I have a Harley Davidson Nightster ( XL1200N ) and the stock suspension beats the hell out of me. I am thinking of upgrading my shocks and seat.

Some information about me and my driving style. I am about 130-140lbs, 5'6" and drive the bike on long cruises. I also like to corner the bike as far as it will lean to the left and right. With that said, what shocks do you think will suit my needs? I am looking for good handling through the corners and a comfortable ride while cruising. I have seen some information about the progressive shocks but did not find the answers I was looking for.

Thanks!

 

I got 60-70 lbs on you and 8 inches (lol) I put progressive 412 HD's on mine 12.5" I would say the standard are more than enough for your weight. The nightsters stock shock is 11.5"

I hope this helps you out
Heres a close up shot

 

I'm running Road King Air shocks on mine. It use to beat the hell out of me as well.
It's a night/day difference and they can be picked up cheap.

It does raise the bike a couple of inches, although i'm installing a 1/2 inch lowering kit to get it back down a little.. I can't ever see me going back to the coil over shocks now.

 

Did you have to do any modifications to the bike to get those to work? I am sure there is a post on it and I will look around to see what information I can find.




I emailed progressive shocks with a similar question as I asked on here and they told me to go with the 430 series and go to a 12" shock.

Would yall agree? 412's to 430s is a jump in price but if it is worth it I would go for it.

 

Just had to add a couple washers.

Yes there is a post here somewhere..

 

I don't know much about the 430 series. I read plenty of reveiws about the 412's though and I went with them because at the time I couldn't find any road king shocks that were reasonably in-expensive. Switching out the shocks are probably one of the easier mods a person with no experience can do. and if you buy the progressives you don't need to buy anything else. they come with washers and spacers its just up to you to choose how many to use. (it's got a instruction sheet as well)

 

Sure about that??? - Unless they changed in 09, stock Nightie shocks are 11.0".

 

Your always fixing my mistakes Charley. jeeze I'm just trying to go by my memory. come to think about it I did raise mine 1.5 inches....

 

Ride rough? I've got 10" struts. Let's talk about riding rough

 

How hard would it be to install a 1" taller shock on the bike? I would assume it should not be difficult because when you take off the shock the tire should drop down if you have it on a stand. If I am wrong just say so.....