I have a 2008 XL883. It took a lot of work to make it a decent long =
distance
bike. Adding progressive 412 shocks to the rear end helped a lot; so did
switching to Pirelli MT-66 tires. I added a Mustang Classic Touring =
seat; it
made a big difference too. Like most things in life, the solution is
incremental.=20

Risers, which you already have, will put you in a much more comfortable
riding position. Road pegs, which you have too are a must to let you =
stretch
your legs out. I use a product called "Ride-On." It helps protect your =
tires
from going flat if they are punctured, but the most compelling reason to =
use
it is that it balances your wheels while you ride and in doing so =
smoothes
out the ride. Every little improvement helps.=20

Mustang makes seats that have backrests. I know more than a few riders =
who
swear by them. If you bike has the stock Harley seat, which is little =
more
than a thinly upholstered brick, you would be well served to replace it. =


One of the last things that I bought to make the ride softer was an =
Air-Hawk
seat pad. Air-Hawk makes the best seat pad on the market. A lot of =
iron-butt
riders use them; that is how it was recommended to me.=20

The problem is that the Sportster is a short-wheelbase, light bike, that =
was
never intended for long distance riding. With a few well thought out =
mods it
can be a decent small touring machine. I've done over 300 miles a day on
mine and Cindy Dietz just about lives on her Sportster, Effie. =
Considering
the miles that Cindy puts on her Sportster ever year, you have to wonder
when she takes time to refuel, eat and sleep.


Pete