If I run burley slammer 10.5 rears on my sportster 72 when I ride will I bottom out I weigh 150 and wife weighs 130. Suggestions to get same look without bottoming out.

 

They are not called 'slammers' for nothing! They have very little travel, so I doubt if your weights will matter much, you are likely to find life pretty uncomfortable. To avoid bottoming out you need to consider using significantly longer and better quality shocks.

Shocks are one of the most popular topics, across all models, on HDF. Many members chase nirvana by buying cheap short shocks for looks, but to be honest the suspension industry can only do so much, if travel is so short.

 

I had the same shocks on my used 2009 XL883L and the first thing I did was change them out for 12 inchers, I also replaced the fork springs, seals and oil. Those changes made the bike much more user friendly. With the Burley Slammer set up, it was like the bike was trying to throw me off if I just ran over a quarter in the roadway. It was like riding a bronco. The lean angle improved as well with the 12 inchers and new fork springs. Much better in the turns and sweepers. All around handling improved exponentially. It's like it got its manners back. By the way, I am a 5'6" 71Y.O. male weighing about 132lbs and never ride two-up. I also make sure my tire pressures are 30psi front and 36psi rear before every ride.

Re: same look without bottoming out - You can't fool with Mother Nature or the Laws of physics... you can't have it both ways. Either look 'Cool", or ride in comfort and safety, your choice.


"He Who Lives In Joy Does His Creator's Will".
The Baal shem Tov, Founder of Chasidic Judaism... ca. 1750's

 

I have those exact shocks on mine and I've ridden 2 up with them on there. I turned the pre-season all the way up and removed the solo seat bolt from the rear fender and it rode fine, didn't bottom out either. I'm 6-4 and about 190 and used my 140 pound sister as a guinea pig the first time I took it out with that setup. It's not the most comfortable ride mind you but like the guy above me said you can't really have both comfort and cool.

 

What about the brackets to keep the stock shocks but change the angle to lower it?

 

You should be alright with lowering brackets but keep in mind changing the spring angle will make them a little stiffer but shouldn't be too horrible.

 

You'll need to decide on (1) ride comfort or (2) looks...with those shocks, you can't have both...