for (at least) 04 it looks like stock rear suspension for XL is 13” and the Custom is 11.5”. Can anyone tell me what the difference is for the fork spring length is?

just curious since i put a 21” front wherl on my xl883 and started looking at maybe shorter shocks or possibly lowering the bike a bit

 

The front fork spring is the same HD part number for the 2004 XL1200C, XL1200R, 883ca and and 883cj models. HD part number 45376-04

The damper tubes control the length of the forks between models.

Compare parts here:
http://partsfinder.onlinemicrofiche....ModelYear=2004

 

Oh duh, thanks Shanneba! If that's the case, does anyone know the difference in length on the damper tubes between the XL and XL Custom?

What I'm trying to achieve is a similar ride height front and back as the XL Custom on my XL with the 21" front wheel I just installed (had a 19" stock). So I ordered some stock rear 11.5" shocks to test ride height, but I also want to "even out" the front end. I considered trying the Progressive drop in lowering kit to see if 1 or 2" drop would help.

 

This link has info on the damper tube lengths-

http://sportsterpedia.com/doku.php/techtalk:evo:susp01

Looks like about an inch and a half in the 2004 - 2006 models.

 

Awesome, thanks again. So based on this, both the standard 04 883 and 883C or 1200C have the same damper tube length?

 

I wanted to raise the rear of my Roadster, bought the Bung King lift blocks instead of buying new shocks. You can lower yours with one of the many aftermarket drop kits. Save you self several hundred dollars.

 

Yes. The outside diameter of the 19 inch and 21 inch wheels are the same since the 19 inch tire has a higher profile

 

Wow, so the "stance" of a Custom is quite a bit different than a XL standard considering the front wheel and rear shocks (Custom has 11.5", Standard has 13").

When I put on the 21" on my standard, I definitely noticed that the front was "up" a touch more than with my 19" but I can't ride it yet due to the weather.

 

If you measure the diameter it is the same. Also, you used the same front fender, correct? If the 21 was significantly taller it would not fit due to the fender.

 

Yep, used the same fender. Yeah while it isn't much different, it definitely fills the gap between the fender. I'm probably just imagining a different riding position because it's been since November since I sat on the bike, LOL. Can't wait for spring.