Sportster Models 883, 883 Custom, 1200 Custom, 883L, 1200L, 1200S, 1200 Roadster, XR1200, and the Nightster.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Shocks on 48

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 4, 2014 | 07:27 PM
  #1  
Fairbanksdmt's Avatar
Fairbanksdmt
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Chandler
Default Shocks on 48

I have combed through the threads on here about upgrading their rear shocks on the Harley 48 but the data I'm getting out of the responses are not quite what I'm looking for.
I have a 2013 Harley 48, I'm 5.8 and 175 lbs in gear. I ride solo, but ride hard and my goal is to improve not only the ride quality for comfort but to improve the handling of my bike.
I have seen many threads on Progressive shocks both 412 and 444's and such, but my question is this: If you had say only about $600 bucks to dedicate to improving the ride quality on your sporty what would you do? If I go with top of the line Progressives that is about 10% of the total cost of the bike and I can't justify it in my head. Are the Progressive 444's really worth it and why? What characteristics were so improved, or not improved, or should I go another direction entirely? Any specific examples or insight would very greatly appreciated.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2014 | 09:25 PM
  #2  
mopeman-72HD's Avatar
mopeman-72HD
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 368
Likes: 0
From: Here
Default

You could go for the RG or SG air shocks and get progressive fork springs and have some $ left over for another mod?
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2014 | 09:34 PM
  #3  
Dusty Bones's Avatar
Dusty Bones
Banned
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,461
Likes: 4
From: MI
Default

Originally Posted by mopeman-72HD
You could go for the RG or SG air shocks and get progressive fork springs and have some $ left over for another mod?
This, and get rid of the stock tires. If you get better suspension and leave the stock tires on then all you are doing is putting a band aid on the issue. I was about to do the same thing and this being my first sportster (got tired of bikes weighing half a ton). Bought a barely used sporty and the ride was horrible. After getting real tires and adjusting the stock suspension to the middle preload setting it rides like a dream. Saved a bunch of money adjusting and trashing them horrible tires.

Start with tires, and adjusting. If it is not where you want it then upgrade suspension. The stock tires are that bad.
 
Reply
Old May 4, 2014 | 10:31 PM
  #4  
Fairbanksdmt's Avatar
Fairbanksdmt
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Chandler
Default

Originally Posted by Dusty Bones
This, and get rid of the stock tires. If you get better suspension and leave the stock tires on then all you are doing is putting a band aid on the issue. I was about to do the same thing and this being my first sportster (got tired of bikes weighing half a ton). Bought a barely used sporty and the ride was horrible. After getting real tires and adjusting the stock suspension to the middle preload setting it rides like a dream. Saved a bunch of money adjusting and trashing them horrible tires.

Start with tires, and adjusting. If it is not where you want it then upgrade suspension. The stock tires are that bad.
Man I'm glad to hear this because as you know i'm all about ditching these stock tires even though they have at least 5k worth of tread left on them. These scorchers suck and I'm doing the 170 wide s*****o immediately. That last time the rear slide out on me and almost caused a low side for no reason I knew these tires were going in the dumpster.
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 12:24 AM
  #5  
blakeusa's Avatar
blakeusa
Novice
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Ashford, CT
Default Tires

What kind or brand of tires do you recommend ?
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 01:31 AM
  #6  
Raulgutz's Avatar
Raulgutz
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 138
Likes: 1
From: Anchorage
Default

Shinko 777. I'm running a 170-70-16 on my rear and it's awesome. Smooth and corners like a dream. Super soft too.
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 05:18 AM
  #7  
Fairbanksdmt's Avatar
Fairbanksdmt
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 182
Likes: 0
From: Chandler
Default

Originally Posted by mopeman-72HD
You could go for the RG or SG air shocks and get progressive fork springs and have some $ left over for another mod?
Is there a particular model on both of these recommendations that you think would be the best for performance and fitment? Would it be ok to get used ones or is that not a good idea?
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 05:52 AM
  #8  
Rog48's Avatar
Rog48
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Default

Your not that heavy, Id stay away from the air shocks.
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-3

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

 Verdad Gallardo
Old May 5, 2014 | 08:25 AM
  #9  
wachuko's Avatar
wachuko
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 77
From: Orlando, FL
Default

PM sent.
 
Reply
Old May 5, 2014 | 06:07 PM
  #10  
DK Custom's Avatar
DK Custom
Platinum Sponsor
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 18,685
Likes: 5,815
From: Hickory Flat, Mississippi
Default

If you get a pair of 13" take-off air shocks and run a couple of #'s in them, and some Avon tires, I think you still have some green left over.

The 13" will give you some more lean, and some quicker steering. The Avon's love the corners.

 
__________________
DKCustomProducts.com
Call/Text: 662-252-8828
Email: Support@DKCustomProducts.com
Open House Details














Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 08:30 AM.

story-0
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-1
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-2
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-4
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-5
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE
story-6
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's new RMCR concept revives the café racer formula with modern hardware-and it may be exactly the reset the company needs.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-04 12:23:37


VIEW MORE
story-7
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II

Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-02-24 18:19:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy

Slideshow: There is no shortage of great motorcycles to buy, but we would avoid these ten.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 14:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-01-13 18:33:17


VIEW MORE