I am a heavy rider. Heavy in weight I mean.
I plan on modding the suspension on a 2013 Sportster Custom.
It will have progressive fork springs and new shocks with HD springs for 2 up riding.

My question is in regards to the length of rear shocks. Stock I believe is 11 1/2" and aftermarket runs up to 13 or 13 1/2".

Should I just get 1/2"+ longer shocks OR move to the max of 13 1/2" with a 1" lowering block?

My goal is a comfortable ride with two people for long trips.

Thank You in advance to all the suspension Gurus.

 

Whatever length you want, get that length. Don't plan on lowering blocks when you are buying new shocks, it just defeats the purpose (and is usually done to avoid buying new shocks in the first place).

 

Niinj, I have a 2007 1200 C and weigh right at 200. I went straight to 13.5" Progressive 440 standard shocks about 17,000 miles ago. I wouldn't change a thing. I tried LAChoppers 1" lowering blocks, they made the ride on small bumps choppy. I discovered I didn't need them anyway.

 

I went with these 13",make a world of difference,you can specify the spring rate you want.
http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/nitro.htm

 

Thanks for your input.

I was looking at the 440's @ 13 1/2" and wondering if it would drop stability from loss of head angle?
If I may ask where did you set your sag at one rider at?

I was thinking with a longer shock with a HD spring running 1 1/4" sag.

 

Thanks for the link.

Boku spring rates to choose from.
At least I have another option other than Progressive.
Thanks again!!

 

I have Race Tech springs in my Sporty forks. You can get them to match your weight (take a look at their website). It is very likely that at your forks sag a lot when you are sitting on your bike, but once sag is set correctly with your new springs the bike will sit higher and you will get more fork travel, plus a better ride. Progressive-rate springs are a compromise for springs matched to you!

 

Go with 13 1/2 Once you go taller you loose the cool lowered look so another 1/2 will only help with ride. I have the 440 13" with the monotubes and the ride is SWEET


No lowering blocks they screw up the ride quality

 

I had planned on matching the progressive fork springs also. The hardest thing about doing the mods is knowing which ones are available and out of those the correct combination.

I would prefer a set matched for my application over just a generic upgrade.

Thanks To Everyone!!! This Place Rocks!!!

 

Ninj, I installed Progressive Fork Springs at the same time and used the 3" spacers at their full 3" length. I seem to have hit the perfect combo.