Low equals cool; at least, in our opinion. After test riding the Nightster (Vol. 39 No. 9), we kicked around a few ideas of how to achieve a similar look on our stock '06 XLC Sportster.
After perusing the Internet and various catalogs, we came to the conclusion that Progressive Suspension's new 812 Series shocks (MSRP: $349 per pair) would be the perfect fit for what we had in mind. The 812s are 11 inches as opposed to the 12-inch stock shocks, and feature a five position pre-load adjuster so that you can play around with the riding style you prefer. With just a couple of turns you can increase the pre-load for a more aggressive ride or decrease pre-load for a nice and spongy leisurely stroll. Plus, the chromed 812s are available in two different spring-can designs: Baloney-cut or Double-cut.
To complement the drop in the rear, we compensated by lowering the front forks about two inches with Progressive's Fork Lowering Kit (MSRP: $102) so that we would still be all right as far as ground clearance was concerned without grinding the pegs to a bare nub-at least not right away.
We brought the stock Sportster into Progressive's shop, and the install took roughly an hour and a half: The shocks about 20 minutes, and the fork legs about an hour. We were amazed at how simple the install was; even if you aren't playing with a full deck you still should have no trouble doing the same thing in your garage. Enjoy!
1. & 2. We started with the...
1. & 2. We started with the rear and took some measurements of the Sporty's stock spring height, which was approximately 24-1/2 inches from the ground up to the center of the shock's upper eyelet.
3. Progressive Tech Robert...
3. Progressive Tech Robert Bolton removed the stock shocks one at a time and replaced the old with the new (so that the bike wasn't resting on the rear wheel) with a hex socket and a 3/4-inch wrench.
4. The 812 Series kit from...
4. The 812 Series kit from Progressive includes two shocks, four shouldered 1/2-inch sleeves, four inner 3/8-inch sleeves, four 1/2-inch washers, four 1/2-inch spacers, chrome-plated eyelet covers, pre-load adjustment tool, and complete installation instructions.
5. Once the old shocks were...
5. Once the old shocks were removed, Robert installed the Double-Cut 812 Series Shocks, and then installed the chrome eyelet covers. (Make sure to check the tire-to-fender clearance before installing these shocks; see your installation instruction manual for further directions).
6. Then he adjusted the preload...
6. Then he adjusted the preload with the provided wrench. The shocks are equipped with a five position preload adjuster and come pre-set at the lightest setting; you can simply adjust the preload to better fit your riding style. Now, take your new shocks for a spin and play around with whatever setting you desire. If you bottom out, Progressive recommends adjusting to a higher/stiffer setting. Increase by turning clockwise, decrease by turning counter-clockwise.
7. As you can see with the...
7. As you can see with the new 812 shocks installed, the ground clearance in the rear has dropped more than 1-1/2 inches and the shocks look a lot cooler than the boring, exposed spring shocks.
8. & 9. Moving on to the front,...
8. & 9. Moving on to the front, we measured approximately 39 inches from the ground to the top of the triple trees. After we've completed installing the 2-inch Lowering Kit from Progressive, we'll have a certified lowrider on our hands.