Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

geometry

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 02:03 PM
  #1  
buellrider76's Avatar
buellrider76
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
Default geometry

I have an '00 1200 that I lowered as far in the rear as I could for my wife. I put the progressive 11" shocks on and she started complaining that the bike was heavy and hard to handle. I just figured out that I need to lower the front to keep the geometry correct and that was why she was feeling the bike handle funny. My question is: How far do I have to slide the front forks up to keep the ride correct? Thanks, all
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 04:06 PM
  #2  
kerrybro's Avatar
kerrybro
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: waterloo
Default RE: geometry

If you're stock rear shocks were for example 13" and you went to the 11", then you would have to lower the front approx. 2" also by either buying the lowering kit for the front of adjusting the front forks the same amount. Hope this helps.
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 04:16 PM
  #3  
cHarley's Avatar
cHarley
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Default RE: geometry

Really need to know what the length was of the stock shocks. Also, since the shocks are mounted at an angle, reducing their length by 1 inch for example only produces about 5/8"-3/4" drop as measered at the rear axle.
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 06:22 PM
  #4  
Stefan's Avatar
Stefan
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,125
Likes: 22
From: Phoenix, AZ
Default RE: geometry

ORIGINAL: cHarley
Really need to know what the length was of the stock shocks. Also, since the shocks are mounted at an angle, reducing their length by 1 inch for example only produces about 5/8"-3/4" drop as measered at the rear axle.
As said above. Your dealing with a swingarm with a circular moment and shocks at an angle. Stock is stock. Sportstes will feel top heavy and need pushing in turns compared to any modern tuned sports bike.
I find the Sportster easier handling than twinkies and jap cruisers.
 
Reply
Old Jan 6, 2008 | 07:58 PM
  #5  
buellrider76's Avatar
buellrider76
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 429
Likes: 3
From: Oklahoma City
Default RE: geometry

Standard length is 13.5 on this bike. The new shocks are 2.5" shorter making the bike sit roughly 2" lower. So to keep the ride correct I need to drop the front 2" also? I already have the short jiffy stand on the bike and kinda wondered why it was so short. I guess when I lower the front it should be about perfect.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
CVORoadKing2013
Touring Models
35
Sep 15, 2015 05:46 AM
lhgdale
Dyna Glide Models
11
Mar 15, 2014 05:56 PM
Checkflag
Sportster Models
6
Dec 8, 2009 02:14 AM
MNrider
Dyna Glide Models
7
Aug 7, 2008 11:20 AM
screamn_eagle
Softail Models
22
Apr 23, 2008 05:40 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 05:33 AM.

story-0
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-1
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-3
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-4
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-5
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-6
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE
story-9
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider

Slideshow: Graeme Billington's left-hand-drive Shovelhead is as much about problem-solving as it is about classic Harley form.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2025-12-30 11:27:08


VIEW MORE