First post....couple of questions, little help.

[Muddyape]

I went to a Harley dealership for the first time in a long time and was taken by the new XL1200N (hate the name nightster) so I decided to put down a handsome deposit for a bike in Vivid Black that is to be delivered in the beginning of May. So I wait. I am 35 yrs old and never owned a motorcycle. I've had quads and sleds etc. but never a dirt bike or street bike. So after just spending a ton on a new house and a new truck and having two year old twins....I see the "Nightster" and want a Harley. The bike really appeals to me, i've read several disenting opinions but...to each his own. So here is the problem, I am 290 lbs. (before I get flamed...big chest, smaller waist) losing alot of weight isnt an option (before someone mentions it) and have an inseam of like 28". So I like the lower seat height of the bike and feel very comfortable on it. I went in with three of my closest friends who ride to tell me whether or not I looked like a goof on it and they said "no" so either I dont or their full of crap. My weight unfortunately is deceptive, nobody ever thinks I weigh nearly as much as I do but I do. With such a low height to begin with, i'm sure my weight is only going to make for a miserable ride. Can I just put progressive rate springs on and call it a day or is there more? I really like this bike and would be disappointed to have to change my mind. I thought I read here that Progressive 418 Heavy duty's might be the trick but any input? Also what is the length of the oem rear shocks on the Nightster. Sorry for the long post, great site. Thanks.

[Shark Doctor]

Well, first, Welcome and congrats on the new ride!!!

Break both the bike and yourself in slowly and y'all will live long and prosper together.

Given your weight, you probably will want to swap out the shocks and 418's - if and when they are available for the new 1200N - are a great choice, though other models preserve the black theme that will probably compliment your bike. The advantage to the 418's is that you can adjust pre-load for your weight (five different settings to try) and you can adjust the rate of return of the shock (dampening). Many less expensive models provide (usually) only pre-load adjustment and often only three settings.

I went to the 418's and found them very adequate for riding solo or with my wife, taking our weight total well above yours. If the 1200N is anything like the 1200R I own, the stock shocks just won't get it done!

There are many others with other opinions and experiences that will chime in soon. Listen to what everyone says and then form your own opinion.

Welcome to the XL!

-Jeff

[silver ghost]

I weigh 225 and installed progressive 412 heavy duty shocks. I have them at the lowest pre load setting and they are still very stiff when I ride solo. They come in black finish so it will look good on your nightster. If I had to do it over, I would have bought the standard 412's, but in your case the heavy duties may be the right choice. If you go to their website, they will recommend the right length for your bike.

[bmcdonau]

You might also want to get a little longer shock. At the angle its installed on the bike an inch longer shock only raises the bike about 1/2 inch. The extra travel will do wonders for the ride.

[Moved On / My Own Choice]

Muddy, lift weights much? DUDE, good for you, gotta be a lot of freakin' muscle to maintain that weight with that inseam.

Anyway, you'll almost certainly want to switch out the shocks.

Progressives are decent enough, and they can be equipped with lots of different spring rates. People throw around the "standard" vs. "heavy duty" but the truth is that it all depends on who is selling you the shock.

Yes, Progressive has a chart of recommended standard and heavy duty spring rates per bike, but not everyone pays attention to them.

I'm happy enough with my 412s with "heavy duty" springs on my Guzzi, but I'm only about 220 on a bad day.

When I finally get around to adding them to our 883L I'm sure I'll go with standard springs.

HOWEVER, if I was your size, I think I'd be going heavy duty with 412s, can't say about 418s.