2007 Nightster rough ride

[fbn ent]

Is there any way to soften up the wife's Nightster? Short travel front and back (stock). She rides it hard but man it's a backbreaker.... I've talked to Progressive, no luck...

[PC_Hater]

It is the nature of the beast!
My girlfriends 2008 Nightster is the same.
Longer fork tubes and longer shocks are the easiest and cheapest answer.
Ohlins might have some delightfully expensive options - and if they have them they will work.
RaceTech might have something to help the forks.

The end result was she gave the bike to her son.
If I didn't already have a Sportster I would have bought it off her - I found it to be a delight to ride: rough roads notwithstanding!

[fbn ent]

"Longer fork tubes and longer shocks are the easiest and cheapest answer."

Yeah, I know, problem is any taller and it'll be too tall...

[PC_Hater]

"Longer fork tubes and longer shocks are the easiest and cheapest answer."

Yeah, I know, problem is any taller and it'll be too tall...

OK then, this is what you do: have a really good look at the Sportster Low.

To make the ride better the seat height reduction is split between the tyres and the suspension.
Smaller diameter tyres let you use longer forks and shocks and get more comfort over the bumps.

The front wheel can go down to 18" or even 17". The 17" tyres are especially interesting. You can use modern low profile tyres such as 110/70 x 17, that drops the front end an inch and a half or so letting you use longer fork tubes.

The rear need not be 150/90 x 16. Bikes far more powerful and faster than a 1200 Sportser used 120/90 tyres in the old days.
120/90 x 16 or a 15" tyre would help.

A thinner seat can help too. I have a Le Pera Barebones with Biker Gel on my Sportster. It is never comfortable, but equally it never hurts either. The original Sportster single seat was an instrument of torture!

[fbn ent]

Good tip...Thanks! Already have a shaved seat with a good insert. I'll check out wheel tire options.

[biggzed]

Give Pro-Action a call. They are really honest guys that make a great product. They come with a 30 day satisfaction guarantee. They aren't cheap, but if you're considering a wheel swap along with longer tubes and shocks then it's probably not a big deal.

Just give them a call and tell them what you are dealing with and what you want in the end. If they don't think their product will get you there I doubt they will take your money. 

724.846.9055

Zach

[Ironheadmike]

Sporties have always rode like lumber wagons . I have 3 of them .