I have a Street Bob, My wife loves to ride with me but we bottom out on bumps and railroad tracks. We are a mid sized couple, what would be good suspension upgrades? I don't have a big budget, any DIY fixes? Any experiences?

I've heard of people using stock rear suspension from an Electra Glide, but no info on how much it helps. Your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

A set of progressive 412HDs will help. They're a firmer spring.... And not too expensive.

The air shocks from a bagger help, because you can change the air pressure to compensate for weight change on the bike.

I bought, and installed a set of of bagger air shocks on my dads bike(his birthday) because his wife loves to ride, but, the bottoming out, was killing her. He's got it down to how much air he needs for each situation.

You can get them cheap if you look around.

If you're on a budget, I would go that route.

Chase

 

im having the same issues.
about 5 minutes ago i ordered the heavy duty progressive 412's based on several people here saying they are happy with them.
so you know, they are reg 299 on their own site, drag specialties, jp...but right now jp cycles has them for 269

 

have you both tried adjusting the stock coilover spring to different settings using the spanner wrench?

 

On the Street Bob the stock shocks have a pre-load cam that can be adjusted with a spanner wrench. Start by turning the preload cam counterclockwise until it stops (Can't be turned anymore). That will mean you are in position #1. Now move the spanner wrench one position at a time clockwise to get to positions 2 - 5.

The preload cam has 5 positions:
#1 0 to 165 lbs (0-75 kg)
#2 165 to 195 lbs (75-89 kg)
#3 195 to 225 lbs (89-102 kg)
#4 225 to 255 lbs (102-116 kg)
#5 255 lbs or higher (116+ kg)

My (rider) weight is 210 lbs and my girlfriends (passenger) weight is 105 lbs. That's 315 lbs all together. My stock shocks are at position #5 and we do not bottom out. Calculate your weight plus your passengers weight if they're on the bike more than 50% on the time. Also consider saddlebags and how much your gear weighs. Also, do not weigh yourself naked. Put on your riding clothes, leather jacket, gloves, boot, and helmet, then weigh yourself.

Just a heads up, Progressive shocks come in a heavy duty flavor for weights above 250. lbs. I'm not sure what you mean by mid-sized but if you and your passenger are approaching 400 lbs I would upgrade your shocks.

 

I have Prog 412s in 12" length (not the heavy dutys, just their regular weight spring). I find them the best for me and wife as we run 185 pounds (me) and 308 two-up. The regulars are perfect for me one-up with zero clicks of preload, and three clicks for two-up. The heavy dutys would have worked with a click or two for two-up, but would have been too heavy just for me alone (ie most of my riding). The regular 12" never bottom out and are just a big improvement on the OEM shocks which, in my opinion, are verging on dangerously crappy.

 

Like others have said have you adjusted your shocks yet? I weigh in at about 3 bucks, plus I haul gear on my 11 SB worth no problems. Now I've got Burly Slammers on there and still don't bottom out after adjusting them.
A spanner wrench from the dealer is like $15 I believe. Usually have it in stock also.

 

Check amazon, ive seen some 412's as low as 225.00 with shipping

 

I picked up a spanner and adjusted the shocks last night. I will find out how it does today, hopefully it does the job!

 

This will be the first season I take a rider with me. I did a little bop around town and didn't seem to be bottoming out, but I will probably kick the stock shocks up, to be safe. We're about 350ish, together on the bike.

I'm putting cash aside for a set of Progressive 444's. Lifetime warranty on those baby's. Love the look over stock too.

I picked up the spanner a while ago, cheap enough and nice to have.

I'm interested to see how your ride went with the stock adjustment.