13” Rear Shocks for FXDB Recommendations
#21
02-15-2019, 11:47 AM
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PhillySoldier (02-15-2019)
#22
02-15-2019, 11:54 AM
Cruiser
Ive read a lot of positive things about the progressives on this board. Thats not to say that there were those that thought the higher quality ones even better though. Im kinda stuck on the chrome thing though and most of the higher quality ones dont seem to come in it.
#23
02-15-2019, 12:11 PM
Road Master
I hope you dont mind me jumping in on an existing thread rather than starting a new one; I'll edit if you do mind. Im also currently searching for 13" (or higher) rear shocks, in chrome. I think im gonna order the Progressive 444's but wanted to first see first if there is anything of higher quality available - that is at least 13" and in chrome? Any recommendations are appreciated. I see a lot of nice higher end stuff but not in chrome. Open budget.
#24
02-15-2019, 12:29 PM
Grand HDF Member
I'm running Hagon Nitro 13" shocks on my FLD and bought my wife Bitubo WME 13" shocks for her FLD. Both were in the $500-$600 range at the time of purchase and have preload and damping adjustment, and sprung specific for our weight. Both options improved ride quality, keep the wheel firmly planted, improved cornering clearance and can be dialed in for your riding preference.
Ultimately, get a shock that has some adjustment to it and is sprung for your weight. From what I remember, the base Ohlins, which is about $600?, does not have adjustable damping and you'd have to rely on best guess from the builder. Great if they assumptions are on, not so great if their guess is not on.
It won't take much to get a better ride from new shocks, since the stock ones....well, they suck. I'm of the opinion that if you're going to buy new shocks, you're starting budget shouldn't be less than $500 since those options don't provide enough of a gain to justify the money. My wife was skeptical of the ride improving for her with the new shocks. She's now a believer.
Ultimately, get a shock that has some adjustment to it and is sprung for your weight. From what I remember, the base Ohlins, which is about $600?, does not have adjustable damping and you'd have to rely on best guess from the builder. Great if they assumptions are on, not so great if their guess is not on.
It won't take much to get a better ride from new shocks, since the stock ones....well, they suck. I'm of the opinion that if you're going to buy new shocks, you're starting budget shouldn't be less than $500 since those options don't provide enough of a gain to justify the money. My wife was skeptical of the ride improving for her with the new shocks. She's now a believer.
#25
02-15-2019, 03:53 PM
Cruiser
The following 2 users liked this post by SC07Bobber:
DK Custom (02-18-2019),
PhillySoldier (03-14-2019)
#26
02-15-2019, 06:29 PM
Cruiser
ive been reading good things about them and they have them in chrome and size I want. Makes me nervous though to see them cheaper than the progressives. Gonna research it more. Anyone w experience trying both to say how they compare?
#28
02-17-2019, 06:39 PM
Progressive is able to charge more for their shocks mainly because of being a more well known name.
Big downside to their products is that most are not rebuidable.
The following 2 users liked this post by Esco11:
DK Custom (02-18-2019),
PhillySoldier (03-14-2019)
#30
02-18-2019, 01:49 AM
Cruiser
I purchased 13 3/8" Ohlins with adjustable preload and rebound damping built for my weight and riding style within your price range, but they are not all black. Black spring, normal machined finish on the internals.
Some people swear by forum sponsor Howard from motorcycle metal, and some don't care for him.
I had a great experience with David Behrend from Fast Bike Industries, I believe he used to work for Ohlins and would definitely recommend him. He can walk you through some options and give you a recommendation on what would be right for you. Once you address the back of the bike, you're gonna be desperate to do something about this shitty front end as well. If you buy both at once, you might be able to negotiate a deal. Ohlins Nix 22 or Andreani fork cartridge kits are worth looking into.
Some people swear by forum sponsor Howard from motorcycle metal, and some don't care for him.
I had a great experience with David Behrend from Fast Bike Industries, I believe he used to work for Ohlins and would definitely recommend him. He can walk you through some options and give you a recommendation on what would be right for you. Once you address the back of the bike, you're gonna be desperate to do something about this shitty front end as well. If you buy both at once, you might be able to negotiate a deal. Ohlins Nix 22 or Andreani fork cartridge kits are worth looking into.