Motorcycle Suspension

MOTORCYCLE SUSPENSION, REAR SHOCKS AND FORK SPRINGS FOR HARLEY-DAVIDSON AND TRIUMPH

Suspension decisions on a custom build split into three directions: lower it, restore what is worn, or build something different from the ground up. Lowering a Sportster or Dyna for stance and handling is a bolt-on job with the right shocks and fork kit. Replacing tired rear shocks on a Shovelhead or vintage FL is a direct swap. Running a springer front end instead of telescopic forks is a different build direction entirely. This collection covers all three: rear shocks from Burly Brand and Progressive Suspension, fork springs and lowering kits, fork tubes and components, and springer front ends from Mid-USA.

REAR SHOCKS

Two brands cover the majority of custom Harley-Davidson rear shock work here:

• Burly Brand: The Slammer line covers Sportsters from 1988 to 2003 and 2004 to 2020 in both individual shocks and complete suspension kits. The 10.5-inch Slammer is the go-to for builders who want a slammed stance on a Sportster without sacrificing too much travel. The Slammer Plus and Stiletto extend to 15 inches for builders who want a higher stance. Dyna FXD coverage from 2006 to 2017 also available. A rear lowering kit covers 1986 to 1999 Sportsters for builders who want stance adjustment without a full shock swap.

• Progressive Suspension: The 412 Series covers Shovelhead FL and FLH applications from 1958 to 1986 and Sportsters from 1986 to 2020 in chrome and black finishes in 11 to 13.5-inch lengths. The 490 Series steps up in valving for Sportster and Dyna applications where a more active shock is needed. The 970 piggyback reservoir shock covers 2004-up Sportsters at the top of the range.

Lowbrow Customs rigid shock struts cover Big Twin and Sportster hardtail builds where a cosmetic strut fills the shock mount location without any spring travel.

For Triumph, EMGO makes reproduction rear shocks with a period-correct shrouded spring profile for vintage British builds.

FORK SPRINGS AND FRONT END COMPONENTS

• Fork springs: Progressive Suspension replacement and heavy-duty fork springs for Sportsters from 1988 through 2020 and Dyna FXD models from 1999 to 2017. Drop-in front fork lowering kits for Sportsters 1988 to 2015 and FXST and FLST Softails 2000 to 2017 reduce fork travel to lower the front end without replacing the entire fork assembly.

• Fork tubes: Cycle Standard 39mm and 35mm chrome fork tubes in multiple over-length sizes for builders running extended front ends. Custom Cycle Engineering show-chrome and ultra-chrome 39mm and 49mm tubes cover the high-end end of the range. Lowbrow Customs 39mm fork shrouds in black and raw steel are among the most-reviewed fork components in the collection at 51 reviews.

• Fork components: Cycle Standard fork leg assembly rebuild kits for 1988 to 2022 Sportsters, universal fork boot gaiter sets, and neck bearing sets from Drag Specialties and V-Twin Manufacturing. The British Standard neck bearing conversion is a 32-review item for builders fitting a Harley or springer front end to a Triumph frame.

Browse motorcycle fork components and fork springs for the deeper subcategory ranges.

SPRINGER FRONT ENDS AND RIGID STRUTS

Mid-USA Hardbody springer front ends in Antique Style cover standard through 6-inch over lengths in chrome, black, and copper and black. The Mid-USA OEM Style Panhead springer covers 1936 to 1947 Big Twins for period-correct front end builds. Colony makes a complete springer rocker rebuild kit for 1931 to 1948 Harley-Davidson Big Twin springers. The Gigacycle Garage LeRoy Hooligan complete tracker front end kit covers 1982-up Sportsters for builders who want an inverted fork setup rather than a springer or standard narrow glide.

Browse motorcycle springers and motorcycle shocks for the full range within each suspension category.