Best Shock Absorbers for Harley Sportster: Reviews & Buying Guide

Are you shopping for a new Harley Sportster? If so, then there are some things you need to know before you make your purchase. 

The Harley Sportster is the most popular bike in the United States. It’s also one of the cheapest models made by Harley-Davidson. 

But it doesn’t mean that this model lacks quality or durability because this bike can last up to 10 years without any problems with its engine and other parts if taken care of properly. 

1. BURLY B28-1201B Slammer Shock

On the top of our list is the Burly B28-1201B 10.5 inches Black Slammer Shocks that will serve as the perfect pick for your Harley Sportster by acting as safe protection against shocks, vibrations, and oscillations as you ride your bike.

They are 10.5 inches which is an ideal size for the shocks and serves as a good way of lowering the bikes. Additionally, it doesn’t take a lot of time for you to install and set up these shocks on your bike. 

These shocks have a very impressive bolt-on design which makes it possible to install them on your bike in a matter of just a few minutes.

Moreover, you never have to worry about the model of your bike, considering the fact that these shocks are compatible with almost all Harley bikes models.

Additionally, the weight of the rider is not a problem either as the shocks are preload adjustable and can be configured as per the weight of the person riding the bikes.

Even the look of these shocks is phenomenal with a stellar black color, and you’ll love to have them on your bike for both style and comfort.

To top it all off, you need not invest much in these shocks either. They come at a very affordable and economical price of $200+. At that price, these stubby and stunning shocks are a great catch for your bikes, and in fact, they are a bang for your buck, something you must get without the blink of an eye.

PROs & CONs

2. Progressive Suspension 412-4003B Heavy Duty Shocks for Harley Sportster

With their high durability and performance, these shockers shall be a great addition to your bikes in enhancing their suspension control and preventing it from shocks, vibrations, oscillations, and damping. 

It has a double-walled steel damper that offers multistage velocity sensitive damping, thereby making sure that the oscillations are minimal. 

The size of these shocks is also great at 13.5 inches making them good to lower your bikes to an ideal degree and ensuring a good damping performance.

The damping performance is further improved and enhanced by high-pressure gas in the shocks. This high pressure gas charge makes sure that the damping performance is not only great but consistent as well.

Additionally, the shocks come with a preload adjuster that you can adjust for five different positions. This makes sure that you as a rider are comfortable on the bike and your weight isn’t coming as a problem at all.

In addition to all these functionalities, the look and style of these shocks are also stunning. They have a beautiful black finish that will go well with all bikes, irrespective of their color. 

Besides that, these are so designed that installing them will just take a few minutes.

The entire setup is, in fact, pretty hassle-free if you exactly know where to install these shocks because they don’t come with a very detailed adjustment and setup manual. 

So, you need to figure out things on your own. Besides that, these are even a good catch for their price, coming at just $250+. 

It might not be too less, but it’s not costly either, and you can definitely go for these shocks with a decent piece with a good look, and stunning performance is what you seek.

PROs & CONs

3: Progressive Suspension 412-4065B Black Anodized Suspension

Another stunning piece from Progressive Suspension, these shocks will be great to enhance the performance of your bike. They are 13 inches shocks and perfectly lower your bike as per your needs and requirements.

These shocks are designed with double wall dampers that support multistage velocity-sensitive damping. 

Moreover, since the walls are designed using steel material, these shocks promise quality, strength, and durability. With that, you can be assured of a consistent and stunning damping performance that will keep your bikes free of shocks, vibrations, and oscillations as you ride.

Moreover, the damping performance is further improved and made constant and consistent by equipping the shocks with high-pressure gas charge.

The preload adjuster for adjusting the shocks as per the weight of the rider is also great in these shocks. It offers five positions adjusting, thereby making sure that you are comfortable in any position you take as you ride your bike.

Even the setup and installation of these shocks on your bike is a breeze. There are no hassles or difficulties with the installation whatsoever, and you can install these shocks on your bike even if you don’t have a bike jack. 

