experience with lowering rear shock to share?

[sportster1200]

hi anyone who had lowered their rear suspension for their bike (in particular sportster) can share their riding experience? i like to lower my suspension from 13" to 11.5" for better footing, but worried that riding comfort and safety might be compromise..

[Penguin]

riding comfort will be affected. Your ride will be less plush. Thats y i decided to stay put with the stock length when i changed mine. But lowering your shocks would make it look better. So u can decide for yourself whether u want the looks or the comfort

 

Cheers! Just my 2 cents

[sportster1200]

hi thanks for the feedback. but i m tip toeing even when on 1 foot so for safety reason i wanna lower the rear shock. i found out that 2007 883 sportster low is using 11.5" rear shock but not sure whether the front fork are using lowered spring anot, hence wondering lowering my 1200R to 11.5" might affect handling too much.

[hagar]

hi thanks for the feedback. but i m tip toeing even when on 1 foot so for safety reason i wanna lower the rear shock. i found out that 2007 883 sportster low is using 11.5" rear shock but not sure whether the front fork are using lowered spring anot, hence wondering lowering my 1200R to 11.5" might affect handling too much.

 

 

Should be no problem if you change to a good shock. My prior ride was a 1200 Custom however I found the stock shocks to be below expectations. I put progressive 440's on and found the ride significantly improved. I have heard good reports of people putting shorter 412's (Cheaper than the 440's - both are made specificslly for HD's) on their sporty's giving a lower ride and improved handling. Check out the website below then go and have a yarn to Yee at Sunburst he can order and install for you as he did for me or you can order yourself and arrange your own installation.

 

 

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/hd/index.html

 

Cheers

[Penguin]

i have the 440s and reviews are that the 440s have better damping on longer lengths. Personally, I feel that you just have to get used to the bike. After all, we have a resident tiny harley rider that is more than capable in handling her sporster

 

412s costs about 200us and the 440s costs about 400us.

 

Handling, should not affect much... just lesser ground clearance. However, if you are not much into avid cornering, it should not be much of a problem for you.

 

It is not really necessary for you to lower your front springs if you are already lowering your rear shock as your butt is seated right near the rear shocks.

 

Cheers

[Penguin]

BTW, you can order online direct from progressives and they will send to your house or you can use VPOST. Delivery is within 1 to 2 weeks. Installation you can basically DIY. Takes about 10 - 15mins for the rear shocks.

[shiraz]

there's a pair of 440s at Sumsoon selling for slightly over $1000... go down and have a look at it..

 

im using 440s and handling is very much different and much more stable than the stock air ride suspension on the tourers..

[Penguin]

bro, i manages to get the 440s and progressive front springs at SG$800. So I think over 1000 is a bit pricey...

 

no offence bro, just my 2 cents...

[nights]

I got to agree with Penguin here. Considering that installation service is included, it is still too expensive for a pair of rear suspension compare to Penguin's purchase with an additional pair of front fork suspension too. I strongly suggest taking your purchase online instead and seriously, installation should cost little at any motorcycle shop.

[sportster1200]

thanks all for the input. think i will settle for a pair of 412 at 11.5" which shld give enuff ground clearance, and lower it significantly. i also think getting the shocks from the net is cheaper and i intend to bring it to the dealer for installation. thks all

[Penguin]

no worries! glad we could be of help.