Suspension determination.

[rudewarrior]

Hi,

I have an '03 883C->1200 conversion, stage 2 (.5). I bought the bike used (with 180 miles on it no less, and with a true "little-ol'-lady" story with it, but that is for another time) pretty much bare bones.

When I purchased it from the owner, the ad said, "forward control kit factory lowered suspension," or some such. I asked him briefly about it, but he didn't really give me a satisfactory answer, but it really didn't seem too important. I don't think he was lying or anything, I just felt like it wasn't complete. I just think he could have been "selling" me a little bit that the stock item was an xtra, like putting the forward control kit, another stock item, in the ad. However, it could have been aftermarket, but I suspect this is less likely. It even could be a factory xtra he had put on, I just don't actually know, and I couldn't see him just randomly putting a cheapo suspension on it (Why go down from stock?), so I figured it wouldn't be important b/c it looked stable, and rode fine.

Anyway, my questions are:

1. Is there anyway to determine what type of shock/suspension set up that I have?

I'm not sure where to start looking, but there is some info on the system. They each have a sticker on the top portion (that I'd like to remove) on the top that says "Progressive Suspension, Inc." It also has that plus a serial number written on the spring: 03-1310 90/130. I've seen some stuff about "progressive" suspensions, but I'm not sure if this is the same thing, and I still haven't been able to determine what the specific advantages are to this setup, if any. I've seen something about being able to adjust shocks with a certain tool, but I can't see where that tool would fit on my bike, especially with those chrome tube-like structures at the bottom (and top) of the shock (not sure what these are called) .

If someone can determine exactly what set up this is, can you give me a brief description of the advantages/disadvantages with this set up?

2. What future recommendations would you have for me if I was to go for something better? My wife and I on the back are 350+. But I'd like to set it up to make it as comfortable as possible for her; however, I am not really worried about comfort for me by myself, so that can be reduced if necessary.

Any more suggestions with this?

[Bob F]

Here's a link to Progressive Suspensions. Sounds like you have good shocks but they may be too short for you. The way I read the specs is you have 11" shocks. I use the 13½" Porgressive and love them. I'm sure you'll be able to sell yours or maybe even trade. The taller shocks require a longer jiffy stand. There are a lot of options for shocks. Do a search of this site. Good luck.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/7100-105.pdf

[XLXR]

I think you can go to Progressive's website and look up the part numbers for the shock.

The 90/130 spring is standard for short shocks or considered heavy duty for longer shocks. Jack the bike up and measure the lenght from center of shock eye to the center of the other shock eye. I would consider it to be the minimum spring weight for 2 up riding at 350 lbs. You will probably have to reduce shock spring preload for solo, but increase it for two up.

There are several ways to lower the forks. Harley sells one type of kit, Progressive sells another, or maybe he just lowered the triple clamps in the forks.

If the original owner can't give you specifics as to what was done, you will have to measure the travel of the forks and compare with a stock bike.

It all starts with rider weight, how much do you weigh by yourself?

Contary to popular opinion, the is no advantage to lowering the bike, other than looking "cool" and being able to reach the ground with your feet. If you want to get the best ride at two up, you will probably need to raise the bike back up. How much you need to do will depend on how much time and money you want to spend.