Leveling out a sportster

rappz7

rappz7

New Member
So for my next build id like to work with a sportster 883 2003-2006 as the platform. Really the only thing im interested in keeping would be the frame and the engine everything else would be of my own design or sourcing. So the first order or business would be to level the sportster out. As it is stock the bike kind of has a laid back bobber kind of feel (as im sure most of you are aware of) and im looking for more of a upright leveled out feel. Has anybody here done something like this? It doesn't seem to difficult maybe longer springs and playing around with the forks. Anybody anybody? All input is welcomed. ---thanks
 
Swap the 16" rear rim with an 18". But most people cheap out and just install taller shocks which looks stupid.
 
DrJ said:
Swap the 16" rear rim with an 18". But most people cheap out and just install taller shocks which looks stupid.
Click to expand...

This makes sense. Yeah if its worth doing its worth doing right. Are there many stock Harleys with an 18" rear wheel? Do you need to retro fit an aftermarket rim?
 
HD had the XLCR in the late 70s which was the "Cafe Racer" version. It came with 18s front and rear.
IMG_3532.JPG


Sportsters came with varying shock lengths in the rear depending upon the model. Anywhere from 13.5" long to 11".

Ryca makes a Cafe kit for the sportster that has 15" rear shocks (I think. They might be 14.5"). With the whole kit installed, it makes for a pretty bitchin' ride.

http://shop.rycamotors.com/sportster_cafe_racer_preorder.html
 
Somewhat of a sidebar here,
But how does harley get away with random stock changes of 3.5" in the rear suspension without serious handling consequences?
 
SONIC. said:
Somewhat of a sidebar here,
But how does harley get away with random stock changes of 3.5" in the rear suspension without serious handling consequences?
Click to expand...

Realistically, hardly anyone buys a Harley for the way it handles. People that buy a "Lowrider" get a bike that has basically a more laid back head angle than the "R" model. In addition, most people who buy a "lowrider" buy it for looks and so they can put both feet flat on the ground. Basically, they're cruisers.

My Sportster has 11" shocks in the back and Progressive 1.5" lower fork springs. That brings it pretty much level with a 30° head angle. It corners WAY better than my buddy's Kawasaki "Harley Wanna Be" bagger. But, it doesn't hold a candle to my Triumph Bonneville, which ain't no sport bike either. My Sportster still needs to be "muscled" around tight turns.
 
rappz7 said:
This makes sense. Yeah if its worth doing its worth doing right. Are there many stock Harleys with an 18" rear wheel? Do you need to retro fit an aftermarket rim?
Click to expand...
how does an 18 raise the rear ? we would be talking about only an inch but the 16 tires usually have a higher profile making it very little difference in diameter, if any at all
a lightweight 18 wheel with the a reasonable sized tire would be an improvement though,less rotating mass, just sayin' it don't raise the rear any
 
SONIC. said:
Somewhat of a sidebar here,
But how does harley get away with random stock changes of 3.5" in the rear suspension without serious handling consequences?
Click to expand...
Who ever said the Sportster was a good handling bike? ;D Longer springs without longer shocks will have no difference in height. xb33bsa is correct, the 16 and 18 should be the same diameter.
It's too bad H-D never made the XLCR with the XR1000 motor.
 
http://www.onedownfourup.us/1975-xl100-harley-ironhead-sportster-build-iii/rg0afozybip4v4c7dfg5th1h4f43f7

Looks like a Honda tank of some kind. It's based on the old Ironhead frame which is probably easier to level than the current model.
 
I notice the gray bike has shortened forks and almost zero travel to help level it out. Not ideal.
 
xb33bsa said:
hoarseshit, that thing is unride-able
you musta bin jokin' ;D
Click to expand...

Wear a good pair of asbestos pants and ride really smooth roads and your good to go....1 inch of front suspension travel is fanstastic. there are many with 0 inches of travel, so 1 inch has to be great. Since those engine run cold anyway, the circular heaters for it keep it warm. Cold engines don't run well....

You have to admit it looks good though........Prolly has a Honda stashed when he really wants to go riding...
 
mydlyfkryzis said:
Wear a good pair of asbestos pants and ride really smooth roads and your good to go....1 inch of front suspension travel is fanstastic. there are many with 0 inches of travel, so 1 inch has to be great. Since those engine run cold anyway, the circular heaters for it keep it warm. Cold engines don't run well....

You have to admit it looks good though........Prolly has a Honda stashed when he really wants to go riding...
Click to expand...

x2, The Honda is the one with the Harley Peanut tank on it.
 
New Sportys (post 06) actually handle pretty good. After replacing the stock mufflers with some smaller ones ground clearance is not much of a problem. When I start dragging hard parts hanging off and lifting slightly on the bike will get enough clearance to get around a curve even at a good pace. Watch you tube and see how the racers did it in the late 70's early 80's when even the race bikes had these problems. Now I will admit that I am old and slow so my riding skills may not be up to par with you young guys........
 
I almost forgot....... easiest way to lower front of sportster to make it level is to raise the forks in the triple trees. This also decreases rake and makes the Sporty handle much quicker.......
 
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