I've read so many posts on replacing the rear shocks my eyes are blurring.

Without getting into the drama of which brand of shock is the best....

Is there a big change in ride comfort upgrading from the stock air shocks that are on a Limited?

I'm not interested in canyon sweeping, but I also don't want to lose ride height.

A comfortable plush ride is all I'm after for solo and two up.

Or am I better off keeping my money and spending it on beer?

 

The short answer...yes.

The stock shocks are harsh, non compliant, and just suck overall.

 

I think a smooth but firm controlled ride is more realistic. Plush is not something that I think you're going to get with 3 1/2" of travel on a 900lb bike.

I hated the stock shocks. I love my pro action shocks and lots of people love online for good reason. They are the leader in suspension in the 2 wheeled world.

 

I spent the beer money on front/rear upgrades. Yes, it absolutely made a difference and no, I didn't tell The Wife what it cost.

 

Definitely noticeable and it does cost $$$ but when you look @ the other things people spend $$$ on for their bikes like audio, saddle bags, rims, floor boards, etc. it's worth it in the long run if your the type who racks up a lot of saddle time.

 

Yes. I went from the stock air shocks to Ohlins on my 04 RK. Night and day difference. Harley suspension is garbage compared to quality suspension components. I plan on getting some Ohlins for my new bike very soon. Once you have ridden a bike with good suspension, it amplifies how shitty stock shocks are.

 

I couldn't answer the poll because the answer: "It's positively orgasmic" is missing.

 

40,000 miles, in two years, with stock 09 Ultra shocks. I never had an issue. I guess I'd have to ride a bike with better shocks to know what, if anything, I'm missing. The 16 Limited rides even nicer, overall.

 

My 15 CVO Road glide was the first touring bike I had with Air Shocks. My 13 CVO king and my 12 CVO Road glide had Hand adjustable premium shocks.

First two rides I was sure something was wrong with my 15. For 500 miles I tired to get the air shock set for good handling and to not wash out or feel loose in the curves.

Well at Just over 1K miles I put very good gas charged shock on. Suddenly the bike handled great and rode much better. Firm, not harsh.

I used the Ohlin HD-159 Same as stock height, easily adjustable.

They were way better than the HD hand adjustable premium so I put them on my 13 CVO King also

 

I miss my 97 FLHTC, 158,000Kms when I traded it, suspension reminded me of a 1970 Lincoln.....it would float and wallow down the road, but I knew its limits and enjoyed the ride.

2008 Victory Vision....loads of suspension travel.....60,000Kms but hated the bike.

Road a 2010 Limited for 70,000Kms, and now my 2014 Limited, 40,000Kms both beat me up badly, although the police seat with shock over coil suspension helps greatly.

I'm just tired of all the jarring while going down the road.

I was an outrider for my local dealers Demo Day last October. I could tell the 2017s had better suspension, but still not that great.

thanks for the replies
brian