2001 Sportster rear shocks?

Question

Is (replacing) the rear stock shocks worth the time and money. Interested in first hand experience. This bike has 17k. Rides a bit like a lumber wagon. Have (not) tried adjusting theses to date. I suspect this might help a bit. Aftermarkets would look a bit weak on this Harley, yet if the ride improved I would not care.

B&T's Smooth Ride shocks. Expensive shocks are not an option. These look great but you would never get the money out of these unless you kept the bike for 10 years.

Thanks for your time and consideration.

Answer 1

Let me start by saying (Despite Lonebikers experience) Progressive is not a good shock, it is a well marketed shock.
My 1st choice is Works Performance, you'll pay $350 or so ,but in my opinion it's worth every cent.
If you aren't willing to part with the cash ,well then adjust yours or replace the springs if needed ( $50-75).
check out their site and talk to them but buy from a local shop as you will pay full retail buying direct from Works.
http://www.worksperformance.com

Answer 2

Sportster Rear Shocks

Answer 3

First of all the sportster is a mid-weight bike and is not going to ride like a big twin.
Secondly you should be able to soften the ride a bit by moving the shock adjuster to the center position.

That will make the bike looser and may not turn as quick so go easy on corners at first.

Also, you can play with the rear tire pressure a bit too. Too hard and it "jumps" over bumps instead of staying on the pavement. Too soft and they wiggle in turns and on lines in the pavement. Try lowering the rear tire pressure by two pounds at a time and ride it to find out what it feels like. If you get the back tire too low it will feel mushy and make you nervous, just be careful while you are finding out.

Answer 4

Progressive Suspension model 412's rear shocks. Much improved ride and handling over stock, and they look better too. I ran them on a 2000 Sportster. Think I ran the 12" or 12.5 inch ones, they were a inch lower than stock.Also ran Progressive Suspension anti dive front springs too, and Screaming Eagle Heavy fork oil. Nice all around package, and was reccomended at sportster.org site by many users. Stock Sportster suspension is too stiff in rear, too soft in front, This setup asddresses both. Affordable too.