I have an 09 883C with factory seat. I ride solo 90% of the time and my measurements are 5'6" and weigh in at 185. I find the factory height favorable and I definitely don't want to go any taller (short legs). I sometimes end up with a slight pain in my mid back after riding over 60 miles. My fiance' enjoys riding but hates the bumps! I think she would ride a bit more if she wouldn't end up with a sore butt. She is 5'5" and 120 lbs. A combined weight of 305 lbs + a future installation of saddlebags.

What combo of seats/shocks will best suite our needs? Any recommendations from the experienced?

 

we just got a mustang seat for our sportster. love it. best investment yet. shocks need upgrade but that will come later.

 

Since I have experience with it, I will say that the Sundowner is a big improvement over the stock seat... It isn't really a ton cushier, but it is shaped better, and it is much larger. It seems to be a big favorite with the passenger as well (probably the largest pillion of any seat). As for shocks... Probably some 12" progressives 412s... I haven't used those but I hear good things. They probably wouldn't raise it up noticeably. You would want to get the fork springs too for a nice smooth ride.

 

oldncrzy, which mustang seat did ya'll purchase?

I may be over analyzing things but the sundowner looks like it is a taller seat. So would I need shorter than original shocks to keep the factory height? And how would the shorter progressives effect ride quality?

 

The Sundowner I had on my FXDLI wasn't any taller than the stock seat to speak of,maybe 1/4-12" at the most.

 

Don't think it is any taller. It kind of shifts you forward though. I had thought that stock shocks were around 12" but maybe I'm wrong... They offer 12.5 as well.

 

Sounds like you might like the mustang vintage wide seat.
I have one for sale, $200.00, used it once, but at 6 foot, its to low and forward for me. The wife liked it better then the sundown seat.

Progressive shocks work well, the 412 series, I would go 1/2 inch longer, you wont notice the increase.

Brett

 

Spraynbuckshot- if you're experiencing lower back pain, have you considered switching handle bars? I was having lower back pain with my stock bars and then switched to HD's Mini apes I sit straighter and have a lot less back pain.

 

I changed my stock shocks to Progressive 412's and the stock seat to a Rallyrunner. They both were good but not quite what I wanted for longer rides (150+). Now I am running with Works shocks and fork springs and a Mustang Wide Touring seat for two. My ride is more than comfortable now.

 

The 12.5" wide Mustang will not hang over the oil tank, It's a perfect fit,,
I'm 6' 195lbs, 37 inch waist, the 12.5 wide was plenty. Its a tad narrower in the front also. better for shorter legs, so's ya kin still flat foot the bike.