Harley Davidson Sportster: The Ultimate Shocks Guide

This article applies to Harley-Davidson Sportster.

One of the more popular upgrades for the Harley Sportster is a set of shocks. The rear suspension on Sporty models use a traditional twin shock system with pre-load adjustment and little else. While the stock shocks are adequate for a variety of conditions, many individuals find themselves looking for an improved ride quality or enhanced handling characteristics. Similarly, owners often want to lower the ride height of their bike or, in some instances, travel with a passenger. Sportster owners have claimed that swapping to a set of shocks that meet their needs as a rider is one of the best mods that can be done to improve the riding experience a touch more. Regardless of which set of shocks you choose, the install is straightforward and can be quickly accomplished in your garage. This article will outline the install procedure for a set of a shocks, as well as provide a review of the different types of shocks available for Harley Davidson Sportster models.

How to Replace Your Shocks

Step 1 – Support the bike

The motorcycle's shocks attach to the swingarm and provide support to the rear of the bike. Before beginning with removal of the shocks, support the bike with a motorcycle frame jack or similar. Depending on the type and length of the new shock absorbers, you may be able to replace one shock at a time without the use of a jack, but in many applications, the jack allows for a much easier install.

Step 2 – Remove shocks

• Using a ratchet and T50 Torx socket, loosen the top shock mounting bolt. (*Depending on year model, a 3/4" socket will be needed instead of a Torx.)

• The bottom mounting bolts require the use of a 3/4" or 19mm wrench to hold the nut on the backside of the shock. Using your ratchet and socket, loosen the bottom mounting bolt while countering the nut with your wrench.

• With the top and bottom shock bolts loose, proceed with removing the bottom bolt and freeing the shock from the swingarm. The jack height may need to be adjusted up or down to relieve tension on the shock bolt.

• After the bottom of the shock is free, remove the top shock bolt and set the old shock absorber aside. Repeat procedure for the other shock.

Step 3 – Install new shocks

Using the reverse procedure of shock removal, the new shocks can be installed on the bike.

• Shock kits typically include various spacers to fit different models, so before beginning installation, read the manufacturer's instructions to ensure you use the correct spacers for your bike.

• Place a small amount of medium strength Threadlocker on the upper shock bolt before setting the shock in place and snugging the bolt.

• Adjust the jack to raise or lower the swingarm to a position that allows for alignment of the shock eyelet to the shock mount. Apply Threadlocker to the threads of the bolt. Install the bolt and nut.

• Torque the upper and lower shock bolts to 45 to 50 ft/lbs.

• Lower jack and adjusts shock settings to preference (if applicable).

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Shock Reviews

The stock shocks fitted to Sportster models are adequate for everyday riding, but leave room for improvement. With shock swaps being one of the most popular upgrades for the Sportster, it is no wonder there is such a wide variety to choose from. In fact, there are so many shocks on the market, one can easily become overwhelmed when shopping for the right pieces to spend their hard earned money on. The best approach is to evaluate the type of riding you do and the look you want for the bike. After recognizing your needs as a rider, you can then narrow your search down to a specific type of shock that will fall within your budget and provide you with the desired look as well as ride quality. This review will give a small insight into the type of shocks that are available and what one should consider when choosing a set for their bike.

	H-D Premium Emulsion Shocks	Progressive Suspension - 412 Series Shocks	Burly Slammer Shocks	Arnott Air Suspension Shocks	Öhlins Piggyback Shocks
Price	$599	$299-349	$219	$999-1,399	$950-1,500
Type	Fixed length with threaded pre-load adjustment	Fixed length with cam style pre-load adjustment	Fixed length with pre-load adjustment	Air-ride, ride height adjustable	Nitrogen gas-charged reservoir, fully adjustable
Finish	Black	Black or Chrome	Black or Chrome	Black or Chrome	Machined aluminum with gold reservoirs
Length	Standard	11"-13.5"	10.5"	9.5"-13.25" (Adjustable)	13.25"-14.125"
Intended Use	All-purpose	All-purpose	All-purpose	Cruise	Sport
Warranty	1 year	1 year	1 year	5 years	6 years

H-D Premium Emulsion Shocks

Price – $599

Type – Fixed length with threaded pre-load adjustment

Finish – Black

Length – Standard

Intended Use – All-purpose

Warranty – 1 year

Harley Davidson has recently released their new line of Premium Emulsion Shocks that are considered to be a worthy upgrade to the original shocks fitted on many Sportster models. Although these shocks are the stock length with an identical amount of travel, many changes have been made to improve the overall ride quality of the bike when compared to the stock units. Harley claims to have spent many hours testing and developing shocks at their testing grounds and, in turn, have fitted the new Emulsion Shocks with a wide range of pre-load adjustment, a larger and more robust piston, urethane bump stops, nitrogen gas charging, and improved valve stacks. While these changes may come across as a load of technical jargon, owners report the seat of the pants feel is a much more supple ride with less of a tendency to bottom out. The additional pre-load adjustment is welcome and the shocks can be cranked down if riding 2-up; however, they do not include any damping adjustment. While these shocks are a bit pricey and lack several features of the competition's products, you can't go wrong with the Harley-designed shocks, as they are a well rounded setup designed to work for all types of riding. Recommended for owners wanting improved ride comfort and H-D originality.

