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changing out for struts/shocks??

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  #1  
Old 08-09-2010 | 02:08 AM
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Default changing out for struts/shocks??

I've got an 09 Nightster and have been considering swapping the stock shocks out. I've been looking at some shorter 10" shocks but have also considered just going to struts. Looks much cooler with the struts just don't know anyone who has done struts over shocks on a newer sportster. Any comments on ride quality?

Thanks
 
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Old 08-09-2010 | 05:14 AM
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Well, you don't put struts on for "ride quality," they are for looks, and to lighten the bike, and to be "tough." I agree that they look good, though. I had struts on my XS 650 Yamaha, and frankly, they don't ride much worse than the shocks did. The shocks on Nightsters are so small and stiff that they really aren't hardly there to begin with, so you may as well have struts, just realize that the ride will get somewhat worse.
 
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Old 08-09-2010 | 05:21 AM
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Yeah...with struts you'll appreciate the price of a good, quality seat! But I love mine. My wife & I just toured OH and I rode my Nightster. I probably took a few more breaks than I would have if I had the shocks but I won't change them out.

Several guys simply swap them out with shocks if they're planning a long haul.
 
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Old 08-09-2010 | 10:28 PM
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i replaced my 2008 nightster shocks with progressive heavy duty shocks and love how comfortable my ride is even if i have a passenger,i even took a 2 hour ride and only stopped once for gas but my back didn't feel beaten up
 
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Old 08-09-2010 | 11:26 PM
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my 04 is struted and I'm currently on a road trip...been threw 7 or so states, about 2200 miles and while shocks are certainly nice struts work and look cool. longest day i put on this bike during this trip has been around 450 miles and that hurt.
 
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Old 08-10-2010 | 01:05 AM
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Thanks for the input. Yeah, definitely not looking to puts struts on for ride quality, just more for looks and as most of my riding is around town with only a few long rides a year, I'm thinking I'm going to go the strut route. Just have to get my new seat in first.
 
  #7  
Old 08-10-2010 | 06:28 AM
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I had 10.5 inch shocks before i got stuts and i think my bike rides better with struts and a spring seat then it did with shocks and a solid mount seat.
 
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Old 08-10-2010 | 10:38 AM
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Hey guys, any good recommendations on a spring seat?
 
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Old 08-10-2010 | 10:48 AM
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What year bike?
 
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Old 08-10-2010 | 10:55 AM
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i've got 9 inch struts on my bike. look like shocks...but they aint!
 



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