Do Rear Shocks REALLY Make a Difference???
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,368
Likes: 10
From: FL
Do Rear Shocks REALLY Make a Difference???
I'm sure many of us here being car and bike guys have purchased a comfort or performance product throughout the years and have had poor results. Not getting the performance you were expecting after spending hundreds of dollars is very frustrating.
Do aftermarket rear shocks really make a comfort difference? After you install them and go for your first ride are you kicking yourself for not doing it sooner?
Or, have some of you been disappointed? Did you spend the hundreds of dollars and experienced little or no change?
What about riding 2Up? Are the aftermarket shocks adjustable for the weight difference?
Thanks
R
Do aftermarket rear shocks really make a comfort difference? After you install them and go for your first ride are you kicking yourself for not doing it sooner?
Or, have some of you been disappointed? Did you spend the hundreds of dollars and experienced little or no change?
What about riding 2Up? Are the aftermarket shocks adjustable for the weight difference?
Thanks
R
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,951
Likes: 1,159
From: Northern Colorado
higher end jobs like Ohlins, Works, Ricors and top shelf Progressives usually come through on their claims of good ride, adjustability and looks. Lower end stuff often brings buyers remorse. I popped for a spendy set of Works Perf shocks for my bike, and while at first I didn't notice much difference from my stockers (adjustable fxdx shocks) after a few miles they warmed up I guess and now they are one of my favorite mods. Soft when they need to be and firm when they should be.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I put 1/2" longer-than-stock on my wide glide (progressives) and there is no comparison, especially two-up riding. The new shocks are outsanding and have been that way for 50k+. with 105k on the bike, it still feels like I'm a kid with a new toy, almost no bottoming-out and sucks up the bumps without feedback
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Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 334
Likes: 3
From: Romeo, MI
They are a HUGE improvement over the stock shocks!
Here in Michigan where the roads can be extremely bumpy, the ride quality is excellent. As far as handling goes, it's the opposite of what you'd expect from a "softer" shock; the additional travel and compliance reduces rear wheel air-time significantly.
Plus they're cheap.
I paid $85 for a set pulled from a brand new '11 Electra Glide Ultra.
I'm surprised that the MoCo hasn't tried to offer them as an "accessory!"
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My FXDC with 54565-09 air shocks (with aftermarket chrome covers):
They are a HUGE improvement over the stock shocks!
Here in Michigan where the roads can be extremely bumpy, the ride quality is excellent. As far as handling goes, it's the opposite of what you'd expect from a "softer" shock; the additional travel and compliance reduces rear wheel air-time significantly.
Plus they're cheap.
I paid $85 for a set pulled from a brand new '11 Electra Glide Ultra.
I'm surprised that the MoCo hasn't tried to offer them as an "accessory!"
They are a HUGE improvement over the stock shocks!
Here in Michigan where the roads can be extremely bumpy, the ride quality is excellent. As far as handling goes, it's the opposite of what you'd expect from a "softer" shock; the additional travel and compliance reduces rear wheel air-time significantly.
Plus they're cheap.
I paid $85 for a set pulled from a brand new '11 Electra Glide Ultra.
I'm surprised that the MoCo hasn't tried to offer them as an "accessory!"
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,168
Likes: 1
From: Cornwall UK
I put a pair of Hagons shocks ( a UK company ) on the back and a set of progressive springs from the same company on the front with a slightly heavier oil.
Not high end price wise or top notch performance such as Ohlins. Never the less its night and day from the stock setup. This is in both quality of ride, the handling is much more controlled with a tighter feel, it really is night and day. Lets remember a decent setup helps in lots of ways, more comfort, secure handling, better braking, even more mileage from our tyres. Its, in my opinion a win win situation, and it does,nt have to cost a lot, although to a degree the the high end equipment can take you to another level. As they say you pays your money and makes your choice.
Not high end price wise or top notch performance such as Ohlins. Never the less its night and day from the stock setup. This is in both quality of ride, the handling is much more controlled with a tighter feel, it really is night and day. Lets remember a decent setup helps in lots of ways, more comfort, secure handling, better braking, even more mileage from our tyres. Its, in my opinion a win win situation, and it does,nt have to cost a lot, although to a degree the the high end equipment can take you to another level. As they say you pays your money and makes your choice.