Highway Riding
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 1,774
Likes: 105
From: Houston, Texas
My Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 is a much better highway bike then my 14 Sportster Custom. The Kawasaki cruises better and smoother, and handles great.
With that said, I've put more miles on Sportsters in the past 6 months then I have on the Kaw .
With that said, I've put more miles on Sportsters in the past 6 months then I have on the Kaw .
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 11
From: Belgium
To the OP
Aside the R/K shocks you may find for cheap on Ebay, a not so cheap option is to put a spring seat on your bike, I did it, the seat springs I use on my bike are 5" ones, I had to ditch my R/K shoks because the bike was too high for me. Putting back the stock rear shocks on position #3 with the 5" spring seat really transformed the bike, any highway bump is really flattened out, and God knows I'm riding on the worst roads in Europe, even Albania has better roads.
Aside the R/K shocks you may find for cheap on Ebay, a not so cheap option is to put a spring seat on your bike, I did it, the seat springs I use on my bike are 5" ones, I had to ditch my R/K shoks because the bike was too high for me. Putting back the stock rear shocks on position #3 with the 5" spring seat really transformed the bike, any highway bump is really flattened out, and God knows I'm riding on the worst roads in Europe, even Albania has better roads.
Last edited by Proteus; Sep 15, 2014 at 02:58 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 77
From: Orlando, FL
To the OP
Aside the R/K shocks you may find for cheap on Ebay, a not so cheap option is to put a spring seat on your bike, I did it, the seat springs I use on my bike are 5" ones, I had to ditch my R/K shoks because the bike was too high for me. Putting back the stock rear shocks on position #3 with the 5" spring seat really transformed the bike, any highway bump is really flattened out, and God knows I'm riding on the worst roads in Europe, even Albania has better roads.
Aside the R/K shocks you may find for cheap on Ebay, a not so cheap option is to put a spring seat on your bike, I did it, the seat springs I use on my bike are 5" ones, I had to ditch my R/K shoks because the bike was too high for me. Putting back the stock rear shocks on position #3 with the 5" spring seat really transformed the bike, any highway bump is really flattened out, and God knows I'm riding on the worst roads in Europe, even Albania has better roads.
However, that does not help the front.. you still need something better in the front. Many options that will give you a headache just searching, reading, and trying to decide. I simple path is what I mentioned, the monotubes, drop them in and you are done. These I got from amazon for around 180.00 delivered.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
Enjoy your bike as it is equipped now and save your upgrade money for a Slim or Dyna or perhaps even a touring bike if you are looking for a more comfortable ride or to travel the Interstate . . .if you have the means. Take a few test runs with the Big Twins before you sink money into a losing proposition. Many riders your height and weight are on the bigger bikes, including plenty of women.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 287
From: Texas
My Iron beat the hell out of me when I first got it. After putting a Mustang Vintage solo on it and adjusting the shocks, it was much better.
I thought about getting Progressives, but after putting a lot more miles on it, I think the shocks are now broken in. 10,000 miles later and it feels like a different bike. Not soft, but so much better than when new.
I thought about getting Progressives, but after putting a lot more miles on it, I think the shocks are now broken in. 10,000 miles later and it feels like a different bike. Not soft, but so much better than when new.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
Enjoy your bike as it is equipped now and save your upgrade money for a Slim or Dyna or perhaps even a touring bike if you are looking for a more comfortable ride or to travel the Interstate . . .if you have the means. Take a few test runs with the Big Twins before you sink money into a losing proposition. Many riders your height and weight are on the bigger bikes, including plenty of women.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 648
Likes: 24
From: New Jersey
The OP originally asked about upgrading the bike to a Slim or adjusting the suspension for a more comfortable ride on the highway. I offered my opinion, having owned a Sporty myself.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,333
Likes: 77
From: Orlando, FL
After buying the bike and riding a few times...she parked the bike and stopped using it because of the vibration, harsh suspension, etc. All the issues from a stock Sportster. It was our first HD and I take the blame for not doing my homework on fitting the bike for her. She ended trading the bike for a Softail Deluxe.
All this to say that the Softail Deluxe is gone and now have a Sportster again...with a few modifications to address the issues that we did not like. She loves how the bike rides and can't believe she gave up that beautiful orange/black Nightster.... I recently went back to the stock bars because the drag bars were not something she liked (I did it for the cool looks but not an issue to go back)...
A Sportster, setup correctly for you, is a great everyday bike. Do not let the stock setup get in the way of a long-term ownership.
Oh, and I am 5'7" and fat...lol... Love to ride the 48 more than the Touring bike...
Last edited by wachuko; Sep 16, 2014 at 07:33 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 45
From: Stockbridge GA
And I offered mine. Now run along compensator.
