better ride
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
better ride
Will changing the stock shocks produce a better ride on a 2007 883L? Since it is a Low, would changing the shocks be a futile effort in trying to make it a more comfortable ride? Now it is rough on the spine even on the smallest of bumps.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1,601
The best way to get a better ride is to remove the L (low) part of the 883L. The primary reason it rides so rough is because you're blowing through what little travel you have and bottoming out. Better quality shocks in the stock length will improve the ride marginally as the dampening will control the compression of the shock better and hopefully bottom out a little softer but your still stuck with far too little travel for any kind of "good" ride quality.
The very best thing I ever did to my 883C was to ditch the 11" Progressives the PO had on the back and put on a set of 13.5" ones. The ride was WAY better, the steering was quicker, the bike responded to bar inputs better and it gained a considerable amount of much needed cornering clearance. There is NO WAY I would ever have another Sportster with less than a 12" shock on it.
The very best thing I ever did to my 883C was to ditch the 11" Progressives the PO had on the back and put on a set of 13.5" ones. The ride was WAY better, the steering was quicker, the bike responded to bar inputs better and it gained a considerable amount of much needed cornering clearance. There is NO WAY I would ever have another Sportster with less than a 12" shock on it.
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Novice
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 15
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Pretty much what I figured.....not a great deal can be done it seems. I am kinda of spoiled I guess too because I have a 2010 RG.....cadillac ride in comparison, but mucho heavy...lol. The sportster sure is a blast to ride though! I bought this bike for my short commute to work and because I have a very short inseam. Much easier to park in a parking garage at work.
Will a 13.5 shock work? I have already replaced the seat with a mustang....that helped some. Thanks for the replies, I knew someone would have some first hand experience and could provide a suggested solution.
Ride safe!
Will a 13.5 shock work? I have already replaced the seat with a mustang....that helped some. Thanks for the replies, I knew someone would have some first hand experience and could provide a suggested solution.
Ride safe!
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 522
Likes: 2
From: pennsylvania
hi there i have an 07 883L , first thing i did was put progressive 412 shocks on it , i went 1/2 in longer than stock , it made a world of difference , i can ride all day long now , its a very good idea to change the shocks out as the stock units give a bone jarring ride .
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: Sterling Heights, MI
12.5" 412HD Progressive shock made a huge night and day difference for mr and at $290 it didn't break the bank either. 1.5" taller than stock, totally worth it and you don't even notice it that much in the stance.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
sandman...try some streetglide air shocks in the rear and some progressive fork springs with new screaming eagle fork oil. search "road king shocks on sporties". i have yet to read anything negative and speaking from personal experience...i have 09 883l. after a few different shocks on the rear, and reading numerous post about rk shocks on the sporty, i found a set on ebay for 35 bucks. worth every penny. by the way, the streetglide shocks are an inch shorter than the rk shocks. and, with the addition of the mustang seat, you will be amazed.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Sand, I went with 13.5" Progressive 440s on my 1200C and Progressive forks springs with 7w Belray fork oil and struck on a near perfect combination. Since the shocks are at an angle to the swing arm the bike is only raised by about half the additional shock length.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 279
Likes: 1
From: Ithaca, NY/Bristol, UK
I put Street Glide air shocks and Progressive fork springs on my 48 and it has transformed the bike. No more spine jarring moments and the stance hasn't changed a bit, I can't recommend these upgrades enough!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 99
Likes: 15
From: Flat Rock, MI
I need to change shocks on my 883r as well. Im about 225 and I had to stiffen the shocks up in the back to keep the bike from bottoming out, but now my back is just getting pounded. Ive been debating between the progressive 412/440's and the road king air shocks. For you guys that went the air shock route, are they a direct bolt on and how hard are they to set up and adjust?