Shocks for Sportster 1200L - Harley Forum

Midnight Rider80 · #1 11-09-2007, 10:04 PM

I have a 08 1200L. The rear suspension is awful. I would be interested in upgrading the rear shocks. I would consider ones with a little more travel.
I am 5'8" and about 200#. Any advice? I did upgrade the seat to a sundowner and it is much more comfortable, but I am also interested in a comfortable solo seat. Thank you.

#2 11-10-2007, 07:13 AM

I've encountered the same situation with the XL1200L. I found a Mustang Vintage Wide solo seat that is heads and shoulders above the stock "board". I am also looking into shocks, and Progressive seems to be most often mentioned, although I have no personal experience with them. I'd be interested in comments on which brand/model give the most bang (or non-bang) for the buck.

Rick

#3 11-10-2007, 05:47 PM

I have a 06 Roadster and put Progressive 412's on. Stock, the bike came with 13.25" shocks. Progressive shocks come in 1/2 " increments, so I went with the 13.5" length. I'm around 195# and did not need the "HEAVY DUTY" ones. They are very reasonable to buy. They work much better than the stock ones. If you ride two up, get the "HEAVY DUTY" ones IMO. If you raise the rear much, you might have to raise the front too. It's no big deal, just she how she rides first. Then if you need to raise the front too, you can. The "HEAVY DUTY" 412's are for over 250#. At 195#, I'm in the middle setting for the proper sag with the regular 412's.

#4 11-13-2007, 08:26 PM

Thanks, deepdiver, the 412s seemed reasonably priced, and I've heard good things about them. I think I'll give them a try.

Rick

humpbackbob · #5 11-14-2007, 08:30 PM

Have you considered Road King 12" air shocks. They will fit your bike without any fab work and I have heard the ride quality way surpasses the Progressives. Just a thought.

#6 11-14-2007, 08:52 PM

I dunno if I would put Road King shocks on a Sportster. The RK is a heavier bike in which the shocks were desinged for. They may throw your handling off a bit. Just a thought.

humpbackbob · #7 11-14-2007, 11:15 PM

A guy I know has just done it on a 1200N. He even added a lowering kit.The shocks have a 1" & 2" setting. He's got his at 2" with 0 air.Reckons the ride is superior. This guy has built bikes from the ground up and seems to know what he is doing. The only thing different is that he re-routed the wiring harness from under the fender,and ran it through the strut cover because the clearance was within 1/4" of tolerance. He can always change the setting to 1" and pump up the air for two up riding, but the N is a Solo ride anyway. He likes it. Just sharing the info, for what it's worth.