I have been reading about the front and rear suspension (shocks)on Sportster models on this forum and have read and been told some conflicting things.
Maybe someone can clarify a few points.
I have an '05 1200C and when I hit a large bump/pothole etc. the bike tends to bottom out quite easily. I will be tightening the rear springs later today which should help/fix the problem on the rear but what about the front. I had a tech at on Harley dealership tell me to check the fork oil level as it was probably low. I had one at another dealership tell me there is no way to check them and that they don't get low. I also believe I read that you can use a heavier weight oil in them to stiffen them up a bit. Thoughts???

 

yup you can change the fork oil to help the fronts... but the backs really have to be replaced. several good choices (air shocks off a bagger, progressives, etc.)- mine are works performance. expensive, but custom built for your weight and bike. i had mine made an inch longer and to fit my weight or me + my lady. if i was to do it again, i would have had a few pounds less than me and a few more than both of us for the range. also very easy to adjust these shocks- two easy choices of parts that twist to adjust. i could never get the stockers to adjust with that wrench.
but there is no comparo between the works and the stockers. the bike handles better, never bottoms out and even looks better now.

 

Suspension on stock Sportsters?? Your kidding right?? No such thing on stock Sporties. Decent suspension is optional, and owner installed as well.

http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=597126

Now if you wanna spend a few bucks and get a decent riding, fun to ride bike, at least do the air shocks. You wanna go further, do Progressive springs along with Ricor Intiminators, and maybe even a fork brace up front. Along with a Sundowner seat and you have a nice ride. Won't even think your on the same bike anymore.

 

OK What does a decent set of air shocks for the rear run and what brand name?
Also I guess I can use the Intiminators Inertia Active Dampeners on my exisisting fronts?
Is this the best way to go?

 

I put Ricor 12.5" shocks on my iron and added Intimidators to already installed progressive fork springs. Like night and day. Along with mustang wide solo seat and I can ride all day, much more comfortable. I am really impressed with how Intimidators work, especially when I hit a patch of washboard pavement.

 

You can pick them up on E Bay for next to nothing. There must be something the RK riders Like to do to their bikes, than they sell the take offs. I had to have chrome so I bought a pair of Ultimas for just over $100 new.

 

Would this be what you are talking about??

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/GENUI...d#ht_500wt_956

 

Yes, these would be the ones. Just have change the valve that is on it if I'm correct.

 

They like to lower them and fit Street Glide shocks, which are similar to RK shocks but 1" shorter, or they fit after-market shocks. You may not be surprised to learn that some owners of all Harley models complain about their suspension and try around. I have Ohlins shocks on my Glide and Hagons on my SuperLow.

 

Just be sure to maintain the same eye to eye length, or as close to it as possible.