You can just use some other alternative, such as a scissor jack. Moreover, it doesn’t take any time at all, just 30 minutes on the clock, and you shall be done with a flawless installation of these shocks on your bike.

Moreover, once you are done, you shall be dazed with the beautiful look that these shocks give to your bike with their black anodized finish.

Furthermore, you get all of this at a mere cost of $250+. So, they are a great budget-friendly option to seamlessly enhance the performance of your bikes while making them more comfortable on your back.

PROs & CONs

4. HTTMT LS003 Shocks for Harley Sportster 

With a stunning design, easy installation, great performance, and excellently economic pricing, these shocks are one of the best you can have on your bikes.

These 10.5 inches shocks lower your bikes to a great extent and make you feel more comfortable on them while also making sure that you don’t get affected by the shocks and vibrations.

Moreover, you can install them very quickly and easily. The entire process takes just about 30 to 45 minutes, and everything is extremely hassle-free and easy. 

So, you can get started with your highly comfortable rides with great damping performance and oscillation and vibration control in no time at all.

Additionally, the look of these shocks is also stunning. They have a very decent and beautiful black finish that looks stunning and is compatible with all other colors. 

The only possible problem with this black finish is that it gets chipped from some places and diminishes the look and feel of the shocks. Nonetheless, you can always get them recoated.

Moreover, for the mere cost of $150+, these shocks are really a catch, especially if you are on a budget. 

However, before you get them, you must surely look if they are compatible with your bike model, considering the fact that these shocks support only certain bike models, even if they are Harley models. 

In fact, these shocks exclusively mention that they are not compatible with Trike and other models with a Fork Cartridge. So, look into this aspect before you put your money into these shocks.

PROs & CONs

5. BURLY B28-1202B Black 10.5″ Slammer Shock

Another stunning model from BURLY is its B28-1202B slammer shock. It’s black in color and has an ideal size of 10.5 inches, great for lowering your bike and making sure that you are comfortable riding it in all positions.

They are extremely quick and easy to install on your bikes and would hardly take you 25 to 40 minutes. 

Moreover, the installation is hassle-free with the minimal requirement of tools and equipment. So, you shall be good to go with these shocks in no time at all.

Also, you will love the look of your bike once these shocks get installed in it, considering that these are designed for style and fashion. With their amazing black finish, there is absolutely no doubt about the beauty they add to your bike.

In addition to enhancing the look of your bike, these shocks even enhance the performance of your bike by making sure that you are not at all affected by shocks and vibrations and that the damping performance is always consistent and smooth.

Also, your weight never comes as a problem since these shocks have a preload adjuster that automatically adapts to the weight of the rider.

The cherry on the pie is the pricing of these shocks. The shocks are available at just $200+ or even lesser, and with that, you must not be in any doubt about getting these beautiful pair of accessories to make your bike look and perform better.

PROs & CONs

6. Factory Spec, FS-04505, Stubby Shocks for Harley Sportster 

Another great pair of shocks on our list is the Factory Spec FS-04505 shocks. These are well-designed stubby shocks and will work great at lowering your bike to a significant extent. 

They are 10.5 inches in size, so if you are someone who wants the bike to go as low as it can, then these shocks are going to be perfect for you.

Moreover, they look great on your bikes, too, with their perfect black finish. Besides, installing these shocks on your bike is extremely easy. 

However, you need to have experience in installing shocks considering the fact that this particular pair lacks an instruction manual. 

So, if you are a beginner, it can be quite a hassle. Nonetheless, you can find your way out by looking through some tutorials online.

In addition to being this good, these shocks are pretty affordable as well, so you need not worry about putting out a lot of money from your pocket.

With all of that, these are a great option to consider, and you’d love how significantly comfortable you get on your bikes once you have these shocks installed and set up on them. 

Additionally, they fit really well on your bikes, so you never have to worry about any slipping either.

PROs & CONs

7. XMT-MOTO Rear Shocks fits for Harley Davidson Sportster

Quite a new pair of shock in the market, this shock is really amazing to have made it to this list of some of the best shocks for Harley Sportster.

