Suspension for heavy rider
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 83
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From: Indianapolis
Suspension for heavy rider
I have a 18 heritage and am not happy with my suspension. I guess I should have known when the manual only goes to a 280lb rider preload adjustment (300 says N/A) but brought up my weight many many times to the salesman. I tried at 3 being 280 says 2.5 and have worked my way up and Im just not happy with the ride.
im 62 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
im 62 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
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Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 41
From: Indianapolis
Last edited by Boonechaser; Dec 19, 2022 at 07:22 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2022
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From: Missouri
being a 6-1, 260lbs rider...my lowrider S is on 3 ( midsetting)...unless i hit something hard or sharp the ride is adequate. now, when i do hit something sharp, it is very noticeable.
you may want o look into the likes of a slightly longer shock (raising the rear height), or speak to an after market company and select something better suited in spring rate and valving.
you may be a good candidate for air ???
you may want o look into the likes of a slightly longer shock (raising the rear height), or speak to an after market company and select something better suited in spring rate and valving.
you may be a good candidate for air ???
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 83
Likes: 41
From: Indianapolis
being a 6-1, 260lbs rider...my lowrider S is on 3 ( midsetting)...unless i hit something hard or sharp the ride is adequate. now, when i do hit something sharp, it is very noticeable.
you may want o look into the likes of a slightly longer shock (raising the rear height), or speak to an after market company and select something better suited in spring rate and valving.
you may be a good candidate for air ???
you may want o look into the likes of a slightly longer shock (raising the rear height), or speak to an after market company and select something better suited in spring rate and valving.
you may be a good candidate for air ???
I already spent $2500 on saddles before I found one that was comfortable for me and shocks are more expensive than seats and hate to go through several before finding what works best.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 832
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From: The Shit Show
I can't speak for my Heritage yet but, when I had my Street Glide I opted for the heavy-duty setup on my Ohlins, and it made a hell of a difference. If you're above what Harley would consider the their suggested weight tolerance, you may need to look at companies like Legend or Ohlins which have systems to support the additional weight. They're aren't cheap but they're definitely worth it.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: SWFL
Ohlins makes a rear monoshock which you can get sprung for your weight. Sadly its about 8 bills. On the other end you can yank out the HD fork tube guts and get a set of excellent Race Tech springs (also for your weight) and gold valve cartridge emulators and have the next best thing to high end (also around 800) fork cartridges. Itll be a night and day difference. Ive got that setup on my FXR and Road King - except for different style shocks. The Dyna has GP fork carts (one of the best you can get).
Last edited by Mchad; Dec 19, 2022 at 07:47 PM.
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 804
Likes: 237
From: TN
I was reading somewhere, but cannot remember exactly where Fox makes a shock that is half inch or an inch long than the stock shock. You can order them with heavier springs as well. I believe Fuel Moto carries them.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 158
Likes: 57
From: Sh*tty of Lost Angels
I have a 18 heritage and am not happy with my suspension. I guess I should have known when the manual only goes to a 280lb rider preload adjustment (300 says N/A) but brought up my weight many many times to the salesman. I tried at 3 being 280 says 2.5 and have worked my way up and Im just not happy with the ride.
im 62 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
im 62 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2023
Posts: 158
Likes: 57
From: Sh*tty of Lost Angels
I have a 18 heritage and am not happy with my suspension. I guess I should have known when the manual only goes to a 280lb rider preload adjustment (300 says N/A) but brought up my weight many many times to the salesman. I tried at 3 being 280 says 2.5 and have worked my way up and I’m just not happy with the ride.
im 6’2” 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
im 6’2” 310lbs and even with the preload maxed, I feel as if I have zero shock absorber on the rear.
any other heavier riders had an issue and found a solution?
Probably aftermarket is your best bet.
Last edited by Astro Glide; Feb 23, 2023 at 05:09 PM.