I am sure that it has been discussed what are good shocks to buy , but I am looking more for a good set that will also lower my sportster. My stock shocks are 12.5 inches eye to eye. I bought a set (made for lowering a dyna), that were 11 inches eye to eye. They did lower it nicely, but are way to stiff.
I would like a set that is 10.5 to 11 inches eye to eye but made for a sportster. Any advice is appreciated. By the way, my avatar is with the stock
shocks. Adjusted to the stiffest setting the ride is perfect, just want to go lower. I have short legs.

 

Pal of mine had an XLS just like yours, for many years! The reason the Dyna shocks are too stiff is that Dynas are heavier than your Sporty, also shorter shocks have to compensate for having less travel. Unfortunately cheap shocks tend to use stiff springs, to mask crappy damping. This is a frequent topic, so use Search for 'shocks' for a bit of background reading.

 

I changed the stock ones with Burly Slammer Shocks (10.5" eye-to-eye). It lowered the bike by an inch but they are stiff which I don't mind at all (definitely not worse than stock ones).

And they do look good (Get the Chrome ones).

 

Burly Slammers are the way to go. They are designed not to allow you tire to bottom out, unlike using lowering blocks.

Have them on my 04R, wife and I both love them.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. I will look into the Burly Slammers. Hey KINGXIROL,
they only dropped yours by 1 inch? What were the eye to eye on your stock? Pic?

 

I have Licks Cycles 10" 2G shocks on my bike and like them.

 

On my 1200C the stock ones were 11.5" eye-to-eye so Burly shocks provided an inch drop. My indy advised against going any lower as the rear tire was very close the fender as it is. On bumpy rides, you run the risk of fender hitting the tire and messing up the wiring for rear lights etc in this case.

Attached pic should give you an idea on how they look on the bike while it was in-progress. Double click on it for enlarged view.

 

Why not just go to dk and get lowering blocks and use stock height shocks. This will retain better travel vs lowering shock and still net the drop you want.

 

I like the 10.5 Burley's

 

I have a set of Progressive 440s for sale in the classifieds. They are low miles, 11" eye to eye, custom painted black springs. Let me know if you are interested.