Ordered my shotgun
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
I slipped off of the edge of the road at about 55, 60 into some deep gravel. The shock ate it up and kept me upright while I got it back on the road. Had I had stock suspension it would have just started wiggling, get real squirrelly on me and lose the ability to keep it under control.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
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From: Michigan
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Martinsburg, WV
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
I've found getting the ride how I want it on my ABS(*) fatboy takes enough time each ride that I'm starting to get a bit sick of it. (It doesn't hold pressure from one ride to another; I've had the unit replaced and although better, the replacement doesn't either.)
Yes, it does make the ride more comfortable if you get it set up nicely. And yes, it does look cool when you slam it. But whether you let the "holding up" air out or add more "pushing down" air to achieve the look, you then have to fiddle around getting the ride back the way you want it.
When I next do a transmission oil change, the shock is coming off and the stocks going back on.
I just want to be able to ride the bike without having to fiddle quite so much.
(*) I mention the ABS because I think half the problem might be the gutless compressor that ships with the ABS version. There's limited space, so the compressor is smaller than the standard and I guess less powerful, which means that changing pressures takes that much longer.
Yes, it does make the ride more comfortable if you get it set up nicely. And yes, it does look cool when you slam it. But whether you let the "holding up" air out or add more "pushing down" air to achieve the look, you then have to fiddle around getting the ride back the way you want it.
When I next do a transmission oil change, the shock is coming off and the stocks going back on.
I just want to be able to ride the bike without having to fiddle quite so much.
(*) I mention the ABS because I think half the problem might be the gutless compressor that ships with the ABS version. There's limited space, so the compressor is smaller than the standard and I guess less powerful, which means that changing pressures takes that much longer.
Within hours of my posting this, JD had sent me a private message, desperate to try and resolve my problems. Once again, he wants to send out another complete kit this time, no questions asked, free of charge. I'd rather try and identify whether the problem lies with our British road surfaces, my expectations or the shock itself before costing him some more money and me some more time and effort in replacing it again. But one thing's for certain; JD is really dedicated to making sure every customer is happy even if that means considerable expense for him. So don't forget you are also paying for this customer service and "lifetime warranty" than most other manufacturers ignore once they have their mits on your cash.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
I just wanted to follow up on this post. I did say that JD had sent me a replacement shock -- I should add that it was sent with no quibbles at all, all the way to the UK free of charge and he paid the extra for full tracking information too.
Within hours of my posting this, JD had sent me a private message, desperate to try and resolve my problems. Once again, he wants to send out another complete kit this time, no questions asked, free of charge. I'd rather try and identify whether the problem lies with our British road surfaces, my expectations or the shock itself before costing him some more money and me some more time and effort in replacing it again. But one thing's for certain; JD is really dedicated to making sure every customer is happy even if that means considerable expense for him. So don't forget you are also paying for this customer service and "lifetime warranty" than most other manufacturers ignore once they have their mits on your cash.
Within hours of my posting this, JD had sent me a private message, desperate to try and resolve my problems. Once again, he wants to send out another complete kit this time, no questions asked, free of charge. I'd rather try and identify whether the problem lies with our British road surfaces, my expectations or the shock itself before costing him some more money and me some more time and effort in replacing it again. But one thing's for certain; JD is really dedicated to making sure every customer is happy even if that means considerable expense for him. So don't forget you are also paying for this customer service and "lifetime warranty" than most other manufacturers ignore once they have their mits on your cash.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 5
From: London, UK
Great post. These type of reviews are exactly the type of reviews that give me confidence in buying an expensive item such as the shotgun air suspension. Often the best reviews/reviewers are those who are disappointment with the product for whatever reason but still recommends it because of the quality and service behind the product. A great product will always speak for itself. Thank you for your review
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I just wanted to follow up on this post. I did say that JD had sent me a replacement shock -- I should add that it was sent with no quibbles at all, all the way to the UK free of charge and he paid the extra for full tracking information too.
Within hours of my posting this, JD had sent me a private message, desperate to try and resolve my problems. Once again, he wants to send out another complete kit this time, no questions asked, free of charge. I'd rather try and identify whether the problem lies with our British road surfaces, my expectations or the shock itself before costing him some more money and me some more time and effort in replacing it again. But one thing's for certain; JD is really dedicated to making sure every customer is happy even if that means considerable expense for him. So don't forget you are also paying for this customer service and "lifetime warranty" than most other manufacturers ignore once they have their mits on your cash.
Within hours of my posting this, JD had sent me a private message, desperate to try and resolve my problems. Once again, he wants to send out another complete kit this time, no questions asked, free of charge. I'd rather try and identify whether the problem lies with our British road surfaces, my expectations or the shock itself before costing him some more money and me some more time and effort in replacing it again. But one thing's for certain; JD is really dedicated to making sure every customer is happy even if that means considerable expense for him. So don't forget you are also paying for this customer service and "lifetime warranty" than most other manufacturers ignore once they have their mits on your cash.
Man, I'm telling ya, J.D. stands behind his product like no one on earth...
Just last week I took the time to email SS to inquire about a slow leak.
It was so slight, taking 2-3 days of sitting to drop a mere 1", that I never even bothered to call it in for several months.
Anyway, since I haven't been able to ride since early June, I went out to the garage last week to find it nearly all the way down.
So I emailed them and heard back from Jessica within hours, saying it might be a bad check valve.
Before I knew it I got another email saying a whole new unit was in the mail.
..and when it arrived (with 2-day USPS Priority Shipping) there was already a return label in the box.
I mean, holy sh*t, who does this??
I could see on the replacement that they did indeed go to a new style check valve.
As of this morning, it hadn't budged from where I left it.