Suspension Shocks Issue Resolved
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
From: YORKSHIRE GB
I totally agree with the OP. "Unfortunately" I went with the expensive version for my FLTRU (see sig) so I cannot comment on the less expensive alternatives. But in any case, getting the Ohlins was the best investment in that bike. Period. WHAT a difference! I'm still waiting on putting my PS Monotubues in. Front handles like crap expecially in comparison with the good suspension in the back now. Wanted to have it done in Faak but these guys were too expensive, and it does indeed take over three hours. I'm a bit hesitant to do it myself but since riding season is over anyway (at least for longer trips with the FLTRU) it will not be too big a deal if she sits torn apart for some weeks. But hey, maybe she's totaled anyway so no more need for a change LOL
That is where I got my setup from Powersports Parts on Amazon, I'm not a Amazon Prime member, but I do have a Amazon Store Credit Card!!
Terry G and Darrell07FLHR - ironically, I went with the same shocks as pswomack - Progressive in the front and rear.
Looking at my invoice, the front is the progressive high performance cartridge - my dealer gives HOG members a discount and the final part cost was $399.99.
For the rear, I also did the progressive 444 - 4002B. I did not go with the HD shock. I am 275 and my wife is 105. We figured in cargo travel weight of 50 pounds of so - and that got us up to 430 pounds. The non HD shock are for under 500 pounds so we believe we have plenty of room. Besides, I can stand to loose a little weight (lol)
My cost after the discount on these were $499.96. Total before tax was $899.92 -so pswomack got a little better deal that I did.
I also paid the dealer to install them - rear is simple and front takes over 3 hours. Some guys do their own work and this saves. I don't work on my bike at all - and if there is a problem, my dealer get to make all the fixes - has worked well for me.
Looking at my invoice, the front is the progressive high performance cartridge - my dealer gives HOG members a discount and the final part cost was $399.99.
For the rear, I also did the progressive 444 - 4002B. I did not go with the HD shock. I am 275 and my wife is 105. We figured in cargo travel weight of 50 pounds of so - and that got us up to 430 pounds. The non HD shock are for under 500 pounds so we believe we have plenty of room. Besides, I can stand to loose a little weight (lol)
My cost after the discount on these were $499.96. Total before tax was $899.92 -so pswomack got a little better deal that I did.
I also paid the dealer to install them - rear is simple and front takes over 3 hours. Some guys do their own work and this saves. I don't work on my bike at all - and if there is a problem, my dealer get to make all the fixes - has worked well for me.
I did all of my own work, took a little over 3 hours to do front and rear, but I've been an ASE Certified Master Tech for 34 years so it kinda comes natural for me!!...LOL
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
I went with progressive 944s, heavy duty, on the rear of my 2015 RK. Bought on amazon as well from power sports parts too. Did the install myself. I'm not a wrench but this was simple enough to tackle. Once I save the coin for the front will go with progressive as well but will have them installed as that seems beyond my skill. But as pswomack stated, whatever you go with, do it. You'll be pleased even amazed.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 424
Likes: 36
From: El Paso, TX
From what I've read about and seen on the HD hand adjustable shocks, which were the "premium" ones before and are now standard on 2017 Touring bikes, you only adjust one of them, which doesn't seem to be worth the coin. In my opinion, don't go HD, go with aftermarket.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,012
Likes: 298
From: Central Fl
I totally agree with the OP. "Unfortunately" I went with the expensive version for my FLTRU (see sig) so I cannot comment on the less expensive alternatives. But in any case, getting the Ohlins was the best investment in that bike. Period. WHAT a difference! I'm still waiting on putting my PS Monotubues in. Front handles like crap expecially in comparison with the good suspension in the back now. Wanted to have it done in Faak but these guys were too expensive, and it does indeed take over three hours. I'm a bit hesitant to do it myself but since riding season is over anyway (at least for longer trips with the FLTRU) it will not be too big a deal if she sits torn apart for some weeks. But hey, maybe she's totaled anyway so no more need for a change LOL
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 97
Likes: 5
From: Rockwall,TX
Thank you for the part numbers , since I had back surgery things have been tough and the bike just sits covered in the garage , the roads in this part of Texas are built on unstable clay and going for a ride is all about dodging potholes .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 11,730
Likes: 9,163
From: Georgia
I saved up and waited until I could afford the Ohlins, because I couldn't afford to do it twice. I'm excited to get on the bike to go for a ride now. I went with the cheapest 2A Ohlins in the rear and I can't imagine how the longer travel, more expensive ones ride. Suspension is the best mod you can make to a newer Harley.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,726
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
I upgraded my King to some take off premium hand adjustable shocks , 12" from a SGS, and I bought a new HD premium ride (low) front spring set up. Made a world of difference. I paid $200 for the rear and I think $90 for the front. Did the work myself.
So yeah, the air shocks suck big time.
So yeah, the air shocks suck big time.
i can understand better that the back shocks will make a difference. But I cannot buy that the fronts make that big a difference. Can you describe the difference in the front suspension.