Ok guys/gals! Not new to the forum, but I am new as in registered :-)

So here is the deal; I recently acquired a 2008 Nightster, and am in love. That's an obvious I would suppose since I purchased it. Lol

Like many others, I have come to realize that the ride is a tad rough and uncomfortable after a couple hours. As for add-ons I have a Vance & Hines exhaust & a Screamin' Eagle Heavy Breather. Currently it is residing at my local dealer for a Screamin' Eagle Tuner & Dyno Tune. I'm becoming a little apprehensive.

Anyhow, to the point. Every year my family plans a vacation and we usually have a great time. However, it doesn't seem that we are embarking on one this year. So I have set out to plan my own adventure with a buddy of mine who owns a GSXR 750.

If anyone wants to play along and map this out, here is my plan:
I live near Lexington, KY and plan to ride to Washington, D.C. I've never been and thought that would be an awesome ride; especially through the West Virginia Mountains!

Then I realized once there, I'm only a few hours from Virginia Beach, Virginia. I have some family there I could visit with and enjoy some beach time that I usually get on vacation. We could also cruise by STIHL USA HQ. I sell their equipment; if it's not a STIHL, it's disposable! ;-)

After a few days there, head on home. A good week vacation with a long ride, wih awesome sites and some relaxation.

If some of you have stuck with me this long, you're probably thinking I'm nuts! Lol, I can't blame you.

Instead of just asking "what rear shocks do you recommend?" I have given you a good story. You know the journey and can figure out the mileage! Go on, pull up Google Maps........... ;-)

I am a 6' 230lb male. Shocks, forks & seat are factory.

What items can I purchase (at a reasonable price) to make this journey and future riding more comfortable and enjoyable?

BTW, I have heard of Mean City Cycles and have checked out their work. Anyone had their Nightster seat done up by them and really like it? What material did you have installed?

Also, I like mid-controls. Yes I know, I'm the minority. Maybe highway pegs for the long rides? Also, I don't want a windshield for this bike.

Just hit me with everything you have!!! No such thing as a post too lengthy!

 

You didn't mention budget, but here's what I'd do:

-replace the rear shocks with take-offs from a tour bike ($50-100)
-add an engine guard with footpegs ($250-300)
-ride

 

I have done some research and a lot of reading on this forum about touring shocks. To say the least, my head is spinning.

 

My research shows about 1300 miles round trip. Is that close? Here is what I would recommend after 22000 miles on my Sporty...

-Instead of buying a new seat, buy a seat cushion. I bought one at Walmart that is meant for a car and it has worked great for long trips. Click this to see what I'm talking about.

-If your throttle hand gets tired and/or cramps after long periods of riding, check out the Throttle Boss from Kuryakyn. It might not look like much, but it makes a big difference if you are riding on the highway for a long period of time. See it here.

-If you are open to putting an engine guard on your bike, then definitely add a set of highway pegs to it.

-You didn't say how you planned on carrying all of your luggage, but if you do use a sissy bar to strap your luggage to, it can also act as a back rest for you. That can be helpful since you do not plan on adding a windshield. Being able to lean back on something can really cut down the fatigue when you have the wind pounding on your chest.

-Lastly, no matter how you configure your bike for this upcoming trip, just have fun!

 

Yes sir! About 1,300 miles. Thanks for the suggestions! I just wish I could find someone with a DETAILED list about changing the rear shocks to touring models and the fork springs. I'm certain I could do that stuff myself. But then again I'm not sure that work is really worth it.

 

I suggest a really good seat to replace the stock one and keep the stock shocks for now.

 

Thanks for the reply! What is your reasoning for this?

 

The very first thing I would recommend is a nice comfy touring seat for your bike I use the Mustang 2-up they have all kinds for your bike great seats http:// www.mustangseats.com

The second thing on the list would be a real sheepskin Buttpad to add to your touring comfort I ordered mine at http://www.alaskaleather.com. and it was worth every penny.

The 3rd essential for touring/Long road trips would be a good quality windshield for your bike as it will protect you from a number of flying objects mainly bugs and it will stop the wind from beating you to death on a long trip.
I like National Cycle traditional style Heavy duty windshields.
http://www.nationalcycle.com

I would get these items before the shocks and see how you like the ride and how your bike feels.

 

From another Nightster owner.

Shocks are easy to replace and take off's can be had at a reasonable price. You'll want a bike lift for the job. If you don't have one Harbor Freight has fairly priced options. I personally put on a set of 13.5 " 1200R shocks with 1" DK lowering blocks. I'm sure the touring air shocks are better, but these protect me pretty well from expansion joints and other uneven road surfaces.

I've also got a Sundowner seat, which I'm currently not in love with, but my wife is. My problem is I'm 6' 1" 165 and my backside doesn't fill out the seat. It's made for a much bigger posterior. I just made a reservation @ Mean City yesterday to have my seat tailored to my size. The earliest appointment was June 27th unless you want to spend the extra $100 for express service. I can't wait to get it back, I'm going for the memory foam upgrade as well.

You may not dig a windshield but they certainly have a purpose. I'm not crazy about the looks of mine, but if I'm doing much more than bar hoping I don't go without it. The protection is awesome, and keeps me from getting burnt out tired by mid day.

With mid controls you'll definitely want another place to put your feet during the hours of travel. Being able to move them changes your weight distribution in the seat and really helps to keep your butt from going numb.

Hope this helps. Enjoy your trip.

 

If you have been on a good all day run on your bike you should know why. The stock seat sucks and your A$$ will be really sore after one of those with a stock seat. And the 2up part of that seat is even worse. Not only will your A$$ thank you but so will your wife's. you'll still need to get a short sissy bar for her but at least the bottom will be taken care of.