Hi to all on the forum,

I have a 2012 1200 custom sporty, my wife and I weigh all up about 165kg (she isn't the big one) and the standard suspension bottoms out and comfort leaves a lot to be desired.

I was wondering if anyone has had mods done to there suspension, for a more comfortable, 2 up ride (the wife loves being on a run with me- and I can't afford a bigger bike), I need to improve comfort as well has handling. Can anyone make suggestions on what to do as far as aftermarket stuff goes or any recommendations for a good suspension specialist near Penrith NSW

do the old man conversion to the front, and put on 13" rear shocks

This topic has been covered in depth. Use the search.
Any after market shockies are better. Might look at longer while your at it for more travel.

I've got YSS cause they are just down the road from me.

Progressive shocks = ratchet up and down as required.

 stock sporster lenght fork tubes 2'' longer than custom model  with a good spring + sportster rear lenght in a good shock , a custom model; is too low  in it's suspension

as per the oldman conversion, dyna fork sliders, progressive type springs and some screaming eagle heavy oil set to 144mm oil height at a minimum, to make them even better put in some ricor intiminators with 5w oil. And 12-13" rear shocks (anything but HD type).

T1

 Yeh here is a cheap option, I spent $100 on second hand roadking rear shocks, put new oil in them a couple of schrader valves pumped them to 12psi. works like a charm

Just wondering how any new 883 Iron riders find the new HD "Comfort Flex" rear shocks (P/N 54000040) that come std. with that model?  They look to have more travel than the std. XL1200C shocks and the black springs look good too.  They are only AU$277.00 from my local dealer as against Progressive or Ikon at AU$500 a pair.  Been looking for something better than the current std. shocks.

I guess in the end you get what you pay for, but would be interested to hear comments on anyone who has them

 Gidday Rama. I had them on my Iron when new. The only reason I changed them was because they are 13.5 inch and made the arse of the bike sit way too high for me. They did ride pretty well, and I did not have any issues with them bottoming out, even on the lowest preload setting. They only have three settings for preload anyway from memory. Bear in mind I only weight 66 kg as well. I would say they are ok for the money, but be aware your sporty will look like a dirt bike with them on! Cheers, TC

Thanks TC, didn't consider the increased ride height.  The std. C shocks are 12" so looking at another 1.5", probably will look like a dirt bike.  Might have another look at Ikon/Progressive options.  What did you change yours to??

 i did the ikons ok for the price

11" rears, brace will help on a narrow glide only for guys going hard, otherwise don't waste your money.

T1

I was wondering why oldman uses dyna dampers and not std sportster dampers. anyone any ideas.

There was an article in heavy duty a couple of years back about 2 guys with 48's that had done this. Supposedly a great improvement. They had Dyna dampers and progressive springs up front and had also changed rear to progressive 440's. Not sure this mod applies to all sporties. The article in question referred to Adelaide bike works so guess you could give them a call but any dealer should be able to answer your questions on this.

Thanks for reply SJM, I've been reading some American forums and they seem to use , sportster damper rods part number 45925-09 . As opposed to the Dyna part number 45925-94 I see the only difference in the part numbers are the year number which means same part but with a change to it hence the latest year number, I can only presume Harley changed the size and or number of holes in the Damper rod Which will change the performance of the Damper. It would be interesting to know which one that would be better to use. I have spoken to a Harley dealer with no joy, but I suppose you need to speak to someone that has the two types to compare , I believe the Dyna rods have 4 x 7ml damping holes , which is quite large. plus if you want to use ricor intiminators would you need such big holes as with ricor the oil used is very thin at 5wt