Just traded my Ultra for an 09 SG, and it feels more stiffly sprung. Or is it that the seat firmness of the SG just makes it feel that way?

 

Shocks have one less inch of travel (at least the older ones do) and yes the stock seat is harsh.

Primo

 

Seat is a board, and the rear shocks are 1" shorter.

 

Check the air in your shocks. I'm 240# and I like the stock seat on my SG.

 

Also add that HD now puts in progressively wound front springs and limits the travel by one inch than a 13" ie: Electra Glide. I posted a few times with photos and calculations confirming you have 3/4" of travel (spring preload, bike, and average riders sag) until the fork is into the hard part of the spring. These are not Progressive springs but progressively wound (company vs a way of manufacturing).

 

I would think that progressively wound springs would feel similar to regular springs while on the hwy, but stiffen up in higher speed turns for more stability ( ie. better handling) I will check the HD web site for info on that. Thanks

 

The SG shocks are shorter and also stiffer. HD designed them that way.

 

Only until you hit a bump at 3/4" or better.

 

I'm one of those weird people, that put the taller shocks on my SG. Ride improved big time and I have a little more room to lean it in the twisties.

 

HD have lowered the suspension similar to the RK Custom.I rode one recently and the choppy ride was quite noticeable compared to my Ultra and the RK Classic I rode back to back with it.