suspension suggestions for a bigger rider

[seVer916]

I'm 6'4", just about 320lbs... not proud of the last part, but that's what it is at this moment. I went with the sporty because it was well within my budget, and is more my personality (keep it simple, make it my own).

so all that being said - I've already adjusted the preload to 5, but I still get that lovely thud and spinal shock when I hit an unforseen bump at speed. Also, within the week, I'll also have put in the SE heavy-breather kit and SE slips, so I'll need something that will help keep me level while I'm accelerating/braking.

can anybody suggest a better suspension that is better designed for a guy my size and wont break the bank? I've been looking at Progressive (both front and rear), but I'm sure there are a lot more options out there.

I searched in the suspension forum for "sportster" and in the sportster forum for "suspension". There were a bunch of articles, but nothing that was relevant to my circumstances.

thanks for any input.

[EZE RIDER]

Thats seems to a fairly common complaint with the Sporties for larger guys. This thread has some good info.

412s vs 440s progressive

[vlade]

Straight up I dont know how much you'll get outa a Sportster I weighed 260 and caught hell I'm down to 236 now and it's still kinda rough.
But You might! crazy as it sounds back off that highest setting cause when I was 2up with the old lady. which was way over
300lbs it was actually too stiff, no bounce at all.

Some have actually took airshocks off touring Models and put them on Sports . I think Dave 63 did his Dyna that way. Might ask him.

[Dave63]

I wouldn't recommend airshocks for a big man. I know big guys that are taking them off their RKs to put on Progressive 412s.... For less then $300, you can get a better set of rear shocks then stock Sporty comes with. Almost anywhere carries them, and you can get them in different lengths. I believe you have a 12.5" rear shock (could be 13") however you can replace them with 12, 11.5, 11, or 10" shocks. Keep in mind that lower you make a shock, the less travel it has, due to shortening the hydraulic cylinder and spring. Try to stay no shorter then the 11" model. You can get them in all black as well...

[Pete]

Originally Posted by seVer916

I'm 6'4", just about 320lbs... not proud of the last part, but that's what it is at this moment. I went with the sporty because it was well within my budget, and is more my personality (keep it simple, make it my own).

so all that being said - I've already adjusted the preload to 5, but I still get that lovely thud and spinal shock when I hit an unforseen bump at speed. Also, within the week, I'll also have put in the SE heavy-breather kit and SE slips, so I'll need something that will help keep me level while I'm accelerating/braking.

can anybody suggest a better suspension that is better designed for a guy my size and wont break the bank? I've been looking at Progressive (both front and rear), but I'm sure there are a lot more options out there.

I searched in the suspension forum for "sportster" and in the sportster forum for "suspension". There were a bunch of articles, but nothing that was relevant to my circumstances.

thanks for any input.

As I recall, Progressive makes shocks with standard and heavy duty springs. You might want to check with them to see what they would recommend. I have 13 1/2" shocks on my XL883. They are just a little taller than stock, but that gives the shock a bit more travel making it a bit more cushy.

Some riders tend to shift more toward the back of their seat. Seats like the Mustang DayTripper let you slide back even more. Other seats like the Mustang Classic Touring seat tend to keep you closer to the bars. The farther forward you are, the less weight you will be placing on the back of the bike; more of your weight will be carried by the front suspension. This affects not only the weight that the rear shocks must handle but also helps the bike handle better by placing more weight up front.

A nice cushy seat like the Mustang Classic Touring model adds about an inch more padding that the stock seat. That alone soaks up a lot of impact from the frame.

My Sportster has both a Mustang Classic Touring seat, Progressive front fork springs and Progressive 412's with standard springs on the back end. I weight 212 and the rear shock preload is set on the second lowest setting. The bike rides great. The shocks never bottom out either.

Pete

[gruss]

these "progressive" springs, also use a progressive rate as they compress, slowing the shock down as it gets shorter..
they are vastly superior to stock straight rate springs...the front forks can use a set as well...g

[seVer916]

thanks for the replies. When I get a chance, I'll just give 'em a ring to discuss options.