I have a 2005 883 Low.

First, I was wondering if it would change my life in any way to replace the stock factory-lowered front fork springs to the Progressive springs from their drop-in lowering kit. The roads around here are horrible and I frequently get my molars rattled with the current set-up bottoming out. Has any one tried the Progressive front end lowering kit? I know the Burly one is very popular.

Second, I am planning to do a 1250 conversion this winter and will be doing some 2-up riding next year. The stock length of my rear shocks now is 11.5". I want the look of the old FLH covered rear shocks, so I am interested in the covered Progressive 412's, but these only come in an 11" model.

Will lowering it even further than stock, another 1/2", make that big of a difference in the front-to-rear angle? Can I make up any difference by adjusting the shock tension? (Does the shock setting alter the length, or just the spring tension - unsure.) Is going another 1/2" lower ok for 2-up if it is a Progressive shock?

Thanks for your help.

R

 

Sounds like you may be due a set of air shocks soon. They have the look you are after and the ride is great. Here is a set of Ultima's on my 2007 883L...

 

Yeah, I have looked at those as well. Are those originally intended for baggers? I've seen dudes put Road King shocks on Sporties which seems like another option.

Are you still sitting level with the Ultima rear and stock front springs? Does adjusting these change their length or only the stiffness of the ride?

I have done some research and it seems as though there is about a 1/2" height difference between the stock 04-05 Lows and the later 07+. I'd have to see if your example would work with my bike.

Any full length shots of your bike that you can provide?

Thanks.

R

 

I think you can get the RK shocks in 11"...these Ultima's are 12". Adding or subtracting air only affects the ride quality, not the length of the shock. Bike pictured has a wide glide front-end using the stock forks and internals. Handling and ride was superb...I even added air to the forks.

 

Your 883L might have the same length rear shocks as my '06 Custom does. I think I remember mine being 11.5" stock. I got the Street Glide air shocks, they sell them as 12" shocks, but they measured 11.75" if I remember correctly. I didn't notice the 1/4" difference.

 

i just got the prigressive drop in kit for my 07 sporty. i wanted to lower it and have progressive springs... on thing i regret is ordering at midnight after being awake for 20 hours...
turns out the drop in kit is not a progressive rate spring, it is made by progressive suspension. however it is still much better than the stock fork springs i had.
what you want is the progressive rate spring lowering kit. it comes with 2 coil springs that you install at the bottom of the tube. 1 spring is 1" drop.. 2 springs is 2" drop and putting no additional lower spring is stock.

 

I have progressive springs and shocks and am very pleased. I didn't use the lowering kit, just the recommended length springs for the 883L. Also have the same length shocks.

I don't understand the current attraction for air shocks. I have them on my Ultra, and frankly the Sporty suspension is better using progressive. But, don't take my word for it. Look around on the Touring forum. You will often find guys that are swapping the air suspension for regular shocks.