Time to replace rear shocks on the wife's Deluxe.

OEM direct replace or Progressive 422 s? Are the 422s worth the extra money?
Sure would like the Shotgun Air shocks but not spending that crazy money.

Thanks

 

Seeing how many people replace these with aftermarket shocks, I'd think there would be some good deals on used OEMs. Some on Ebay right now.

 

Do a forum search of Progressive 422 RAPs.
I did a review of them last year.

I like mine and recommend them.

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...em-shocks.html

 

thanks all

 

I keep looking at the Progressives, but the cost keeps me at a distance. When it is time for me to upgrade, it will be to the 422's

 

At a minimum go with the 422's....

 

The 422's are superior to OEM but don't expect a night and day difference. I would also suggest you swap your front suspension to Progressive Monotubes which is a huge improvement over the OEM suspension.

 

I agree that the 422s don't create a cloud like ride, however for me it was a "night and day difference" but that might be due to my OEM shocks may have been worn out.

I like the fact that I can adjust the RAP shocks from 1 to 2 up with only a quick turn of a dial vs. having to go under the bike and adjust them with the spanner wrench.

As far as I'm concerned there are only 3 options when it comes to softail shocks; OEM, Progressive 422 RAPs and Shotgun Shocks.

For me Shotgun Shocks were out strictly due to their cost and application.
I was looking for an improved ride not the ability to "slam" the bike at will.
Don't get me wrong, by all accounts Shotgun Shocks does improve the ride and many people love them.

As for OEM, I already had that so I felt OEMs would not be improving my ride to the level I was desiring.

The Progressive 422 RAPs were a good balance for what I desired and the price point I could live with.

Good luck with your decision, I know it's not an easy one.

 

Wondering how do you know the OE's are worn out..

I have almost 53K on the bike and as far as can tell there are still good..

As far as the 422's there was many threads in here several yrs back on them talking about how much better they are VS the OE's...

Now as you said, most of the talk in here is about ShotGun shocks..


What's also funny to me is I've read and heard that some of the Touring guys are removing their rear Air shocks and replacing them with Shocks that have springs (progressive) and claim they give them a better ride..