Suspension options for a 2018 Ultra Limited
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 37
Likes: 7
From: Manitoba
Suspension options for a 2018 Ultra Limited
I have a 2018 Ultra with 97,000Kms on it. (around 60,000 miles). I purchased it this summer (2024) and I suspect that the fork seals/oil have never been changed. So I am going to do that this winter.
Most of the threads I see on here are several years old, so with all the new technology, I am posting a new thread. I am considering upgrading the suspension at the same time and have been looking at posts here to make the best overall decision with the most information before making a purchase. I have never upgraded the suspension on any of my bikes, and this is certainly one of my least knowledgeable areas.
I have looked at Progressive, Ohlins, and now Legend. From what I see, I don't like that Legend has the preload inside the fork. In order to adjust it, you have to take the fork apart. Ohlins definately seems to be the better setup in that regard. For any of the 'performance' upgrades, I am looking at $2000 just to do the front suspension. (That's if I go with front shocks that have the internal gas preload)
However, since I have never even tried upgrading the suspension, is a progressive suspension standard spring good enough for me? I can get the Harley setup here for $250 CAD.
I have also started looking at the rear suspension, and am faced with the same dilemma. I am not a fan of the 'look' of the suspension with the external reservoir, but having adjustability over both rear shocks to change from when I am riding solo in "Street Glide mode" vs two up with the tour pack seems to make sense. To be honest, I haven't even figured out how to dial in the stock rear suspension.
So if you all have advice, I'm all ears.
Most of the threads I see on here are several years old, so with all the new technology, I am posting a new thread. I am considering upgrading the suspension at the same time and have been looking at posts here to make the best overall decision with the most information before making a purchase. I have never upgraded the suspension on any of my bikes, and this is certainly one of my least knowledgeable areas.
I have looked at Progressive, Ohlins, and now Legend. From what I see, I don't like that Legend has the preload inside the fork. In order to adjust it, you have to take the fork apart. Ohlins definately seems to be the better setup in that regard. For any of the 'performance' upgrades, I am looking at $2000 just to do the front suspension. (That's if I go with front shocks that have the internal gas preload)
However, since I have never even tried upgrading the suspension, is a progressive suspension standard spring good enough for me? I can get the Harley setup here for $250 CAD.
I have also started looking at the rear suspension, and am faced with the same dilemma. I am not a fan of the 'look' of the suspension with the external reservoir, but having adjustability over both rear shocks to change from when I am riding solo in "Street Glide mode" vs two up with the tour pack seems to make sense. To be honest, I haven't even figured out how to dial in the stock rear suspension.
So if you all have advice, I'm all ears.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 956
Likes: 838
From: Hudson, CO
On any Batwing, you won't be able to get to the adjustment on any fork cartridge without moving the fairing out to the way first. So, keep that in mind when looking at anything adjustable up front. I would look at the Pro-Action front fork kits and their rear shocks as well. I have them both and really like them. Nothing up front to adjust, so it doesn't matter that you can't easily get to the top of the forks. The rears are easy to adjust, but like any others, the bags have to come off to adjust.
With that mileage, rebuilding the factory forks will make a big difference. It's hard to notice degradation over time but I rebuilt mine at 50,000 miles while I was putting chrome lowers on and holy moley it made a nice difference. I'm not one who needs fancy suspension or engine upgrades, the bike gets me to work and back daily and wherever I want to go in between but it felt 'new' again. The biggest difference was how it eats potholes and washboard so much better now.
I did add a little more viscosity in the replacement fluid on the recommendation of a mechanic buddy but I don't know how much difference it would have made.
