couple of hard hits and bottomed out pretty hard, which I'm hoping can be alleviated. I guess the real question is: Can I fix this problem by adjusting the stock suspension, or should I look into getting some aftermarket springs? My local Harley shop is closed because of the quarantine and virus, so I guess I'm hoping that the stock springs can be adjusted and make the ride a little easier on us.
Thanks in advance!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,292
Likes: 2,427
From: Eastern NE
Hate to say it, but you bought a "slammed" bike f/ 2-up riding which isn't a good plan. IMO, if you want any tform of comfort, get some "decent" rear shocks (Progressive, Ohlin, etc.) b/c you're not really going to get much better w/ the stock set-up, no matter how stiff you adjust the load.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 882
Likes: 126
From: Hahira Ga
[QUOTE=Iceman24;18984965]Hate to say it, but you bought a "slammed" bike f/ 2-up riding which isn't a good plan. IMO, if you want any tform of comfort, get some "decent" rear shocks (Progressive, Ohlin, etc.) b/c you're not really going to get much better w/ the stock set-up, no matter how stiff you adjust the load.[/QUOTE
I would 2nd that. Your shocks are 11" lowest bidder pieces. Some 12.5" shocks from any name brand company will be a big improvement.
I would 2nd that. Your shocks are 11" lowest bidder pieces. Some 12.5" shocks from any name brand company will be a big improvement.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
Yup, longer Progressive shocks. I'd go with 12.5" or 13" 412's to save some money but still get you the preload with a better stroke length.
For the time being, crank the preload up on your current shocks as much as you can. It's probably not gonna help with all of 300 lbs over them but it's a start.
For the time being, crank the preload up on your current shocks as much as you can. It's probably not gonna help with all of 300 lbs over them but it's a start.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
HDF is flooded with suspension threads from horizon to horizon, thanks to Harleys policy of using awful suspension, front and rear. IMHO you not only need to solve the problem with your shocks, but also the forks. I bought my SuperLow new and have been down that road, although Mrs B and I only ever ride it solo. I have 13" rear shocks and raised the forks around an inch. What I found is that my forks sagged over half their travel, so I replaced the stock springs and restored ride height to give around an inch of sag. I now have a Super-not-so-Low, with improved ground clearance and (slightly) improved ride quality. Whatever you decide to do, do NOT scrimp over any replacements you buy, as the aftermarket has plenty of tempting alternative products which are not significantly better that stock stuff, most particularly shocks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 443
From: Indianapolis
For just you at 160 lbs, that would be preload dot 3 in the table (160-189 lbs)
When you add the passenger at 140 lbs - your preload dot should be 9
Especially with 2 up longer shocks, in general, also provide more travel before you bottom out.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,218
Likes: 4,930
From: England
The guy has his bike, has what he has and would like some guidance. See how shanneba answers the OP's question.
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