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Sportsters are not known for great suspensions to begin with. Lower the shock and it gets worse, so if you're already bottoming out the shocks, you definitely don't want to go any lower.
Generally speaking, the taller the shock, the more travel, and the better the ride.
Have you set the sag on your current shocks? Most people don't bother to set it and wonder why their bike doesn't ride well. If you haven't set the sag, try it and see. It probably won't be Earth shattering but it could be an improvement from how it rides now. And its free and only takes about 10 minutes to do so nothing to lose by doing it.
Works with the help of a friend or friends to take measurements and also support the bike so you can get your feet off the floor.
The stock shock on my 2017 Superlow was set at the minimum preload and there was zero sag! Instead of bottoming out it would constantly top out with the effect of pinging me out of the seat.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Sep 24, 2025 at 06:28 AM.
Sportsters are not known for great suspensions to begin with. Lower the shock and it gets worse, so if you're already bottoming out the shocks, you definitely don't want to go any lower.
Generally speaking, the taller the shock, the more travel, and the better the ride.
Have you set the sag on your current shocks? Most people don't bother to set it and wonder why their bike doesn't ride well. If you haven't set the sag, try it and see. It probably won't be Earth shattering but it could be an improvement from how it rides now. And its free and only takes about 10 minutes to do so nothing to lose by doing it.
Yes. I picked up a spanner wrench. It turned out the adjustment was maxed out to the best bump absorbing position.
Looking for rear shocks that afford the best manger ability. I have since learned that a taller shock will do that.
Yes. I picked up a spanner wrench. It turned out the adjustment was maxed out to the best bump absorbing position.
Looking for rear shocks that afford the best manger ability. I have since learned that a taller shock will do that.
All that does is adjust preload, you didnt set the sag. Setting the sag will set the shocks to your weight, what you did is simply turning the adjustment, which is really just a guess at what it should be.
Check out this Youtube video, its an easy job that takes about 10-15 minutes. It might save you from spending a lot of money on shocks.
All that does is adjust preload, you didnt set the sag. Setting the sag will set the shocks to your weight, what you did is simply turning the adjustment, which is really just a guess at what it should be.
Check out this Youtube video, its an easy job that takes about 10-15 minutes. It might save you from spending a lot of money on shocks.
Going longer shocks does not necessarily equate to more travel. Some 12" shocks have as much travel as many 13". I have Ohlins 12" shocks on my King and has 3" of travel, as I wanted to get a bit lower to reach the ground flat foot when sitting on the bike.
I'm very happy with the Ohlins. I think the low profile of the Forty-Eight is a signature of the bike. You might have to raise the front if you raise the back.
I ride a 2018 48 Special. Installed Harley 12" touring airshocks. Found some NOS for sell on ebay but there are take offs on their even cheaper. That and a few washers, a couple Shrader valves & your golden. Because the shocks were older (although unused) I decided to change the oil in them when I got them. Ride is WAY better, no more bottoming out. Easy to adjust with a small handpump if you want to add a passenger. (I installed mine with the valves pointing up so they can be accessed behind my bags, with the bags in place)
I ride a 2018 48 Special. Installed Harley 12" touring airshocks. Found some NOS for sell on ebay but there are take offs on their even cheaper. That and a few washers, a couple Shrader valves & your golden. Because the shocks were older (although unused) I decided to change the oil in them when I got them. Ride is WAY better, no more bottoming out. Easy to adjust with a small handpump if you want to add a passenger. (I installed mine with the valves pointing up so they can be accessed behind my bags, with the bags in place)
...snip...
Agreed - the Street Glide 12" versions that I have are MUCH better than my original 2013 Iron shocks,
but if I had to "do it again", I would go with the 13" versions from the Road King...
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