I did add a little more viscosity in the replacement fluid on the recommendation of a mechanic buddy but I don't know how much difference it would have made.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,522
Likes: 641
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
Another place to look is CK Products, they carry an array of shocks, and the Gold Valve Intimidators for the front forks. Yes, you can get fork springs that match your weight and riding style, and change the weight of the fork oil, all of which help make the suspension dialed in to you.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 328
Likes: 214
From: Cypress
I have an 18UL and did the ProAction up front and have the Ohlins HD 044 in the rear. The PA is a huge inprovement over stock but I will be changing out to the Ohlins cartridges in the front at some point. More adjustment options.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 6,309
From: pacific northwest
With that mileage, rebuilding the factory forks will make a big difference. It's hard to notice degradation over time but I rebuilt mine at 50,000 miles while I was putting chrome lowers on and holy moley it made a nice difference. I'm not one who needs fancy suspension or engine upgrades, the bike gets me to work and back daily and wherever I want to go in between but it felt 'new' again. The biggest difference was how it eats potholes and washboard so much better now.
I did add a little more viscosity in the replacement fluid on the recommendation of a mechanic buddy but I don't know how much difference it would have made.
I did add a little more viscosity in the replacement fluid on the recommendation of a mechanic buddy but I don't know how much difference it would have made.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,456
Likes: 6,309
From: pacific northwest
Have never looked into it but I do not think that the factory rear shocks on the 2021 models are serviceable.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,500
Likes: 8,336
From: Inland NW
As for the reservoirs showing, I don't like that either, and you can absolutely HIDE the Ohlins HD044 reservoirs with the supplied clamps. That is what I did.
Ohlins cartridges up front is all that I can recommend, I do love mine.
Best of luck, it is so very worth it!
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I have a 2018 Ultra with 97,000Kms on it. (around 60,000 miles). I purchased it this summer (2024) and I suspect that the fork seals/oil have never been changed. So I am going to do that this winter.
Most of the threads I see on here are several years old, so with all the new technology, I am posting a new thread. I am considering upgrading the suspension at the same time and have been looking at posts here to make the best overall decision with the most information before making a purchase. I have never upgraded the suspension on any of my bikes, and this is certainly one of my least knowledgeable areas.
I have looked at Progressive, Ohlins, and now Legend. From what I see, I don't like that Legend has the preload inside the fork. In order to adjust it, you have to take the fork apart. Ohlins definately seems to be the better setup in that regard. For any of the 'performance' upgrades, I am looking at $2000 just to do the front suspension. (That's if I go with front shocks that have the internal gas preload)
However, since I have never even tried upgrading the suspension, is a progressive suspension standard spring good enough for me? I can get the Harley setup here for $250 CAD.
I have also started looking at the rear suspension, and am faced with the same dilemma. I am not a fan of the 'look' of the suspension with the external reservoir, but having adjustability over both rear shocks to change from when I am riding solo in "Street Glide mode" vs two up with the tour pack seems to make sense. To be honest, I haven't even figured out how to dial in the stock rear suspension.
So if you all have advice, I'm all ears.
Most of the threads I see on here are several years old, so with all the new technology, I am posting a new thread. I am considering upgrading the suspension at the same time and have been looking at posts here to make the best overall decision with the most information before making a purchase. I have never upgraded the suspension on any of my bikes, and this is certainly one of my least knowledgeable areas.
I have looked at Progressive, Ohlins, and now Legend. From what I see, I don't like that Legend has the preload inside the fork. In order to adjust it, you have to take the fork apart. Ohlins definately seems to be the better setup in that regard. For any of the 'performance' upgrades, I am looking at $2000 just to do the front suspension. (That's if I go with front shocks that have the internal gas preload)
However, since I have never even tried upgrading the suspension, is a progressive suspension standard spring good enough for me? I can get the Harley setup here for $250 CAD.
I have also started looking at the rear suspension, and am faced with the same dilemma. I am not a fan of the 'look' of the suspension with the external reservoir, but having adjustability over both rear shocks to change from when I am riding solo in "Street Glide mode" vs two up with the tour pack seems to make sense. To be honest, I haven't even figured out how to dial in the stock rear suspension.
So if you all have advice, I'm all ears.
Which makes Doing It Right the First Time all the more important.
We have spent years testing Rear Shock Performance and listing all of our findings in our report, which you may find helpful in making your decision.
When addressing the Front Suspension, we have also collected some great data on this over the years you might consider.
Feel free to give us a call or shoot us an email with any questions you may have.
Ride Safe, Ride Free.
Shelly
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