Ok.....I am 40 years old, and have been riding since I was 16. I have had back problems for the last 15 years, but nothing terrible. I have always had sportsters, and have never done any suspension upgrades. I was recently diagnosed with spondylolisthesis (my lumbar spine is sliding off of my sacrum). I will have back surgery next month, but don't want to give up my sportys. I know that I am getting up in years, but really don't like the looks or handling of the bigger bikes, especially the "geezer glides." What is the best suspension upgrades?? Not the cheapest, but what gives the smoothest ride?? I am currently on an 09 Iron. Any feedback will be greatly appreciated.

 

Ill be 40 in august I just put air shocks on my 06 custom but im a heavy guy anyways and it made a world of difference

 

I would suggest some Road King or Street Glide shocks (SG shocks are 1" shorter) with some lowering blocks. The RK or SG shocks will smooth things out and the lowering brkts will change the angle of the shock, changing the leverage, smoothing things out even more. Dont even hook up air lines. Put plugs or vents in place of the air fittings.

 

And a Mustang vintage solo seat,,,

Also you didn't say year and model,,,
A "Low" or a custom will not ride as smooth as a Roadster,,less shock travel
Air shocks should really be up your ally,,specially if ya got a low model.
If yer tall go Longer,,
Remember keep the lower frame rails level or a bit lower to the rear.
Fork tuning will do wonders for a bikes ride quality also.

The Single biggest thing you can do for the most noticable comfort change
Is to Hydrate properly the day BEFORE you ride. The water you drink today
helps you tomorrow,,
Strong abs are a biggie,they help support you,,Beer guts,,well,,you get me
Also a proper stretching every day three times a day Is very Important.

Motorcycling Is a Sport before It's anything else.

 

You can (maybe even "should") also get a kidney belt from a motocross store. They work wonders for me.

 

Never thought of that,,,
will look into one,,

 

This!

Back when I rode dirtbikes I wore one, not for protection, but bc I needed back support. Helped tons!

 

A good kidney belt has allowed me to keep riding on a Nightster's stock suspension and seat, even with the severe arthritis I have in my L3-L5 vertebrae.

 

i have rk shocks, i dont care about it looks higher because of my motorcyle style and they work wonders

long rides ( 700 miles a day ) ,,,,not a problem,,, not as confortable of a big bike but confy enough, and in town ride way way way better of the big ones. way better in corners, can smoke a big twin in twisties by far and is a 883

 

I hear ya,, L3 n L4,,disk problem long ago,,compressed,,
Thats one reason I wanted the Roadster,,more travel

Kidney belt,,damn good Idea