Okay I'm considering buying a Sportster eventually, as I'm selling my sportbike, but my other bike, a dual sport isnt quite enough for EVERYTHING I need to do while commuting/riding.
My question:
-Is there much out there for improving the suspension on the Sportster WITHOUT sacrficing the looks (that I like) .
By improve I dont mean make it ride smoother. I mean move the suspension in the direction of my sportbike. I know you can only lean so far before you start dragging stuff. With stiffer springs and stuff you can lean a bit farther and whatnot, that much I know. Are there companies out there that sell kits or ywould I be on my own on something like this? Of course tires would be part of the equation. I dont expect a racebike, I just want a nice handling standard with a DECENT amount of get up and go.
Basically HD's version of an SV650,Honda 919, Kawsaki ZRX1200...
I've ridden an 883 and the handling was "quirky" at a minimum,lol.

Anybody else done anything like this?
No I dont want to buy a buell really..and no I dont want a V-Rod....
I'm not a huge HD fan...but Sportsters are great looking bikes(and comfy!)

 

The no brainers are new shocks, fork springs and a fork brace. Stickier tires would be another.

 

Well yeah I kinda covered that..but I wasnt sure if there was specific companies I should go with..or what...

BTW the bike you have is in the EXACT color I would get a Sporty in..IF I get one.

 

A friend of mine is an ex-sportbike rider as well. He had another friend of ours that happens to bea sportster nut and mechanic helped him builda sportster for him to play with.

They hot rodded the engine, upgraded the brakes and suspension, etc. They also put rearward controls on it so his feet would be behind him like he wanted.

Lets see if I can get a pic to work...



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Another pic...

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Looks wonderfull.....any word ont he mods though?(specifically chassis,brakes) Motors are the easy part for me

 

Progressive 412 shocks are a cheap upgrade from stock

If your looking for something more sporty without breaking the bank, watch e-bay for pre 04 Sportster Sport shocks.
The forks were good too, but might be harder to come by.

 

I'm curious about the fork braces. I've seen 'em and seen the animation that explains why they help, so I grasp the concept. I just want a real world opinion on them. Anyone ever tried one and if so, how did it affect the handling?

 

new suspension, a fork brace, stickier tires, all said before.

I've seen pegs, i dont know if they are aftermarket, or stock on the newer sportsters, but the bottoms are angled and gives some clearance when leaning. probably an inch or so.

the only thing I've dragged in a turn is my kick stand, becuase the spring that holds it up is 20 years old, like my bike =]

 

get a 1200R

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