This shock has a stellar look with an amazing black finish that goes well with all bikes. Additionally, it has a perfect fit and is compatible with almost all bikes models by Harley. So, you can just pick up these shocks irrespective of what model you ride.

Additionally, the installation is easy and would hardly even take an hour. So, you can get going real quick when you are installing these shocks on your bike.

Besides that, their size is extremely ideal at 10.5 inches which is helpful in letting your bikes go as low as you would like them to go. So, the comfort level with these shocks is at the optimal and utmost satisfaction level.

Moreover, these shocks even come with a spanner wrench which is an added plus that you shall love to benefit from. 

Additionally, you need not put out a lot of money in getting these shocks. They are pretty affordable, and once you are able to find their availability, the time-lapse between placing your order and getting the shocks delivered is extremely low. 

With all of that, these shocks are a pretty great choice available at your disposal, and you would as well try them out to see how well they benefit you.

PROs & CONs

So, these are some of the best Shocks for Harley Sportster on our list. All of them will work great in lowering your bike and making your rides more comfortable and convenient. 

Moreover, they have such a good design that they never compromise on the looks of your bikes.

Besides that, all these shocks are pretty budget-friendly and economic, so you never have to burn a hole in your pocket for getting them.

Also, all of them are great with their usage and performance, but if you ask us, we would highly recommend BURLY or Progressive Suspension Shocks as they are the most feature-rich of all with a snug fit and economic price.

We hope that this article was helpful to you and you have already ordered the perfect shocks for your Harley Sportster.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Types of Motorcycle Shock Absorbers

If you’re new to motorcycles, it may be difficult to understand all the different parts that make them up. One of these key pieces is the motorcycle shock absorbers. 

Shock absorbers are essential for a smooth ride and have an important role in handling as well as safety.

The main job of a motorcycle shock absorber is to dampen vibrations through its piston within the cylinder body, which helps contribute to a better riding experience by lessening bumps on the road. 

This also ensures rider safety because it absorbs the impact of any bumps encountered while riding over uneven surfaces.

There are four types of motorcycle shock absorbers available on most modern bikes: telescopic, compression, adjustable, and hydraulic. Each type has its own purpose for how it works, and it’s important to understand which one is best suited for your driving style.

Telescopic shock absorbers are the most common type on the market, and they work by compressing and extending as you ride. 

They are mainly used for street bikes and provide a good balance between performance and comfort.

Compression shock absorbers are designed for off-road use, as they can withstand more rugged terrain. They work by absorbing the impact of bumps in the road, which helps keep the bike stable when riding over rough surfaces.

Adjustable shock absorbers are ideal for track bikes, as they offer riders the ability to customize how their bike handles. This is done by adjusting the spring preload, rebound damping, and compression damping.

Hydraulic shock absorbers are used for race track bikes and work by allowing the rider to control their rear suspension from a handlebar-mounted remote. This allows the rider to have precision control of their bike while racing.

In order to be able to choose which type of motorcycle shock absorber is right for your bike, it’s important to take into account several factors such as where you’ll be riding it most often, what type of terrain you’ll encounter, and how much performance you expect out of your bike. 

If you’re going off-road more often than not, compression or adjustable shocks may provide better handling on rough surfaces compared to telescopic or hydraulic types. 

On the other hand, if you expect high performance and a smooth ride on the street, telescopic shocks will be your best bet. 

Whichever type you choose, make sure to have them serviced regularly in order to ensure optimal performance and safety.

So, what type of motorcycle shock absorber is right for you? It depends on your individual driving needs and style. Be sure to do your research and find the perfect match for you and your bike!

Thanks for reading! We hope this article has helped you learn more about motorcycle shock absorbers and their different types. As always, feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or comments. Ride safe!

What are the importance of Good Motorcycle Shock Absorbers?

Motorcycle shocks are often overlooked and their importance is underestimated. These shocks are responsible for keeping your bike balanced and able to handle bumps on the road without any trouble. 

