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

Nightster Shock Question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 10:14 AM
  #11  
SteveCarney's Avatar
SteveCarney
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Default

Well the tallest setting should be the lowest preload setting (For a 130 pound-ish rider).
So while it may corner a little better, the ride can be too soft (Like you bounce around for a mile after your last bump.) The 11.5" 412 HD's ride a hell of a lot better than stock, they look great, and i have them on the second to lowest preload setting. I could carry a passenger right now without an issue. However, it's cornering clearence is the same as with the stock shocks. If you're ok with the, the 11.5 412's are great.
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 10:51 AM
  #12  
jamesdeanblvd's Avatar
jamesdeanblvd
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Fairmount, Indiana
Default

Originally Posted by BiggDogg
I adjusted the rear stock shocks to the highest last night and took it for a spin. I noticed I had more cornering lean room before I scraped the feelers but I'm still iffy about that setting when it comes time to pack my fishing gear or 2 up.
Here is a pic of mine with the Road King Air Shocks. It definately raises the rear fender a couple of inches, but, it rides and handles a lot better than stock. You can find some good deals on e-bay, or, just call your local HD dealers and see if they have any take offs laying around. Good Luck..
 
Attached Thumbnails Nightster Shock Question-36402d1238271706-air-shocks-on-need-lowering-kit-nighyster-with-air-shocks-and-troublemakers.jpg  
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:12 AM
  #13  
BiggDogg's Avatar
BiggDogg
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 2
From: Morristown, NJ
Default

Now with the airshocks do I need some kind of compressor or is it like my mountain bike air shocks that just need a hi pressure air pump when adding height?
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:21 AM
  #14  
jamesdeanblvd's Avatar
jamesdeanblvd
Cruiser
15 Year Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Fairmount, Indiana
Default

Originally Posted by BiggDogg
Now with the airshocks do I need some kind of compressor or is it like my mountain bike air shocks that just need a hi pressure air pump when adding height?
I haven't ran the air lines yet, but, both lines go to one air fitting. When you fill the air fitting, you fill both shocks. The way I understand, if your hand pump has a gauge on it, you can use it. You just need about 7-10 pounds when riding the passenger and 0 pounds when riding solo. I haven't actually got the little woman on the back since the shocks, but, I will as soon as the rain stops.
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:42 AM
  #15  
BiggDogg's Avatar
BiggDogg
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 2
From: Morristown, NJ
Default

Ok cool, I like the progressive shocks but might like the air ones better, as for now though I don't know how long I'd be able to ride the stock shocks set at the highest setting. I did notice allot of bouncing around on my ride yesterday after setting them. Today it's supposed to rain any minute now so I left the Bike at home. (I should be getting my rain cover in the mail any day now)
I'll figure it all out eventually and post about it. I want to save some money as well so I was thinking about installing the shocks myself. I hope it's not too complicated if I go with the air shocks.
 
Reply
Old Apr 14, 2009 | 11:38 PM
  #16  
SteveCarney's Avatar
SteveCarney
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
Default

I can't imagine it's hard, but you'll need two jacks. Either that or one to hold the bike, and somethign under the rear tire to hold it in place.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 07:28 AM
  #17  
BiggDogg's Avatar
BiggDogg
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,566
Likes: 2
From: Morristown, NJ
Default

I found some "low Profile" touring airshocks in J&P mag for about the same price as the 412 progressives but I'm going to look on ebay and call a couple dealers first.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 07:37 AM
  #18  
04ctd's Avatar
04ctd
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 206
From: Jax FL
Default

road king shocks go from 15~30 pounds, I have a pic of the page, and can post it.

you have to use something with low pressure (a bicycle pump) so you do not blow them out.

i use a home compressor, i just open the valve to pressurize the hose,
shut the valve, and that lets me get to ~30 psi in my Ultra when fully loaed,

the air PSI does NOT affect the ride height - just the damping.

FLHX / Street Glide shocks are shorter, so that may be an option.

but, yes, any dealer should have a PILE of take off HD touring shocks,
they are crap, but should work well in your application.

check ebay for "touring shock"
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 09:04 AM
  #19  
IGOTTASRT8's Avatar
IGOTTASRT8
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 332
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles
Default

Originally Posted by BiggDogg
I adjusted the rear stock shocks to the highest last night and took it for a spin. I noticed I had more cornering lean room before I scraped the feelers but I'm still iffy about that setting when it comes time to pack my fishing gear or 2 up.
Imagine what they'll feel like when you go 2 up with fishing gear, your dog, and the kitchen sink.
 
Reply
Old Apr 15, 2009 | 01:48 PM
  #20  
04ctd's Avatar
04ctd
Banned
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,967
Likes: 206
From: Jax FL
Default

Originally Posted by IGOTTASRT8
Imagine what they'll feel like when you go 2 up with fishing gear, your dog, and the kitchen sink.
yeah, i see a Ultra or Gold wing in his future, with the CB on, Cruise, and a cup o'Joe in a holder

ride safe & far!
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:30 PM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
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-2
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-3
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-4
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-5
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-6
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-7
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-8
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-9
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