everyone knows stock shocks on Sporsters are terrible ..
after 3 sets of shocks I finally have mine riding better still feel the big bumps but its no longer spine shattering .

1st shocks I tried were a new set of Progressive 11 inch 412`s road like a log wagon

2nd set was a pair of the adjustable shocks off of a 2017 Road King the standard length ones unfortunately being I was trying to use lowering blocks to maintain ride height I was unable to get these to mount .

3rd set are 13 inch Progressive 412`s was able to get them mounted using the lowering blocks and maintain the height I wanted wish I had went with these in the first place.

I also installed the Progressive Monotube front fork kit the ride and handling are better now much better that the Stock shocks.

for rear shocks seams the longer the shock you can mount the smoother the ride .. hope this info helps someone to not make the mistakes I made ..

Ride safe

 

post up some pics, lets see it!
I ride an 06 1200C as well, wound up with the 12.5 444's and progressive springs in the front. made a good difference

 

Thanks for sharing, htoler. All of us are learning as we modify our motorcycles to better suit our needs/desires. It's a process and we all learn by hits and misses. We are lucky to have this forum to help us make more hits and fewer misses.

 

no... no everyone does not. I never had a problem with it. Carry on.

 

I've found the key to being happy with Progressive shocks is to use the 12.5" or longer models. With the longer shocks with more travel, Progressive uses a different spring rate which gives you a very noticeable improvement in the ride quality.

I found there's difference is like night & day.

 

That may well work when comparing versions of one shock, but is not true across all brands. There is a wide variety of brands, quality and price available to us.

 

Yup, this...

I don't know why people seem to have so many issues with these shocks. Unless you're 400lbs, I don't see a problem.

I have my stockers set at max preload (I like the ride as stiff as possible but that's just me), don't have any issues. Even with my old lady on the back, they do fine.

 

No lowering kit, so RK takeoffs fit fine on my '04 1200C. Sits slightly higher on the sidestand, but handles fine, and just glides over those cracks and frost heaves that used to lift me off the seat. With over 70 years on my spine, I really appreciate the softer ride. On a lot of Minnesota roads, the stock shocks were brutal.

 

deleted....

 

My experience with stock rear shocks is hitting a dip in the road that bruised two vertebrae in my back according to an MRI. I have progressive 444 12.5 shocks and go over that same dip with no problems. That's just my personal experience.