Learn from my mistake with legend suspension
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 14
From: California
Learn from my mistake with legend suspension
I have had my legends suspended setup on my 23 FXLRS for just over 1k miles now, and I gotta say I am a sucker for going with this kit. I initially purchased it as I had a hefty discount on the parts which dropped the price on the front and rear kits about 300 bucks each. But for anyone even remotely considering spending 1k per wheel on legends shocks, DONT.
I have the 13.5 revo a mono and the axeo 43 cartridges and they are not even remotely worth what they cost. The front shocks are virtually unadjustable after installation as preload is set internally, and the rear shock has only two settings, both of which require the seat to come off. Also, there is little aftermarket support for their front end kit and after verifying with legend and fork tube manufacturers, there is no way to go 1 or two over in the front. The only way is to get the FXDRS cartridge and get the fork tubes from that bike.
The shocks arent BAD, but for what you are paying, there are drastically better and cheaper options out there. In hindsight I would have gone with the RWD or online mono shock and the GP forks and done 2+. You would spend the exact same with this set up and have externally adjustable rebound, compression, and dampening on both axels.
The only thing legend is legendary at is marketing and convincing you that they make the top tier products when you are paying for a logo. The only good product of theirs is the dyna revo arcs but even those are still subpar to may other brands. Dont fall for the YouTubers who claim
they make the best products, they are being paid to say that.
I definitely have buyers remorse and I paid way less than msrp for these shocks, dont fall for the tricks and get you some real good **** and not the marketing bs.
I have the 13.5 revo a mono and the axeo 43 cartridges and they are not even remotely worth what they cost. The front shocks are virtually unadjustable after installation as preload is set internally, and the rear shock has only two settings, both of which require the seat to come off. Also, there is little aftermarket support for their front end kit and after verifying with legend and fork tube manufacturers, there is no way to go 1 or two over in the front. The only way is to get the FXDRS cartridge and get the fork tubes from that bike.
The shocks arent BAD, but for what you are paying, there are drastically better and cheaper options out there. In hindsight I would have gone with the RWD or online mono shock and the GP forks and done 2+. You would spend the exact same with this set up and have externally adjustable rebound, compression, and dampening on both axels.
The only thing legend is legendary at is marketing and convincing you that they make the top tier products when you are paying for a logo. The only good product of theirs is the dyna revo arcs but even those are still subpar to may other brands. Dont fall for the YouTubers who claim
they make the best products, they are being paid to say that.
I definitely have buyers remorse and I paid way less than msrp for these shocks, dont fall for the tricks and get you some real good **** and not the marketing bs.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
I like my Legends ARC on my 2019 FLHTP. Getting ready to do the install of new springs and cartridge emulators in my forks. Then change the fluid in the forks every 40k miles and I'll be good.
Cartridges in forks are great for race bikes. But they have little oil in them and need to be rebuilt at or before 20k miles. Not rebuild-able at home.
Cartridges in forks are great for race bikes. But they have little oil in them and need to be rebuilt at or before 20k miles. Not rebuild-able at home.
Last edited by Goose_NC; Feb 28, 2024 at 12:59 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 14
From: California
I like my Legends ARC on my 2019 FLHTP. Getting ready to do the install of new springs and cartridge emulators in my forks. Then change the fluid in the forks every 40k miles and I'll be good.
Cartridges in forks are great for race bikes. But they have little oil in them and need to be rebuilt at or before 20k miles. Not rebuild-able at home.
Cartridges in forks are great for race bikes. But they have little oil in them and need to be rebuilt at or before 20k miles. Not rebuild-able at home.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 101
Likes: 37
From: SoCal
Glad you got a discount! But when it comes to suspension, you need to take your time, ensure you understand what you want and what your shocks will do so you arent in buyers remorse mode. There is no apples to apples comparison and all the manufacturers market differently.
The FXLRS already comes with a pretty good suspension so upgrading isnt going to produce ridiculous improvements either. Give it some time, and miles, maybe it will settle in.
