Strictly HD scoot content (Suspension changes)

Hi,

Let Shirley get ya what ever your havin.

I have been thinking of changing the shocks and fork springs on my 96
Sporty 1200S.
I have adjusted the rear shocks with the valves on the reservoirs to
smooth the ride. It's pretty smooth, but does feel like it bottoms on
very hard bumps. Looking at the shock itself, there does not appear
to be preload adjustments like on a normal shock. I have been looking
in catalogs and on the net at Progressive heavy duty 412's. I have
also been thinking of using a longer shock. The standard for the
Sporty is, IIRC, 13.5". I was thinking of going to 14" or 14.5".
Mostly because of my weight...Ya I'm a fat ass.
I was looking at the more expensive Progressive shocks, but $499.00 is
a little steep and I'm not sure they would be worth it on a Sporty.

Last year I changed the fork oil to a heavier weight to help eliminate
front end dive. Now I am thinking a new set of springs with different
rates would be the real way to go. I haven't come across a lot of
offerings of non stock Sporty springs yet. I still have to do more
searching.

I don't want to screw up the handling of the Sporty, but I want to
make it a little nicer ride until I can afford a FXDS. I am also not
the kind that keeps trading in or selling things I acquire because if
I didn't want them I would not have bought them in the first place. So
unless my situation changes dramatically I will be keeping the Sporty
when I do get the FXDS. I really like the Sporty for around town and
short trips if the area has passable roads.

Yes, I am looking for other opinions, so have at it.

Thanks and let Shirley get ya another if want one.

danl