Softail Rear Shocks
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Softail Rear Shocks
Can anyone suggest how long the rear shocks last on a Softail with normal daily riding ie not running over speed bumps at 90mph or crazy stuff like that? My GF has 42k on her Deluxe and I am wondering if time to replace. They arent leaking and appear to be ok. Thoughts?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
As long as they are not bottoming out and the ride is acceptable then they are more than likely fine.
I doubt there's an actual "shelf life" on stock shocks but I would imagine by the time most have 42K on them they've upgraded them already.
I certainly don't want to start another freaking debate on what shock is best to upgrade too, so please just search the forum to gain knowledge of the options.
If she's looking for a more forgiving ride, she should consider Progressive 422s (~$300), Progressve 422 RAPS "Regular not Heavy Duty" (~$500) or Shotgun Shocks (~$1200).
I doubt there's an actual "shelf life" on stock shocks but I would imagine by the time most have 42K on them they've upgraded them already.
I certainly don't want to start another freaking debate on what shock is best to upgrade too, so please just search the forum to gain knowledge of the options.
If she's looking for a more forgiving ride, she should consider Progressive 422s (~$300), Progressve 422 RAPS "Regular not Heavy Duty" (~$500) or Shotgun Shocks (~$1200).
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Can anyone suggest how long the rear shocks last on a Softail with normal daily riding ie not running over speed bumps at 90mph or crazy stuff like that? My GF has 42k on her Deluxe and I am wondering if time to replace. They arent leaking and appear to be ok. Thoughts?
If your GF does not mind the original shocks, I have new "take-offs" from my Fat Boy. Soon as I got my bike, I had it lowered. PM me ! I am willing to let them go at a very reasonable price. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
In my experience, it seems that the damping can degrade quickly once the shocks pass the 50,000 mile mark, give or take a bit. I've noticed this with both OEM shocks and Progressives. It seems to happen fast, too. I usually notice it in unusually rapid tire wear first.
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
LOL! Well she only weighs 125lbs soaking wet and has never ridden with a passenger. Most of those miles are touring miles. I just dont want to replace them if not really needed.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
I am not sure about the softails, but I know (according to the major aftermarket suspension companies, Progressive and Legends specifically) shocks on touring bikes have a life expectancy of 10k miles. I would suspect the softails are in that same ballpark....IMO, stock suspension is junk and the first mod on a new bike should be the suspension.....I come from a motocross background though.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
I am not sure about the softails, but I know (according to the major aftermarket suspension companies, Progressive and Legends specifically) shocks on touring bikes have a life expectancy of 10k miles. I would suspect the softails are in that same ballpark....IMO, stock suspension is junk and the first mod on a new bike should be the suspension.....I come from a motocross background though.
By the way, what exactly do you ride?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
