I think mine were smoother with the wife on the back as well.
Bumps were worse though

 

for lowered shocks, the 3/4" sag will probably be too much. the "low" sportsters have god-awful 11" shocks which only gives you about 1.5" of total travel.

Did you say they are progressives? post up in the classifieds section, you could probably get someone to trade you for a longer set of progressives. Many people like the look of the 11" shocks. (I liked the look too... until i rode my N for the first time)

 

*****

 

they killed Kenny them bastards (south park)