Friend has a 1200 ( 08) bad back looking to replace her shocks needs a smoother ride- any suggestions? , getting a new seat now, but is trying to get more smoothness

 

Try posting this in the Sportster section for the best answers.

 

Many people are finding the stock RK air shocks to be perfect for upgrading the ride on the Sporty. Lots of members on here have done that mod and can't say enough good things about it. I have a set of 13" RK shocks right now but am looking for 12" to keep the same profile.

 

I put Progressives on mine when I had a Sportster. It helps but nothing is going to make a significant improvement. The Sportster rear suspension only allows an inch and a half of travel. My knees and elbows were the real suspension. I always tried to take my butt off the seat when I saw a bump.

 

I think what she needs is a Softail instead of a Sportster.

 

I was thinking the same thing,but shocks are cheaper!

 

I have 2- 5 inch rods holding my back together and 4 vertebrae fused there and 3 in neck. I ride a rigid every day and when necessary all day.

I say all of this because if she has back problems that bother her while riding I doubt anything she does to the bike will fix it.

Maybe she needs to step back for a moment and try to strengthen the muscles in her back and her core or do some physical therapy. I just hope to keep her from throwing away a bunch of money.

regardless I wish her the best of luck

 

Honestly the road king shocks are good, but you're not going to vastly change how a sportster rides. Unless you trade it in for a dyna or a softail. They just aren't that comfortable. I'd say that the road king shocks are really nice, the overall effect on a sporty is marginal

 

Seat is good first step for a bad back.

Longer shocks than currently on the bike may also help reduce "jarring" to her back.

 

Seat will help.

I would look into getting some shocks set up specifically for her. Either some Ohlins or Works shocks.