Burly Slammer Shocks For Harley Sportster 2004-2022
The Burly Brand Slammer Shocks for the Harley-Davidson Sportster (2004-2022) are primarily chosen for one reason: to give the bike an aggressive, slammed look. They are one of the most popular and affordable ways to drastically lower your Sportster.
Burly Slammer Shocks: Key Features
Extreme Lowering: The standard Burly Slammer Shocks measure only 10.5 inches from eye-to-eye.
Since many Sportsters (like the Iron 883) come stock with 12-inch shocks, these will drop the rear end by about 1.5 inches.
Compared to a taller Sportster model (like the 13.25-inch Custom or Roadster shocks), the drop can be up to 2.5 inches.
Ride Height: They achieve a low, “ground-hugging” stance.
Adjustable Preload: Features a 5-position cam-style preload adjuster. This is essential for setting the sag based on your weight and load, which is critical given the minimal travel.
Progressive Rate Springs: The shocks use a progressive spring rate designed to be soft initially for comfort and firm quickly to prevent bottoming out.
Construction: High-pressure, gas-charged dampers provide more consistent damping than basic oil-filled shocks.
Aesthetics: Available in popular finishes like Chrome and Black.
Fitment Note: Fits rubber-mounted Sportster models from 2004-2022. They do not fit the Sportster Sport (XL1200S) or the new Revolution Max models (Sportster S/Nightster).
The Trade-Offs (Ride Quality)
While the low look is achieved, it comes at the expense of suspension travel, which is a major factor on the Sportster platform:
Minimal Travel: The 10.5-inch length leaves you with very little usable suspension travel (often only about 1 inch on the standard Slammer).
Harsh Ride: The ride quality will be stiff and harsh. Many riders report a significant increase in feeling road bumps and potholes, often comparing it to riding a hardtail.
Bottoming Out: You will be much more likely to bottom out, especially when carrying a passenger or hitting unexpected bumps.
Ground Clearance: Cornering clearance is severely reduced, meaning you will scrape footpegs, exhausts, or kickstands much sooner when leaning into turns.
Recommended Upgrade: Burly Slammer Plus
If you want the 10.5 inch slammed look but desire a slightly more comfortable ride, Burly offers the Slammer Plus Shocks:
Same Low Stance: They maintain the 10.5 inch ride height.
Increased Travel: They utilize an innovative flat wire spring and a longer damper, providing almost 2 inches of usable travel.
Benefit: This extra inch of travel makes a noticeable difference, offering better cushioning and reducing the frequency and harshness of bottoming out, making the bike much more tolerable for daily riding.
If aesthetics are your sole priority, the standard Slammer is the way to go. If you prioritize the look but still ride daily, the Slammer Plus is the smart compromise.
Burly Slammer Shocks For Harley Sportster
These shocks are the perfect match for the Burly Brand Lowboy front fork lowering kits.
Features:
Stubby 10.5″ eye-to-eye measurement
They are pre-load adjustable to tune to rider weight
Available in Chrome or Black finish
Made in the USA
Note: Check fender to tire clearance before operating motorcycle.
Made in the USA
| Product Style | AmericanV-twin Item # | Catalog Number | Store Sku | MFR. Product # | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black | 898158 | 690-059 | B28-1201B | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours | |
| Chrome | 898157 | 690-056 | 340126 | B28-1201 | In Stock: Ships within 24 hours |
Fitment Notes & Exceptions
Check all clearances before installation
Lowered ground clearance may affect handling and cause bags, exhaust and other parts to scrape the ground when cornering
This kit is likely to change how your motorcycle sits when it is on the kick stand
Not for Sportster Sport (XL1200S)
This Product Fits
Harley Davidson
Sportster Custom XL1200C 2004-2019
Sportster Custom XL883C 2004-2009
Sportster Forty-Eight Special XL1200XS 2018, 2019
Sportster Forty-Eight XL1200X 2010-2022
Sportster Iron XL1200NS 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021
Sportster Iron XL883N 2009-2022
Sportster Low/SuperLow XL883L 2005-2019
Sportster Low XL1200L 2006-2011
Sportster Nightster XL1200N 2007-2012
Sportster Roadster XL1200CX 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
Sportster Roadster XL1200R 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008
Sportster Roadster XL883R 2004-2012
Sportster Seventy-Two XL1200V 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Sportster SuperLow XL1200T 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017
Sportster XL883 2004-2009
