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Shocks: What do we need to know...

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Old May 10, 2015 | 02:45 PM
  #1  
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Default Shocks: What do we need to know...

I'm now looking to get rid of the stock rear shocks on my 2012 Dyna Wide Glide.

Not sure what I need, but what I do know is the stock shock absorbers don't absorb that well...

What advice can you give for buying new shocks? What are things you want to consider?

Thanks in advance!

Junior
 
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Old May 10, 2015 | 04:05 PM
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Don't buy the cheapest shocks in anyone's product line. I highly recommend going 1" over stock length to get more travel and reduce scraping on mountain curves.
 
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Old May 10, 2015 | 06:37 PM
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My suggestion to everybody that's serious about improving their ride quality, is to bite the bullet and quit pissing away good money trying different inexpensive shocks. Drop about $900+ on a set of Ohlin Piggy Backs and be done with it. I know that's a bunch, but you'll get a quick $600+ when selling them used if you sell your bike.

If you don't mind raising the rear a bit, longer shocks offering more travel improves the ride as well as ground clearance for cornering.

I put a set on my FXR a few thousand miles ago and I couldn't be happier with them. Truly an outstanding shock. There is no cheap way out that will offer significant improvement.

 
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Old May 10, 2015 | 06:44 PM
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Yes, don't go the 'Cheap' route. There're are a few high quality shocks out on the market. I've used Works on all my FXRs, Dynas & Touring bikes. Just my 2 cents. Good Luck.
 

Last edited by 103 sedona orange; May 10, 2015 at 06:46 PM.
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Old May 10, 2015 | 07:56 PM
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Agreed don't cheap out. You will regret it. The Ohlins are awesome from what I have heard. I went with the Progressive 970's and so far I am super happy with them. The bike is night and day better and they look awesome as well. In addition to the rear shocks get a good fork adjusters kit. Speed Merchant makes a pretty cool set.
 
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Old May 11, 2015 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by Racqueteer9
Don't buy the cheapest shocks in anyone's product line. I highly recommend going 1" over stock length to get more travel and reduce scraping on mountain curves.


I agree and disagree with this. I bought and installed Ohlins S36E shocks on my '08 FXD and loved them. Got .75" over length and that definitely helped the lean angles. My disagreement comes from the fact that the S36E's are Ohlins' cheapest shocks (though not cheap at $600) but I found that while they may not be as good as their $1000+ lines, they are all I needed on my Dyna. Rebuildable, custom sprung to my weight and valved to my riding style. I absolutely intend to purchase another set for my new LR.


edit: One thing to mention, the Ohilns' are pretty plain-Jane looking - no fancy chrome or bling if that matters to you. Just FYI.
 
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Old May 12, 2015 | 10:00 AM
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Default dyna and shock for short thin woman

I recently bought a 2010 super glide custom, after riding a sportster for 6 years. I am 5'2" and weigh 115 lbs. I had it lowered before I could ride it, used progressive 412's, and had a lowering kit put in the front. the length is 11". Worst ride ever! I have been trying to figure out what to do next. I understand 11" shocks designed for a 250 lb. man are not going to help me a bit. I got a new seat, and can flat foot. I was directed to Works Performance, they will custom make them for my body type, most forum posts are for heavier men, and usually taller. HELP!! Thank you so much
Shocks:  What do we need to know...-img_1606.jpg
 
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Old May 12, 2015 | 10:43 AM
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Originally Posted by Racqueteer9
Don't buy the cheapest shocks in anyone's product line. I highly recommend going 1" over stock length to get more travel and reduce scraping on mountain curves.
Originally Posted by Mchad
I agree and disagree with this. I bought and installed Ohlins S36E shocks on my '08 FXD and loved them. Got .75" over length and that definitely helped the lean angles.
Any idea how much additional lean angle you get by going with a longer shock? I'm all for going around corners fast but not at the sacrifice of looks if the added lean angle is marginal.
 
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Old May 12, 2015 | 11:01 AM
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Originally Posted by Gadgetech
Any idea how much additional lean angle you get by going with a longer shock? I'm all for going around corners fast but not at the sacrifice of looks if the added lean angle is marginal.


Well, I never took any measurements, but I know one particular turn that I would regularly scrape on, stopped...


Looks wise, I never noticed anything other then the increased lean angle on the sidestand, which prompted me to install a slightly longer one to correct it.
 
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Old May 12, 2015 | 11:06 AM
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Originally Posted by Mchad
Well, I never took any measurements, but I know one particular turn that I would regularly scrape on, stopped...


Looks wise, I never noticed anything other then the increased lean angle on the sidestand, which prompted me to install a slightly longer one to correct it.
I'm not even sure how you accurately measure lean angle but I'm curious what it would be. Good point on the longer side stand!
 
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