The FXLRS already comes with a pretty good suspension so upgrading isnt going to produce ridiculous improvements either. Give it some time, and miles, maybe it will settle in.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 32
Likes: 14
From: California
Glad you got a discount! But when it comes to suspension, you need to take your time, ensure you understand what you want and what your shocks will do so you arent in buyers remorse mode. There is no apples to apples comparison and all the manufacturers market differently.
The FXLRS already comes with a pretty good suspension so upgrading isnt going to produce ridiculous improvements either. Give it some time, and miles, maybe it will settle in.
The FXLRS already comes with a pretty good suspension so upgrading isnt going to produce ridiculous improvements either. Give it some time, and miles, maybe it will settle in.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
I got the Screamin Eagle monoshock in the rear of my bike and so far it's proving to be a pretty great choice.
I have standard forks in the front so I went with DKCustoms Intiminator Valves and Progressive Springs and it's pretty ok. Bike feels quite nimble and like it glides over most things.
I think if I were to go with a monotube kit the Progressive monotube kit with FST would be the one I'd like to take a bet on. But I dont feel like I need more than the budget upgrade I put in the front forks. The only down side for the SE monoshock is I have to go with a stock location preload adjustor, so my good looking chrome full panel is gone. Back to the stock black side panels.
I decided to not go with the Legend monoshock because the preload adjustor ring is at the back of the bike under that bracket which means no real adjustment once it's on the bike unless you pull off that bracket. Sorry Legends but that was a really dumb design choice. I'd rather pay the extra cash to get the SE Ohlins monoshock and get all the extra goodies, or go with hyperpro's fully adjustable shock with the linear spring from EPM Performance.
I have standard forks in the front so I went with DKCustoms Intiminator Valves and Progressive Springs and it's pretty ok. Bike feels quite nimble and like it glides over most things.
I think if I were to go with a monotube kit the Progressive monotube kit with FST would be the one I'd like to take a bet on. But I dont feel like I need more than the budget upgrade I put in the front forks. The only down side for the SE monoshock is I have to go with a stock location preload adjustor, so my good looking chrome full panel is gone. Back to the stock black side panels.
I decided to not go with the Legend monoshock because the preload adjustor ring is at the back of the bike under that bracket which means no real adjustment once it's on the bike unless you pull off that bracket. Sorry Legends but that was a really dumb design choice. I'd rather pay the extra cash to get the SE Ohlins monoshock and get all the extra goodies, or go with hyperpro's fully adjustable shock with the linear spring from EPM Performance.
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2023
Posts: 238
Likes: 123
From: SoCal
Have you seen the way these upper end shocks are packaged? That's partly what you are paying for. Not to mention all the gimmicks that these companies throw around like those ugly reservoirs hanging off the back of bikes or options that the shocks have that you are told not to touch. WTF?
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 8,015
Likes: 6,909
From: NC
the ARC line is a decent product, especially if you are not after pure handling performance but rather a balance between comfort and handling. However the cartridges from them are just not worth it. If you can return them, I highly recommend you do before you put them in. I have raced sport bikes my whole life and have had suspension tuners properly set up my suspension for my weight and riding style, for the money there is just better options out there. If there was a difference in price I would understand it but your not getting what you pay for IMO.
What public roads do you ride that a race setup works all the time? I am a touring rider that used to race a long time ago. I thoroughly understand suspension and brakes on motorcycles. Which is why I did not purchase any cartridge fork system for my street bikes. I have the cartridge emulators which are better suited for touring and public road bikes that see high mileage rather than consistent 100+ MPH.
Why would you buy a Harley is you want race bike type performance? Especially a softail?
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2021
Posts: 1,142
Likes: 2,753
From: England
Hmm. Think I'll stick with my first idea of Ohlins at both ends. Though I can't remember off-hand whether Ohlins do a 13.5" shock. I want a longer shock because I want to drop the forks 1/2" so need to lift the rear to match.