Any suggestions on reasonably priced touring shocks that will handle an electraglide loaded and two up?

 

Buy a set of used shocks, send to RaceTech for a re-valve...

 

Years ago I bought the progressive 416 air shocks as I was having bottom out issues. Great ride now. I did try to refill the old shocks but wasn't quite happy with the results.

 

Every one of us will have a different idea of what 'reasonably priced' is! I've tried alternative shocks and currently have Ohlins. Mrs B and I, fully loaded on those grand tours, have NEVER bottomed out! Can ride further each day and for more days in greater comfort than on any other bike. Ya get what ya pay for. Call Howard at HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal, wave the plastic and never look back. It's the only way to travel.......

 

How many do you want to buy? I've done a number of shock upgrades, and almost anything aftermarket is an improvement over the HD air shocks.

I run a pair of Works shocks on my '98 RG and am very happy with them.

 

Agree that aftermarket will be better (especially Ohlins, etc ), but he said "reasonable." For some, $1500 for a set of aftermarket shocks is not in the budget. ...

 

I put a set of Progressive 444 shocks on my Road King, ridden mostly two-up on some pretty rough roads.

I am quite happy with them for the price, about $600 IIRC.

They are about a 10,000 per cent improvement over the stock pogo sticks.

Dont use Progressive springs in the front though. I found the straight rate RaceTech springs and a set of Intiminators work best for me.

 

Was that $600 for the pair? That would be quite reasonable if they work as stated.

 

If that price is in your ballpark, I'd call Howard before Progressive.... At least that's my plan when I get the chance.. Howard will build them specifically for your application.. He'll also explain to you why his are the better option..

 

How stiff are they? The Ohlins, are they plush and smooth? I recently bought the Progressive 944 Heavy Duty shocks, and boy were they stiff. I assumed that with us 2 up and loaded they would be fine. I sent them back and had the Standard springs put in. Much better, have the set at the mid-range at 2 for now. We now have the floating effect, but haven't ridden enough yet to know if they will bottom out on the larger bumps. Winter is almost here, so they will have to wait until next season to get a full review. I have noticed that when solo it's still a bit stiff, but tolerable. If they aren't to my specs after next season I was looking at the Ohlins.

I also had the Progressive HD fork springs put in. Now I am also thinking that was a mistake. Should have went standard there too. Might do that myself this winter.