How Good Is Out New Suspension on M8 Touring?
#1
10-15-2018, 03:51 PM
How Good Is Out New Suspension on M8 Touring?
I know prior to the 2017 model year bikes before the introduction of the M8 and newer style suspension, everyone pretty much was in agreement that the stock suspension on Harley Touring bikes was not good. And it was highly recommended to go with an aftermarket suspension like Ohlins, Progressive, Legends, etc for a better ride.
However now with the introduction of the new better improved suspension on M8 Touring motorcycles, is it still highly recommended to go to the aftermarket for another suspension setup? Or is Harley's new stock suspension on M8 Touring bikes now competitive?
I'm considering Ohlins from Howard but if the improvement is only small, I rather hold off.
Thanks for the input everyone.
However now with the introduction of the new better improved suspension on M8 Touring motorcycles, is it still highly recommended to go to the aftermarket for another suspension setup? Or is Harley's new stock suspension on M8 Touring bikes now competitive?
I'm considering Ohlins from Howard but if the improvement is only small, I rather hold off.
Thanks for the input everyone.
#2
10-15-2018, 04:06 PM
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#3
10-15-2018, 04:14 PM
Regardless of what improvements may have been made, factory suspension will still be one size fits all, compromises to build cost, wide tolerance items. The switch to custom built components by manufacturers who specialize in suspension will be dramatic. That said, if you only put 3000-4000, primarily around town miles on the bike each year, it will be a cost/reward trade off based on your free cash. Very much like audio systems.
Last edited by 99Birdman; 10-15-2018 at 04:16 PM.
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Jpulver (08-25-2023)
#4
10-15-2018, 05:28 PM
Stellar HDF Member
I think the front suspension is pretty good on the 17’s and up, much better than my 2014. The rear? Ehhh....maybe a touch better, but I dunno for sure. It’s not bad at all honestly either way on a 13” shock like the Ultras...but I hated the 12” shocks on the Street Glides, along with about everyone else that’s ridden a 12” shock
#6
10-15-2018, 05:51 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
#7
10-15-2018, 06:13 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
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#9
10-15-2018, 06:28 PM
Cruiser
I don't have any other touring bike, Harley or otherwise to compare my 2018 FLHXS to. But compare to all the other bikes I've owned, the stock suspension is decent. At least it's not under-sprung like alot of other brands of motorcycles I've owned and ridden and almost immediately need work. This isn't to say the suspension is perfect or close. It needs some compression damping. I would like to see more adjustability in the shocks, but it'll do for now.
#10
10-15-2018, 06:39 PM
Road Master