So I have a $400 or less for what I am hoping Will be an upgrade. The bike is a 2014 ultra classic w/ 43k on the original shocks.

 

You've ridden it 43kmi w/stock shocks? Keep saving & put on a good quality product.

One of the best "bang for the buck" upgrades would be Progressive 444's but you'll need $550 for those.

If you need it now, look at the Progressive 412's w/HD spring. Should be around $300 but you'll probably be looking to upgrade them too.

 

If you were happy with the stock air shocks and are merely replacing worn shocks, I have a pair for sale which were recently removed from my 2014 Ultra with approximately 9,500 miles on them. PM me if interested.

 

I have a set of ohlins in the touring section of the classifieds for $500. A little more than you are looking to spend. Just throwing it out there.

 

 

what is the price range on their bitubos, I went to web site but couldn't find any prices.

 

 

I've been riding Harley touring bikes for the past 13 years with only stock 13" air shocks. This past November I went to Florida and rented a 17 Limited and put 1000 miles on it. Not only did I notice a big difference with the 13" HD premium shocks but my wife did too. I know it's not a popular choice around here, but I found a set of take offs from an 18 for $200, maybe it'll be another 13 years before I feel I need to upgrade again. If you look for these just make sure you look for the 13" and not the 12". I've never ridden with the 12s but I've heard they're not much better than air because not much travel. The bad thing is there aren't a lot of 13s out there for sale so you have to be patient and keep watching.

 

I've been very pleased with Ohlins, but they are pricey and if I were buying shocks now I'd give serious consideration to custom Bitubo, especially if they can be had for $400. Had custom Works Performance on a Triumph R3 that were a HUGE improvement over stock, though admittedly stock harley shocks are much better than Triumph. I don't have any experience with HD premium or Progressive, but I think you'll be surprised and very happy with shocks that are sprung and configured for your weight and riding preferences as Works, Ohlin, and Bitubo are.

 

I believe that the Harley premium shocks takeoffs are a great option as an upgrade for late model bikes, over the harley air shocks. I have found numerous opportunities locally on craigslist and online on eBay, where you can pick a virtually new set for $150-$250.

I would have gone this direction, but after reading up on the design and how these HD shocks work, I determined that my bike (1999 RK) and it’s swing arm probably wouldn’t do well with the stress of that setup.


So for the guys with later model touring bikes, there are quite a few riders out there who have switched from the air shocks to the newer HD premium adjustable shocks, happily cruising the roads.