RK Shocks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
The FLH shocks were the best shocks I've had on my Dyna so far.I just bought a set of FLHX shocks to replace the Progressives I have on there now.They may be too soft for two up but for solo it's like , well, riding on air.And did I mention for the money you're not going to get anything else even close.Sure you can get better shocks but I know I can't afford em.
Last edited by SPECIAL ED; Nov 30, 2010 at 08:12 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 255
From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
I did the same but used the shorter Street Glide shocks. Much smoother ride, really takes out the road chop. I use a air compressor with a regulator set at 40 psi to fill them, then use a pressure gauge with a bleed off valve and bleed them down to 10 psi. Only modification to make them fit is to trim the rubber boot where it attaches to the shock so that it doesn't interfere with the belt guard, might be better just to shim the shocks out about a 1/4".
More info here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
More info here: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/showt...eferrerid=9012
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 5,105
Likes: 16
From: Blaine, WA
I don't know what some are putting on that are a problem riding two up, (china copies, worn out, too short or whathaveyou) but I installed a set of non lowering (12.75" HD 54565-09) on mine and I think that for the money (I think around $52 for new take offs) they are great shocks both two up and solo. I installed the link kit and run around 25psi for two up, I could run less solo but I've found the ride is still decent so I just leave them set there.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
OK, since you guys won't take Ricors word for it, here's the issue with touring shocks on Dyna's. Its the placement of the shocks in relation to the "passenger". On a touring chassis, the passenger weight is above and in front of the shock. See the picture:
On a Dyna, the passenger weight is BEHIND the shock. Remember high school physics? Remember the little guy with the long bar lifting a rock? Remember the principle of leverage? The whole less weight lifting more weight with leverage? That's the issue with Dyna chassis and why they need stronger shocks.
No one is saying you can't run air shocks from a touring bike on a Dyna. People do it all the time. I did it. They are very smooth, they are just not the best shock for hauling heavy loads like big passengers. If your wife is 103lbs then your probably fine. If you ride solo you are probably fine. But lots of weight with Road King air shocks will probably lead to bottoming out due to how they are set up and valved. Its very easy to make the leap of faith I did and just assume that since a Road King weighs more, it has stronger shocks, but thats not always the answer.
On a Dyna, the passenger weight is BEHIND the shock. Remember high school physics? Remember the little guy with the long bar lifting a rock? Remember the principle of leverage? The whole less weight lifting more weight with leverage? That's the issue with Dyna chassis and why they need stronger shocks.
No one is saying you can't run air shocks from a touring bike on a Dyna. People do it all the time. I did it. They are very smooth, they are just not the best shock for hauling heavy loads like big passengers. If your wife is 103lbs then your probably fine. If you ride solo you are probably fine. But lots of weight with Road King air shocks will probably lead to bottoming out due to how they are set up and valved. Its very easy to make the leap of faith I did and just assume that since a Road King weighs more, it has stronger shocks, but thats not always the answer.
Last edited by bikerlaw; Dec 1, 2010 at 12:38 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,124
Likes: 255
From: From Long Island, now in So. Cal
I don't know what some are putting on that are a problem riding two up, (china copies, worn out, too short or whathaveyou) but I installed a set of non lowering (12.75" HD 54565-09) on mine and I think that for the money (I think around $52 for new take offs) they are great shocks both two up and solo. I installed the link kit and run around 25psi for two up, I could run less solo but I've found the ride is still decent so I just leave them set there.
You just have to raise the air pressure to prevent it from bottoming out.
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