As you know, I've been contemplating buying a new 1200 Custom for mid-range touring. Something in the neighborhood of 200 to 400 miles for day trips. You'll also remember that I got beaten up worse than being in a bar fight during the break-in period on my Sportster 48.

I definitely ride new bikes in totally stock trim for a while just to get an honest assessment of what will need work. However, the stock shocks on the 48 were so bad and the progressives on Betty were so good that I'm not going to waste time if it happens again.

Trouble is, I've never done a radical change out on Sportster suspension components. To me, the heavier front end on the 48 was more than half of the battle, it's the rear end that sucks on these newer models.

Anyone change out suspension parts on a Sportster used for longer rides?