Shock Question
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
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Shock Question
Hi there Everybody,
I am looking at some rear shocks "Harley Davidson 1988 Sportster OEM rear shocks "
They originally came off a 88 SPortster XL.
I have an 88 XLH 883 DLX sportster and was wondering if anybody could tell me if they should/ would fit mine?
Thanks in advance
COY
I am looking at some rear shocks "Harley Davidson 1988 Sportster OEM rear shocks "
They originally came off a 88 SPortster XL.
I have an 88 XLH 883 DLX sportster and was wondering if anybody could tell me if they should/ would fit mine?
Thanks in advance
COY
Last edited by coyboss; Aug 25, 2009 at 04:37 AM. Reason: typos
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 310
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From: Music City
My question is why spend $ on old, stock shocks unless it's a restoration.
Your money could be better spend on improving the ride & handling with something like a set of progressives?
And I agree with Nailer- the 88 shocks should fit your 88 Sportster.
Your money could be better spend on improving the ride & handling with something like a set of progressives?
And I agree with Nailer- the 88 shocks should fit your 88 Sportster.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
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Screaming deal??
I don't know
Would $30 for the pair be a screaming deal??
Mine on my 88 are either non-stock or worn out. (sink all the way to tire with 2 people on bike)
As for parts for an 88 fitting an 88,.... I have had a few
instances where I ordered a part that was "Supposed" to fit an
88, but didn't fit mine.
Also they were advertised as off an
88 XL sporty. Mine is an XLH 883 DLX, so I wasn't sure if
the different Model # would make a difference.
Thanks for the replies.
COY
Would $30 for the pair be a screaming deal??
Mine on my 88 are either non-stock or worn out. (sink all the way to tire with 2 people on bike)
As for parts for an 88 fitting an 88,.... I have had a few
instances where I ordered a part that was "Supposed" to fit an
88, but didn't fit mine.
Also they were advertised as off an
88 XL sporty. Mine is an XLH 883 DLX, so I wasn't sure if
the different Model # would make a difference.
Thanks for the replies.
COY
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 272
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From: In your closet
Unless you have record of them being rebuilt recently, even if you got 'em for free, it'd be a waste of time to put 'em on. Secondly, you mentioned you're having a problem with riding two-up. You'll need to know the weight you're looking for the shocks to handle, and then make sure the shocks can handle/have the right spring rate for it.
Thread Starter
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Stage III
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3
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Not like I am trying to have 800 or 1000 pounds on this thing
IKE
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,073
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No. Free might be a screaming deal, but not $30.
Most likely they're worn out. But, the used ones you're looking to buy are just as old and if they aren't as worn out as your current springs, they probably aren't far behind...
I believe that you will be better served to buy new, quality springs now and save yourself the frustration of buying more shocks in the near future and reinstalling them.
I believe that you will be better served to buy new, quality springs now and save yourself the frustration of buying more shocks in the near future and reinstalling them.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 172
Likes: 2
Springs & Loading
A brand new 92 Sportster could carry a max. load of 400 lbs. That was maximum on new springs.
Springs weaken considerably in only 10 years. In 3 decades they could easily have lost 25% of their load carrying capacity.
If you intend to do a lot of two-up riding, your best bet would be to talk with a knowledgeable indy who knows which spring/shock combination would give you the best ride with 400 pounds, while still maintaining suspension compliance.
The shock itself doesn't determine the load carrying capacity. It is the spring that carries the weight while the shock dampens the rate of suspension movement.
Be aware, also, that the Hugger uses shorter shock assemblies. The year "88" isn't as important as knowing the center-to-center length of the shocks.
Springs weaken considerably in only 10 years. In 3 decades they could easily have lost 25% of their load carrying capacity.
If you intend to do a lot of two-up riding, your best bet would be to talk with a knowledgeable indy who knows which spring/shock combination would give you the best ride with 400 pounds, while still maintaining suspension compliance.
The shock itself doesn't determine the load carrying capacity. It is the spring that carries the weight while the shock dampens the rate of suspension movement.
Be aware, also, that the Hugger uses shorter shock assemblies. The year "88" isn't as important as knowing the center-to-center length of the shocks.
Last edited by Bentwrench; Aug 27, 2009 at 08:45 PM. Reason: Clarification.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 310
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From: Music City
New, stock shocks for a Sporty blow, even for a single rider.
You are going to be better off investing in aftermarket shocks, especially of you are riding 2 up.