Issues with the Nightster
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Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 66
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Let me try to help and yes I have dealt with all these,
1. Suspension-Rear Progressive 412's, Front Progressive Springs
2. Low suspension clearance-Forwards, big difference in clearance than the mids
3. Eng power - Stage 1 pipes, intake, tuner etc.. mine is a rocket
4. Seat - Mustang solo, but once all the above is done stock seat is great.
1. Suspension-Rear Progressive 412's, Front Progressive Springs
2. Low suspension clearance-Forwards, big difference in clearance than the mids
3. Eng power - Stage 1 pipes, intake, tuner etc.. mine is a rocket
4. Seat - Mustang solo, but once all the above is done stock seat is great.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
From: Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada
Thanks for the thoughts. Just to clarify
-I've been riding for ten years, owned half a dozen bikes, mostly cruisers, and the Nightster is my first Harley. I bought it a year or so ago.
-Around here, it is impossible to avoid every bump, heave, or seam that might be capable of launching me out of the seat.
-Rear shocks have been maxed since the second week I had the bike. I've thought about upgrading to some Progressives and I'm glad to hear that so many here have had success with installing aftermarket shocks.
-I have Screamin Eagle pipes but have not upgraded the a/c or the EFI module. Again, glad to hear that those mods might balance out the power delivery a bit.
In a perfect world, I'd have a garage full of bikes, but can only have one at time (damn money). I'm hoping that with a couple of tweaks, the Nightster will broaden it's appeal to me. It's a great bike and in many ways it's second to nothing else.
appreciate everyone's thoughts - cheers
-I've been riding for ten years, owned half a dozen bikes, mostly cruisers, and the Nightster is my first Harley. I bought it a year or so ago.
-Around here, it is impossible to avoid every bump, heave, or seam that might be capable of launching me out of the seat.
-Rear shocks have been maxed since the second week I had the bike. I've thought about upgrading to some Progressives and I'm glad to hear that so many here have had success with installing aftermarket shocks.
-I have Screamin Eagle pipes but have not upgraded the a/c or the EFI module. Again, glad to hear that those mods might balance out the power delivery a bit.
In a perfect world, I'd have a garage full of bikes, but can only have one at time (damn money). I'm hoping that with a couple of tweaks, the Nightster will broaden it's appeal to me. It's a great bike and in many ways it's second to nothing else.
appreciate everyone's thoughts - cheers
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: San Francisco - Bay Area, CA
I bought a used 2008 nightster a few weeks ago and absolutely love it! I ventured on a 300+ mile trip to Street Vibrations in Reno over the weekend and discovered one issue with me on the bike.
I noticed that when I hit a seam in the road (mostly going over overpasses on the freeways), I get launched from my seat...thankfully, I'm used to holding on! I am a little nervous because if I somehow don't land back on my seat....I imagine I might crash! It's very disconcerting....and Yes..I am paying attention, however these are somewhat unavoidable on our crappy - california freeways! I brace my feet on the pegs also, but sometimes that just gives me more air!
I'm only 5ft. tall, and about 125lbs...so I'm not sure if it's because I'm a little on the lighter side or what.... Do I really need to change to progressive shocks - will this help me or can I just adjust my stock shocks. Because I'm sooo short, I don't want to raise the bike anymore....as I like being flat footed on the ground while stopped.
i love the bike.....but I need to find a way where it's not sooo harsh when I hit those wicked seams at 80mph! any advice would be appreciated!
I noticed that when I hit a seam in the road (mostly going over overpasses on the freeways), I get launched from my seat...thankfully, I'm used to holding on! I am a little nervous because if I somehow don't land back on my seat....I imagine I might crash! It's very disconcerting....and Yes..I am paying attention, however these are somewhat unavoidable on our crappy - california freeways! I brace my feet on the pegs also, but sometimes that just gives me more air!
I'm only 5ft. tall, and about 125lbs...so I'm not sure if it's because I'm a little on the lighter side or what.... Do I really need to change to progressive shocks - will this help me or can I just adjust my stock shocks. Because I'm sooo short, I don't want to raise the bike anymore....as I like being flat footed on the ground while stopped.
i love the bike.....but I need to find a way where it's not sooo harsh when I hit those wicked seams at 80mph! any advice would be appreciated!
Last edited by lildee; Sep 27, 2010 at 05:53 PM. Reason: Better description of issue.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,258
Likes: 523
From: USA
I have been launched from the seat too (1200N - vivid blk w/ crash guard, oil cooler and sissy bar...was also at Reno) and yes I swear out loud when it happens
You just have to watch the road and stand up on the pegs when you see a bump, yet sometimes (sometimes) a bump will still get you.
In regards to upgraded suspension, IMHO it won't matter. I have been launched out of the seat on race bikes with nitrogen gas fully adjustable shocks and set ups by professional suspension companies for me specifically.
Speed could be the issue; yes at 80 you will launch harder than at 65.
A thicker seat and longer travel rear shocks will lessen the issue, yet you loose the "look" of the N. You'll still launch as your speed increases.
You just have to watch the road and stand up on the pegs when you see a bump, yet sometimes (sometimes) a bump will still get you.
In regards to upgraded suspension, IMHO it won't matter. I have been launched out of the seat on race bikes with nitrogen gas fully adjustable shocks and set ups by professional suspension companies for me specifically.
Speed could be the issue; yes at 80 you will launch harder than at 65.
A thicker seat and longer travel rear shocks will lessen the issue, yet you loose the "look" of the N. You'll still launch as your speed increases.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,647
Likes: 2
From: Fairmont, Wv
To the OP. Road king shocks will cure the height and ride problem you are having. It will raise it 1 inch and give you a much, much better ride and cost is under $100. As for trips? I can say that I ride 300 to 600 miles on any given weekend (15000 miles on my 09) and have no problem. I use throw over saddle bags, detachable windshield and p-pad for the ole lady. No it is not ideal for touring, but it is not a touring bike. If you want a cushy ride with saddlebags, get yourself a road king or goldwing.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 608
Likes: 0
From: Westchester, New York
I rode 26 miles one way through the Bronx into NYC everyday for 8 months on the stock suspension. Roads don't much worse than here. It rode hard but I never felt scared except for one insane raised road section on the Bruckner Expwy! This past summer, I finally got around to swapping out for Progressive 12.5 412's - the bike rides much better. If I did again, I might even go for 13" shocks.
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