When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Dyna Glide ModelsSuper Glide, Super Glide Sport, Super Glide Custom, Dyna Glide Convertible, Super Glide T-Sport, Dyna Glide Police, Dyna Switchback, Low Rider, Street Bob, Fat Bob and Wide Glide.
Wife and I total 350 plus luggage; I use 12.5" 418 Progressives. '01 FXDXT w/103inch motor and a whole bunch of other performance stuff.....we've done about 4000 miles this year; mostly in the mountains of Montana and SE BC.....was excellent
Personally, I'm not a big fan of air shocks on any kind of long distance machine. COmpressed air has a nasty habit of escaping at the worst times.
I use Progressive Suspension 412's. Since I also often ride with passenger and load, I opted for the Heavy Duty (HD) version. I like a slightly firm ride, but not harsh or jarring.. I like to kep my kidneys where they belong. But I'll trade off a little bit of comfort for a lot of control
For most riding, I find them a vast improvement over stock. Better control, no bottoming out, 3/4" lower seat height.If the road is a little torn up and I'm riding solo/unloaded, they can be a little harsh. Good value, too.
bob... if your air is letting out of your shock it is a BAD shock... that is the main source of suspension that HD uses on ALL their touring bikes due to the reliabilty and comfort. they are easily adjustable and provide a ride like nothing else... do not get me wrong, everyone is entitled to their own opinion... my brother thinks a hard tail is the best ride... CRAZY as THAT sounds!
if you where going to be doing alot of sport type riding (twists and turns at moderate to fast speeds) nothing beats a progressive shock! they hold the road and allow for quick body movements... when i did the tail of the dragon i had to fill up my air shocks to allow me to take the turns at the speed i was going.. then again not many of us with bobs can take those turns like that just due to the DRAGING pegs and exhuast factors ha ha ha, everyone rides different, i ride like i stole it, but mostly on the highway just knuckles to the wind
I like to push it a bit; that's why Ibuilt the 103inch T-Sport in the first place; and found the bike tends to wallow if you don't have enough rebound dampening. On a scale of 5 I'm at 2 solo and 4 two-up; haven't seen any air shocks with adjustable rebound dampening, also pre-load can be changed with a small wrench, no pump required. The air shocks seem to give a wide range of adjustment but it's the valving that determines the ride quality.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.