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.
Progressive cartridges up front and HD Premium ride hand adjustable in rear. Very satisfied with the ride and handling. As already stated the progressives do away with the need to change fork oil and are a great improvement over stock. The reason I went with HD on rear was that they are easy to adjustment as I go from Solo to 2 UP to 2 Up loaded quite often. Also another huge improvement over the stock air ride. I am sure there are better setups out there but for the money and the easy of adjustments and maintenance, I think it's a pretty good combination.
Thanks for all of the replies. I think I'm going to get the Progressive cartridges for now and use the stock air shocks in the back for now.
I bought a set of Drag Specialty shocks for $200.00 a year or so ago. They're made by progressive and are holding up well. I went this route hoping they will last until I can put aside the extra cash for something better (Ohlins or RaceTech).
For the rear you may want to look at newer lowering or street glide shocks. I bought a practically new set from a forum member way cheaper than new aftermarket. They have the ability to run up to 50psi, so you have a great range of adjustment. They bolt right on to our frames, lower the *** about an inch, and improve the rear stability. I haven't noticed that I drag harder or more than before.
I seen a set on Pitt CL for 75$, of course right after I bought mine. But why pay 400+ when you can get a good set of showa air rides for under 100? I personally like the air ride, but that's just me. After riding the softail it's like riding an old Buick, you know the one: the gunships from the late 70s.
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.