Progressive Suspension - 412 Series Shocks

Price – $299-349

Type – Fixed length with cam style pre-load adjustment

Finish – Black or Chrome

Length – 11"-13.5"

Intended Use – All-purpose

Warranty – 1 year

Progressive Suspension offers a wide variety of suspension products for various Harley platforms. Touted as the best shocks on the market today, their 412 Series shocks are typically the first choice for Sportster owners looking for suspension upgrades. The steel body construction combined with improved damping valving is a noticeable improvement over the stock units. Additionally, the 412 shocks can be had in a variety of different lengths and your choice of standard or heavy duty spring rates to allow for the desired stance and ride quality of your choosing. Progressive Suspension is now also offering their 412 Cruiser shock that utilizes a linear spring instead of the progressive coils for a shock that sits like a lower shock with the ride of a standard length shock. Available in black, chrome, or covered chrome (as pictured), the Progressive 412's are a quality upgrade at an affordable price. Recommended for owners wanting an improved ride quality with the choice of ride height.

Burly Slammer Shocks

Price – $219

Type – Fixed length with pre-load adjustment

Finish – Black or Chrome

Length – 10.5"

Intended Use – All-purpose

Warranty – 1 year

Short of an air ride shock setup, the Burly Slammer shocks are as low as they come. With their 10.5" free length, the Slammers allow for quick and easy lowering of the rear of the bike. Owners often choose these shocks for their aesthetic appeal in 'slamming' the bike; however, many are taken back by the extremely stiff ride that they provide. In fact, some have claimed that their rigid choppers have ridden better than their Sporty equipped with the Burly's. Although these are marketed as an all-around performer, they should not be your first choice if you are planning on long hours in the saddle. Lowering any vehicle is often a compromise where ride quality will be sacrificed for appearance, so it is no surprise that the shortest shock suffers in the ride quality department. That being said, the Burly's do exactly as they are advertised and will set your bike on the ground. With them being one of the lowest priced shock sets on the market, it will not hurt your wallet too much if you try them out and end up hating them. Recommended for those willing to exchange ride height for ride comfort.

Arnott Air Suspension Shocks

Price – $999-1,399

Type – Air-ride, ride height adjustable

Finish – Black or Chrome

Length – 9.5"-13.25" (Adjustable)

Intended Use – Cruise

Warranty – 5 year

Air ride shock systems are designed to provide the good looks of a lowered bike with the comfortable ride of a traditional cruiser shock. Using a small on-board air compressor, air shocks are able to quickly inflate or deflate to adjust the ride height of the bike on the fly. Arnott offers several systems with various levels of ride height control, while still allowing 2" to 3" of suspension travel. Arnott has been hailed for their customer service and their willingness to stand behind their product, so it is no surprise that they offer a hefty five year warranty with their kits. That being said, some individuals have found their shocks to feel a bit 'floaty' in nature and suggest they are better suited to Harley Touring models instead of the Sportster. An air ride setup is a bit more complex than a regular set of shocks, but they offer such a wide variety of ride height settings coupled with a comfy ride that allows you to have your cake and eat it too. Recommended for owners wanting adjustable ride height coupled with a comfortable ride.

Öhlins Piggyback Shocks

Price – $950-1,500

Type – Nitrogen gas-charged reservoir, fully adjustable

Finish – Machined aluminum with gold reservoirs

Length – 13.25"-14.25"

Intended Use – Sport

Warranty – 6 year

While Öhlins is not the only manufacturer to offer a piggyback-style shock, anyone who is looking to do any type of sport oriented riding on their Sportster should look long and hard at these trick units. Long associated with motorcycle road racing, Öhlins components are considered by many to be the gold standard in the motorcycle suspension industry. These reservoir shocks have fully adjustable rebound as well as compression damping, ride height, and pre-load to allow individuals to fine tune their ride exactly to their liking. These are probably overkill for the weekend cruiser; however, Öhlins shocks are fully rebuild-able and can be customized with a selection of spring rates and internal valving. Overall, these shocks are a top notch product that will last the life of the bike, and can probably then be sold off for a nice chunk of change when you are done with them. Recommended for sport and performance-oriented riding.

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