I don't know about Air shocks,,but would assume they have the
widest load range,,being Air adjustable..
I would also assume they are not a very Fast shock as In not a performance shock due to design..

For the rest of those seeking better shocks,,even those wanting to go
lower you best do your homework,,,

Knowledge Is Power XD

http://www.worksperformance.com/html...rate_desc.html

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

http://www.burlybrand.com/slammer/index.aspx

Lower means stiffer springs,,that needs better damping and rebound.
This Is not gonna be cheap.

The non negotiable fact,,,
3" rear travel 2" bump,,,cool
2" travel 2" bump,,,ouch,,,why ??
properly set up suspension needs about 1/4 to 1/3 of total travel
In "Sag",,,,
Don't know what that Is ?,,,
Like I said,,,,Do your homework.

I am still on the factory HD shocks,,,BUT,,I have 13.5" shocks and 3.69" total travel.
They are "Slow" so when I get It on In the twisties It's gotta be curves I know well
and fairly smooth.
They are doing pretty well only because they are taller...
But with only 5,000 miles they are getting weaker,,
The extra cost of rebuildable should always be worth It,,,
Most HD sporty shocks suck so even the progressive 412's shoud be a noticable Improvement.
All things being equal taller shocks have more room to take advantage of progressive springs,,
But there are options..

Lots of variables and shocks are an expensive purchase,,,

Choose wisely people,,,,

 

Which is why I would think its better to use taller shocks and a lowering kit.

 

Taller the shock, the smoother the ride. Air shocks are ideal imo.

 

Everything is a compromise. Air shocks are great if you're riding 2-up a lot or are heavier (185+) and on a limited budget.

Solo only I'd go with the Progressives or Burly...they seem to be the most "performance" oriented but best with solo setups.

 

Ohlins also makes a great shock for the sportster .

 

Yes they do but couldn't remember their names. There's one other brand out there that's really good too and can't remember them either. LOL IIRC Ohlins are really nice but really expensive. I'm a cheep bastard (hence the RK shocks on the Sportster) and since I was looking for a 2-up shock for my fat but plus my peteit GF at the time I never priced out some of the nicer solo shocks. LOL

 

Are you thinking about hagon shocks ?

 

Ummmm....Ricor shocks?

 

Hagon I haven't heard of and Ricor's are nice too...forgot about those. It's amazing the number of options these bikes have when it comes to shocks.

 

I have Ohlins on my Glide. They have cured bottoming out when 2-up and are so much smoother than any of the previous brands I have tried. I got mine custom-built from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. Howard there may still offer HDF members a discount.

Hagons are British old chap and here in the UK are widely recommended. They will custom build and also have a high spec adjustable Nitro alternative for the more demanding rider. I ride my SuperLow solo (naturally!) and would fit Hagons over all other brands, but then I am close enough to visit them in person.