Rear Shocks
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Kinder, La
Rear Shocks
Hey everyone, bought a 2003 Dyna Super Glide. I have the shocks adjusted all the way and still get some bottoming out. Not much and only on really bad spots. But looking for a way to make the bike ride better two up. GF and I love to ride but just looking for a way to make it more enjoyable for her. I was wondering if anyone has tried any type of air shock for a Dyna, was looking at the Legends in a catalog but taking all suggestions. Front fender bottoms out on the highway bar but not too bad, was like that when i bought it. We know the fix for that already and as soon as I can get it in the shop will have the guy rebuild the front shocks(20,000 miles +) and change to the heavier oil and springs. Just looking for something for the rear now. Loaded with the both of us, prob looking around 400lbs, depending on what all we have in the bags maybe a bit more. Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Popular as oil and tyres!
I have a theory about shocks for Harleys. I spent a very long time researching here and elsewhere before buying my current ones. I reckon that when riding solo most of us are happy with whatever shocks we have on or buy, because the rider sits over the swingarm axle. Any shocks to the rear wheel are reduced by the time they get to the rider.
But the passenger sits right over the wheel axle and gets a different riding experience to the rider! That is when many of the shocks a rider is happy with become rejects, because so many of them cannot deal well with the extra weight, or the poorer riding experience of the passenger.
When that passenger is the love in our life, she deserves the best we can afford! After many years of hand wringing I have finally cured bottoming out on my Glide when 2-up with Ohlins from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. Its taken me a long time to find our solution, but we are both very happy now!
I have a theory about shocks for Harleys. I spent a very long time researching here and elsewhere before buying my current ones. I reckon that when riding solo most of us are happy with whatever shocks we have on or buy, because the rider sits over the swingarm axle. Any shocks to the rear wheel are reduced by the time they get to the rider.
But the passenger sits right over the wheel axle and gets a different riding experience to the rider! That is when many of the shocks a rider is happy with become rejects, because so many of them cannot deal well with the extra weight, or the poorer riding experience of the passenger.
When that passenger is the love in our life, she deserves the best we can afford! After many years of hand wringing I have finally cured bottoming out on my Glide when 2-up with Ohlins from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. Its taken me a long time to find our solution, but we are both very happy now!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
Likes: 261
From: back home in Michigan
For sure. Fwiw, my bro in law has been a HD wrench for many years. His advice to me about replacing the Foxx shocks on the backside of my WG-Progressive Air Shocks. Great for the money and very dependable. Easy to adj with a hand pump, easy to mount up and from a company he has nothing but good luck dealing with since his days as the working Service Mgr at Milwaukee Harley.
Thats the route I will be taking, probably this next winter.
Thats the route I will be taking, probably this next winter.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I have an 02 wideglide and put on progressive 1/2" longer than stock with their stock springs. Mama thanked me a lot for that one. We can still bottom out but it has to be a really big pot hole before it does, but overall, a very nice ride for both of us
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From:
The cure
+1 on what GRBROWN said- Ohlins shocks from MotorcycleMetal.com, a forum sponsor. I just spent 5 hours in the saddle last Saturday with my wife on the back, and the ride for her was infinitely better than any other shock I've tried- OEM, Progressive 440's(HD), YSS, now the Ohlins. I can dial the shocks up for 2 up riding and have a very versatile ride: sport for solo, smooth for 2 up. One of the best improvements I've made on the bike. Jay
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Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Knoxville, Tn
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,750
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From: back home in Michigan
The Ohlins and Arnotts are way out of my price range. And when I can get something that works great for far less money, well guess we all have to make our own decisions based on priorities.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I thought that, but having researched this subject for a long time I realised there are a number of ridres who have worked their way through most of the known cheaper alternatives, spending small sums of money along the way, but a lot in total, until they found a good quality shock they liked. I decided to take a short cut past that experience and buy quality once. If you can't afford Ohlins today, wait until 'tomorrow' when you can! Buy once and contact Howard at Motorcycle Metal.