Hi,

I just received my 2013 XL1200C today, and had my first ride, on my first bike! Wow what a great time i had. I underestimated the effect of the adrenaline though...

I only did 40k on around town and cruising down the riverside. But wow, what a nice rumbling.

Now my question. I'm 5'10'', 197 pounds. I've hit the bottom of the shocks at least five times. Can this thing be tuned? Do i need after market shocks? Road King shocks?

 

Congrats on the bike. They can be adjusted, on the bottom of the shock you can see a mechanism that can be turned and it will "step" up. Higher the steps, the firmer the ride.

 

You can adjust the spring preload. There are no damping adjusters. Generally, yeah, stock Sportster shocks suck. But try increasing the preload before you go out and buy new suspension.

 

Yep, you can adjust them with a spanner tool...or with a rag and channel locks.

It may keep you from bottoming out on bigger bumps, but then all the smaller bumps will fill rougher.

Touring take off air shocks give the sporty a really nice ride.

 

Harley suspension is a frequent topic around HDF. Unfortunately forks and shocks are below par across the range, compared with what the suspension industry is able to provide us riders. By all means adjust your shocks, but if you don't find them comfortable don't hesitate to replace them, as many of us do!

 

I just took RK shocks off my bike and replaced them with Progressive Air Shocks. The only reason I took RK shocks off was one of them developed slight leak. I have the part # for seal that needs to be replaced. If you are not willing to spend much on rear suspension upgrade and are able to replace the seal you can have my RK shocks for free, pay for shipping only.

 

Nice zipper. That's what being a fellow rider is all about

 

Thanks a lot for the answers. I'll look into making them a bit more firm.