Lower rear shocks for old Sportster
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
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From: Boston
Lower rear shocks for old Sportster
So I'm looking to lower my 87' Sporty in the rear. Don't like the stubby shocks, not going for the slammed look, but maybe something like the stock Sportster 48.
Question is what shocks fit my bike? Info seems to be spotty, and it would seem like shocks should be somewhat universal.
I guess I'm curious, would stock 48 shocks fit my old sporty or do I need something specific?
any other suggestions? Thanks
Question is what shocks fit my bike? Info seems to be spotty, and it would seem like shocks should be somewhat universal.
I guess I'm curious, would stock 48 shocks fit my old sporty or do I need something specific?
any other suggestions? Thanks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,525
Likes: 8
From: Wheeling, WV
Yes, the shocks are pretty much universal. You just need to figure out the length from eyelet to eyelet you want. You can always add spacers/washers to adjust how the shock mounts for the varying clearances.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 763
From: Heart of Dixie
Modern Harley shocks should fit fine. There are various problems mounting modern Harley shocks on the '85 and earlier models, though. I put some take-off 11-3/4" shocks from a 2012 model on my '83, and I had to replace the wider top and bottom bushings in the new shocks with the narrow ones from my old shocks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,427
Likes: 763
From: Heart of Dixie
Thanks. If your swingarm has the boxed lower mount, you'll have to do what I did. The rubber bushings and metal sleeves on the newer Harley shocks are longer than they were on the older ones, and won't fit in the box on the swingarm. I pressed them out with a gear puller...they're in there pretty tight.
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2013
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From: Boston
Do you think very carefully hitting them with a flap wheel grinder would do the trick, rather than press them out? Is the bolt hole the same diameter?
I'm looking at a used set of oem shocks from a 2013 Sportster, 11.6" eye to eye.
How does yours ride with those shocks?
I'm looking at a used set of oem shocks from a 2013 Sportster, 11.6" eye to eye.
How does yours ride with those shocks?
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