I'm having trouble understanding shocks. I have a 09 XL1200L. Stock shocks and springs. Can someone explain the preload settings as far as what number setting does what. It is set at 5 which I believe is the stiffest. I am 6'0 210 and bottom out on some minor pot holes. What setting could I try. I have read a bit about buying better shocks. But what size? Sorry for the basic question here. Trying to learn as much possible being a fairly new rider. I also bought the manual and see how to change settings. Just don't get what does what. Thanks and be safe.

 

Number 5 is the stifest setting so you have no where to go with the stock shocks.

Better to invest in some quality shocks that are made to order for your weight.
I put ricors on my dyna and love them...there is also werks, JRI, olins, ect

 

are you sure it is bottoming out and not just riding real hard???

 

Sorry to say, the best adjustment for stock shocks on a sporty is to replace them.

Take-off HD Touring air shocks can be had on ebay for around $100, and they ride very nice, regardless of your weight.

 

Thanks for the replies. I am not sure if I'm bottoming out or it's riding hard. Other than some pot holes that I didn't miss, it feels fine and handles well. Actual a smooth ride until I go over even something small. I think I'll invest in new shocks.

 

I just took the 13" air shocks off of my Road King for JRI B type. Have the air shocks sitting in the corner with a nearly new Harley digital air pump. Want to deal?

 

You tell me. My shocks are 11.5 on my harley. Is 13 too much travel on the sportster. I'm not sure what I'm looking for. I do a lot of miles, ride 1 up and definitely looking for more comfort. Basically am trying to research my best options.

 

If your shocks are bottoming out and set at their stiffest, they are not man enough for the job. Doesn't matter if you ride in the slow lane all the time, or ride everywhere at breakneck speed!

There are a lot of options out there, but the more you spend the better the shocks. What makes the most difference is the quality of the damping. HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal custom builds Ohlins and JRI and is well worth phoning. Tell him you are a member of HDF as he offers decent discounts. Your life will never be the same again!

 

There are shorter air shocks (12") available that you can run as direct repacements. Some guys run the 13" and deal with a little higher seat height, or you can use lowering blocks to get back to stock height. I went from 12" to 13" with lowering blocks, and while I have not been able to put many miles on since the change, the 13" shocks seem to have a bit smoother ride than the 12" shocks. The air shocks seem to not give much improvement to smaller guys, it seems like if you are under 170lbs, they are not much of an improvement.

The take off RoadKing or StreetGlide air shocks are probably your lowest-cost option. They are adjustable somewhat by adding air. I probably have $150 total in mine with the lowering blocks and air pump.


The aftermarket shocks, like the Ohlins that grbrown is talking about will cost you quite a bit more, but will give an even better ride. I've ridden on a bike that was similar to mine that was fitted with Progressive 412s, the lowest cost Progressive shocks, which were a lot better than stock, but equal, or even a little worse riding that my air shocks. Lots of choices out there, it really comes down to what you want to spend.

You'll find that once you upgrade the rear shocks, you'll feel how bad the front forks dive and bottom out, but that's a whole different topic.

 

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