Softening Suspension
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
Softening Suspension
As I've been having back issues lately I'm looking at making changes to minimize that problem. Initially, I installed 18/19" Agitator wheels and found that those do give a more harsh ride so I will be changing those back to stock 16/17" sizes. I knew I would be changing out the stock seat if for no other reason than it seems to fit me wrong but I wasn't sure what seat I'd replace it with. Now it seems clear that a CVO seat is probably it and that will likely mean lowering the bike to compensate for the added height.
So - suspension questions:
1. For those of you that have installed the premium ride single cartridge kit, did you find that it firmed up the ride, softened it or no change.
2. Everything I'd read about the hand adjustable shocks say they don't ride so well when you are under 200lbs - and I am under that. So my option would be keep the air shocks and adjust the shock oil and/or oil level & air settings until I find the right combination OR get the hand adjustable shocks and change out the springs to where they will work with a lighter rider.
I know neither of these are ideal - that would be Ohlins but the one thing I don't like about those is they aren't easily adjustable for preload. Now if I could get hydraulic preload adjusters on Ohlins that WOULD be ideal but I've never seen or heard of that on any HD touring shocks.
So - suspension questions:
1. For those of you that have installed the premium ride single cartridge kit, did you find that it firmed up the ride, softened it or no change.
2. Everything I'd read about the hand adjustable shocks say they don't ride so well when you are under 200lbs - and I am under that. So my option would be keep the air shocks and adjust the shock oil and/or oil level & air settings until I find the right combination OR get the hand adjustable shocks and change out the springs to where they will work with a lighter rider.
I know neither of these are ideal - that would be Ohlins but the one thing I don't like about those is they aren't easily adjustable for preload. Now if I could get hydraulic preload adjusters on Ohlins that WOULD be ideal but I've never seen or heard of that on any HD touring shocks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
I put the premium ride suspension, standard height. I don't know if I can tell you it got softer or firmer but I remember it being a MAJOR difference in a very good way. I have back problems myself and the difference between the stock ride and the premium was significant. Much less of a beating going over manhole covers, potholes, train tracks. The suspension responds completely differently. I didn't think stock was bad until I upgraded it...then I quickly thought, for the amount of money we spend on these bikes, this ride should come with the bike. So that's my .02 - I don't have experience with rear suspension on this model, nor do I have any experience with any other front kit. Im impressed with what I put in there. Zero regrets.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton Texas
I put the premium ride suspension, standard height. I don't know if I can tell you it got softer or firmer but I remember it being a MAJOR difference in a very good way. I have back problems myself and the difference between the stock ride and the premium was significant. Much less of a beating going over manhole covers, potholes, train tracks. The suspension responds completely differently. I didn't think stock was bad until I upgraded it...then I quickly thought, for the amount of money we spend on these bikes, this ride should come with the bike. So that's my .02 - I don't have experience with rear suspension on this model, nor do I have any experience with any other front kit. Im impressed with what I put in there. Zero regrets.
So just to confirm the "premium ride suspension, standard height" is an upgrade to the 2014 Rushmore Ultra's, Street Glide etc...that look just like these? I too have back issues and my 2014 FLHXS beats me up pretty bad on those unexpected potholes, dips etc... Also, if the answer is yes on the upgrade does it still require the same amount of turns when adjusting for more weight i.e., passenger, travel bags etc...? Currently I'm 220lbs and to add a 150 lbs passenger requires like 34 clicks which is almost all the way tightened.
While I don't know if things have changed, but my understanding is regardless of 'premium' or not the shock length on a FLHX and an FLHTK are not the same. You're getting 1" shorter travel on the SG. That's why it sits lower. I replaced the shocks on my '12 FLHX with Progressives and the ride was much better but still not great. I'm sure if you put anything better than those it would be better yet. Traded that in on my '14 FLHTK and personally it's like a Cadillac compared to a Yugo.
So yes, better shocks help, a lot, but they'll never match another inch of travel. IMO
So yes, better shocks help, a lot, but they'll never match another inch of travel. IMO
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 127
Likes: 1
From: Indianapolis
I went with the 12" and set as I recall set to the low side at 4 full turns.
I am 185 and it was a bit firmer, but much better ride over the 13" air.
Wife is 140 and I leave it at 4. Takes only a bit of the firmness out...smooth.
I suspect I will need to try 6 or 8 turns when I add luggage.
BTW the manual suggested 19 full turns I recall it only clicking once per full turn.
It might click twice per full turn...that was last October and 1300 miles ago :-)
I am 185 and it was a bit firmer, but much better ride over the 13" air.
Wife is 140 and I leave it at 4. Takes only a bit of the firmness out...smooth.
I suspect I will need to try 6 or 8 turns when I add luggage.
BTW the manual suggested 19 full turns I recall it only clicking once per full turn.
It might click twice per full turn...that was last October and 1300 miles ago :-)
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,690
Likes: 246
From: Lakeville, MN
My comment above was entirely about the front suspension cartridge kit. My rear suspension is stock. Sorry for the confusion.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton Texas
For anyone interested: after asking the question above about "what shocks were being referred to" I discovered the "Premium Hand Adjustable shocks" come as standard equipment on the Street Glide Special, Road Glide Special, Ultra Low, and Limited Low Rushmores only.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 269
Likes: 12
From: Carrollton Texas
I went with the 12" and set as I recall set to the low side at 4 full turns.
I am 185 and it was a bit firmer, but much better ride over the 13" air.
Wife is 140 and I leave it at 4. Takes only a bit of the firmness out...smooth.
I suspect I will need to try 6 or 8 turns when I add luggage.
BTW the manual suggested 19 full turns I recall it only clicking once per full turn.
It might click twice per full turn...that was last October and 1300 miles ago :-)
I am 185 and it was a bit firmer, but much better ride over the 13" air.
Wife is 140 and I leave it at 4. Takes only a bit of the firmness out...smooth.
I suspect I will need to try 6 or 8 turns when I add luggage.
BTW the manual suggested 19 full turns I recall it only clicking once per full turn.
It might click twice per full turn...that was last October and 1300 miles ago :-)
Last edited by cash64; Mar 11, 2015 at 12:08 PM.
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