If you don’t have motorcycle shocks on your bike, you could be risking serious injury-especially if there is a sudden bump or pothole that your bike couldn’t handle because it’s not properly equipped with shocks to keep you safe.

Motorcycle shocks are one of the most vital components on your bike, next to tires. Without them, you’re taking a huge risk every time you hit the road or take off from a stop sign. 

They help keep your bike balanced so that you have good control over where it’s going and can avoid bumps in the road without any trouble. 

For example-sudden bumps or potholes could cause problems for your bike if it isn’t equipped with motorcycle shocks because it throws off the balance since there is no shock absorber to absorb that bump or pothole. 

This could lead to injuries, especially if you’re driving fast for long periods of time without breaks in between. 

There are many different kinds of shocks-some better than others, but it’s typically best to stick with the original manufacturer since they can be customized accordingly.   

The ones you buy off the internet or at a local motorcycle shop are likely generic shocks that may not be as good quality as what your manufacturer makes for your specific model. 

If these generic ones break down, you’ll have to replace them again and again until eventually, you spend more money on shock absorbers than if you just got OEM parts from the start.

Motorcycle shocks should last for about 30,000 miles unless otherwise noted by the manufacturer. Oftentimes people neglect their motorcycles because they don’t check up on maintenance issues regularly-which could lead to costly repairs down the road.

Things to look out for when replacing motorcycle shocks: 

• Excessive rubber buildup/dirt build-up 
• Lose fasteners/bolts that mount your shock to the frame of your bike or other components that attach it around the axle, around the brake calipers, etc.
• If any part is bent or damaged in any way shape or form as a result of hitting a pothole, bump, curb, etc. 

These are all signs that you may need new shocks and should schedule yourself an appointment at a shop or with a mechanic to diagnose what exactly is wrong with them before going forward with repair costs if it’s something minor like a loose bolt. If there’s too much damage, you’ll have to replace the shocks with new ones.

Overall, motorcycle shocks are an important aspect of your bike and should not be overlooked. They help keep you safe while riding by keeping the bike balanced and able to handle any bumps in the road. 

If you’re not sure whether or not your shocks need to be replaced, it’s best to take it to a professional and have them take a look. It could save you from serious injury down the road.

How to choose the right shock absorbers for your motorcycle?

There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing new shock absorbers for your motorcycle:

• The style of bike and the type of riding you do. For example, if you have a cruiser then you’ll need a different type of shock absorber than someone who has a sports bike. Sportbikes typically require more suspension travel than cruisers, so the shocks need to be able to move up and down more.

• The weight of the motorcycle. Heavier bikes will require stronger shocks to keep them stable when going over bumps.

• The budget. Shock absorbers can range from around $100 to $600 or more, depending on the brand and style.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you’re ready to start looking for the right new shock absorbers.

The first place you should check is your owner’s manual or owner’s manual online. This will provide all of the specifications that are required for your bike, including size and weight requirements. You can then look at different options based on those specifications.

Some good places to find motorcycle shocks include Amazon, eBay, and Motorcycle Superstore. Just be sure to read reviews and do some research before making a final decision on which one is best for your needs and budget.

• How long have they been in business? The longer they’ve been around, the more likely you’ll receive quality products from them – as well as assistance if something goes wrong with your purchase.

• What is the return policy? If for some reason you’re not happy with your new shocks, will they allow you to return them?

• Are the shocks made in the USA or overseas? There’s no right or wrong answer, but if you’re looking for quality and want to support American manufacturers, then buying shocks that are made in the USA is a good option.

Once you’ve chosen the right shock absorbers for your motorcycle, it’s important to take care of them so they’ll last as long as possible. This includes regular maintenance and periodic inspections. 

Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often to service your shocks.

If you’re not comfortable doing this work yourself, take your bike to an auto repair shop that specializes in motorcycle maintenance. They’ll have the right equipment and knowledge to work on your shocks, as well as other parts of your motorcycle.

With the right shock absorbers, plenty of TLC, and regular inspections, you can keep your bike riding smoothly for years to come!