2013 Sportster Suspension Upgrades
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
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From: Detroit, Michigan
2013 Sportster Suspension Upgrades
I am a heavy rider. Heavy in weight I mean.
I plan on modding the suspension on a 2013 Sportster Custom.
It will have progressive fork springs and new shocks with HD springs for 2 up riding.
My question is in regards to the length of rear shocks. Stock I believe is 11 1/2" and aftermarket runs up to 13 or 13 1/2".
Should I just get 1/2"+ longer shocks OR move to the max of 13 1/2" with a 1" lowering block?
My goal is a comfortable ride with two people for long trips.
Thank You in advance to all the suspension Gurus.
I plan on modding the suspension on a 2013 Sportster Custom.
It will have progressive fork springs and new shocks with HD springs for 2 up riding.
My question is in regards to the length of rear shocks. Stock I believe is 11 1/2" and aftermarket runs up to 13 or 13 1/2".
Should I just get 1/2"+ longer shocks OR move to the max of 13 1/2" with a 1" lowering block?
My goal is a comfortable ride with two people for long trips.
Thank You in advance to all the suspension Gurus.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
Whatever length you want, get that length. Don't plan on lowering blocks when you are buying new shocks, it just defeats the purpose (and is usually done to avoid buying new shocks in the first place).
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
Niinj, I have a 2007 1200 C and weigh right at 200. I went straight to 13.5" Progressive 440 standard shocks about 17,000 miles ago. I wouldn't change a thing. I tried LAChoppers 1" lowering blocks, they made the ride on small bumps choppy. I discovered I didn't need them anyway.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 207
Likes: 3
From: england
I went with these 13",make a world of difference,you can specify the spring rate you want.
http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/nitro.htm
http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/nitro.htm
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan
Thanks for your input.
I was looking at the 440's @ 13 1/2" and wondering if it would drop stability from loss of head angle?
If I may ask where did you set your sag at one rider at?
I was thinking with a longer shock with a HD spring running 1 1/4" sag.
I was looking at the 440's @ 13 1/2" and wondering if it would drop stability from loss of head angle?
If I may ask where did you set your sag at one rider at?
I was thinking with a longer shock with a HD spring running 1 1/4" sag.
Niinj, I have a 2007 1200 C and weigh right at 200. I went straight to 13.5" Progressive 440 standard shocks about 17,000 miles ago. I wouldn't change a thing. I tried LAChoppers 1" lowering blocks, they made the ride on small bumps choppy. I discovered I didn't need them anyway.
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Detroit, Michigan
Thanks for the link.
Boku spring rates to choose from.
At least I have another option other than Progressive.
Thanks again!!
Boku spring rates to choose from.
At least I have another option other than Progressive.
Thanks again!!
I went with these 13",make a world of difference,you can specify the spring rate you want.
http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/nitro.htm
http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/nitro.htm
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I have Race Tech springs in my Sporty forks. You can get them to match your weight (take a look at their website). It is very likely that at your forks sag a lot when you are sitting on your bike, but once sag is set correctly with your new springs the bike will sit higher and you will get more fork travel, plus a better ride. Progressive-rate springs are a compromise for springs matched to you!
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Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 328
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From: Chicagoland
Go with 13 1/2 Once you go taller you loose the cool lowered look so another 1/2 will only help with ride. I have the 440 13" with the monotubes and the ride is SWEET
No lowering blocks they screw up the ride quality
No lowering blocks they screw up the ride quality
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6th Gear
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 11
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From: Detroit, Michigan
I had planned on matching the progressive fork springs also. The hardest thing about doing the mods is knowing which ones are available and out of those the correct combination.
I would prefer a set matched for my application over just a generic upgrade.
Thanks To Everyone!!! This Place Rocks!!!
I would prefer a set matched for my application over just a generic upgrade.
Thanks To Everyone!!! This Place Rocks!!!
I have Race Tech springs in my Sporty forks. You can get them to match your weight (take a look at their website). It is very likely that at your forks sag a lot when you are sitting on your bike, but once sag is set correctly with your new springs the bike will sit higher and you will get more fork travel, plus a better ride. Progressive-rate springs are a compromise for springs matched to you!
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