I'm looking for a suspension for my bagger. I don't know if I want to go air or just an adjustable shock. Any thoughts???

 

I rode both bagger's one with air suspension and the one i bought with the adjustable shock. i found the air suspension had to much jounce for me hit a bump on a curve and it did not settle down quickly. took the adjustable rear suspension bike on the same curve. what a difference in the handling.

 

I looked at the legend adjustable suspension and then the shotgun air ride.

 

The general consensus here is that Ohlins from Motorcycle Metal are among the best solutions out there, and also some of the priciest. They can be set up like a 12 inch shock but have the travel of a 13 inch one. There's about 1000 threads on this subject.

 

Harley has new premium adjustable shocks that are supposed to be pretty good.

 

I've ridden both on my 2016 Street Glide Special and the Ohlins are better.

 

If I did alot of 2 up riding....I might consider it an investment....but the stock RK air suspension, along with a good seat, works fine for me....I know ohlins are good....but close to a grand for shocks?....the quality does not exceed the need in my case.

(I think the harley ones are over priced too....lol)

(Shocks are kind of like seats anyway....subjective/situational to the rider. If I were overweight, or had a bad back....or my wife rode alot with me.....lol....I might be looking for a quality suspension upgrade)

 

Any thoughts? What are you looking to achieve?! If you want improved ride quality there are zillions of threads about alternative shocks. I'm also an Ohlins fan and have their products both front and rear - it's the only way to travel!

 

Race Tech springs, emulators and lighter oil up front and a set of Ohlin 159s out back; doesn't get any better. If Ohlin's are too pricey, I have been hearing good things about the Legends and Pro Shox but they are not in the same league with Ohlin. I just picked up a pair of NIB Ohlin 159s on Ebay for 700 shipped to my door. Look around, you can find some lightly used Ohlins for $400 and send them back to Ohlin for a rebuild for $250 and they will set them up for you.

 

I seen the Ohlins but wanted a little lower suspension. So do they offer a 1 inch or 2 inch lowered 159 shock for the rear? I mostly ride by myself but I do have my wife which we go on rides also. So I'm still trying to figure out which way to go. Air or adjustable.