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Interesting perspective on the shock. Last Sunday, I took a test ride on an SGS (with Stage III....yummy) and a stock RGS. The SGS's shocks were dialed in really well I thought. Test rode in the Nanuet, NY area and there are LOTS of road imperfections in the area. Never felt the ride was jarring at all. Thought they were just a touch less than "nice" than the Hagon Nitro shocks I'm running on my Switchback. Conversely, the RGS's shocks were not dialed in well, and I felt every ripple in the road....not pleasant at all. It highlighted how bikes with the exact same suspension components can be so different in feel. Having said that, if you have the coin, get the Ohlins through Howard.
Regarding sag, keep in mind the SGS uses 12" shocks and they only provide 2.1" of overall travel. My bike came with 12" shocks and I switched to 13" shocks. Travel is now a touch over 3" (50% more travel). In the scheme of things, still not amazing, but much much better.
13 seems like the way to go..where did you get them? were they Ohlins or some HD brand? can't seem to find anyone that makes a 13" for the 17 SGS. Only goes up to 2016. Plenty of Dynas too.. no M8s.
Last edited by Drodrigueznyc; Apr 12, 2017 at 10:21 AM.
13 seems like the way to go..where did you get them? were they Ohlins or some HD brand? can't seem to find anyone that makes a 13" for the 17 SGS. Only goes up to 2016. Plenty of Dynas too.. no M8s.
13" Hagon Nitro's. They work well, but I'm very curious to see how they compare to Ohlins. The Hagons are kind of wide and my gut tells me they wouldn't fit on the touring bikes. I don't why the 2-2 Ohlins setup would not fit on the 2017 touring bikes though. They are on the narrow side.
FWIW, I ran the stock RGS (12") shocks from the dealer to my home (22 miles) and realized the shocks were nowhere near soaking up the bumps.
Spent a couple hours trying to find a "sweet spot" but never got to that point.
Bought into the air-ride theory and bought the best air system I could research and find ($1400).
Road the bike to Portland (800+ miles) trying to find the sweet spot. Never got near that spot.
Finally, I borrowed a pair of 13" HD air shocks from a '16 RGU. Bingo! Immediately noticed an improvement in ride quality! Then put my lady on the back, adjusted the air pressure to get back to the ride height (sag) I had before and the ride was even better than 1 up!
I know the HD (and Goldwing BTW) air shocks have got a bad rap over the years but folks who ride the heavy touring bikes (ie.: Ultra) enjoy a much better ride than the "Specials" with their neutered travel to get the "look", which seems more important than the ride.
If anyone feels comfortable with the stock 12" coil-over shocks they simply have not felt the difference between the 12" and 13" shocks with the additional travel.
Just my experience,
Bob
I'm not diggin the SGS rear shocks. I have tried several settings, and not impressed with the stock gear. Checking into Ohlins, Progs, etc. but not sure if at 1300 miles I may just need to work them in more.
What I don't get is why there is a dampened shock on one side, and a 'straight' coil-over shock on the other side. Seems to me that the lean (one way or another) would not function the same way. I'm certainly no engineer, but seems that every other dual shock system has similar shocks on either side.
Also, there is little to no actual 'sag' on the bike when I sit on it, except maybe a 1/2 inch. Seems like every other website of 'pro' shocks lists a 1/3 sag for potholes, etc. Anyway, I'm over my skis here, but looking for a better 2 up ride with my better half and gear on board the FLHXS.
Should I keep trying to dial them in, or replace the shocks???
IMO - I came from the metric sport bike world. With suspension travel of at least double a Road Kind, and single shock, not dual. That said, I dont think you can look at the HD back end the same way in terms of sag when you only have 3" ( RK) or 2" in your case. Ya kinda have to toss sag out the window with so little travel. It's minimal at best.Both sides have springs, but only one is adjustable for preload. Any "twisting" forces generated by having one spring with more preload than the other would be negligible I think. I find the shocks on my RK fine by having preload set at 10-15 ( 20-30 click in) for two up and around 5 for solo ( 185lb rider).
MY '17 RGS rides better then my '07 FLHX did, and it had the 13" shocks on it from an UC. I actually think it rides pretty damn good with the Tour-Pak on and my wifey on the back. Buttttt....I have a Hammock on it from a '16 CVO and I credit this AMAZING seat for a good portion of the ride....Sorry for hijacking the thread...
Last edited by thereal142; Apr 13, 2017 at 09:34 PM.
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