Shotgun suspension "issues"
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 189
From: 90210
Speaking strictly from a custom parts perspective- Every quality mfr has some issue with defect or QA on occasion. Take S&S for example- I've had a set of pistons once with too small of wrist pin hole, and another time, an HVHP oil pump with incorrectly cut oil ports (looks like the CNC machine missed a step). But, S&S service is top notch and sent replacements immediately no hassle. Also had a PM brake rotor that was warped out of the box. Same thing, immediate help and replacement.
The point is- if you buy aftermarket parts expect the occasional lemon. it is inevitable. the mfr and service that go with the part makes all the difference. In this case it's really nice to see a product mfr participating regularly and monitoring feedback. that equals long term success and a better product all around, and one that I would feel more comfortable with installing on my bike.
I don't have a Shotgun Shock yet (riding with crappy Progressive 422's right now) but from what I've been reading in the thread and general consensus of those with it installed, it is on my "buy" list. I'll end up doing a DIY / upgrade thread for Breakout owners here.
My main concern was with it not having good rebound damping control when lowered or with 2-up. But those of you running with it lowered seem to feel the ride control remains very good. I ride my bike quite aggressively and am more used to Dyna / FXR bikes, so proper rear suspension manners is a must.
The point is- if you buy aftermarket parts expect the occasional lemon. it is inevitable. the mfr and service that go with the part makes all the difference. In this case it's really nice to see a product mfr participating regularly and monitoring feedback. that equals long term success and a better product all around, and one that I would feel more comfortable with installing on my bike.
I don't have a Shotgun Shock yet (riding with crappy Progressive 422's right now) but from what I've been reading in the thread and general consensus of those with it installed, it is on my "buy" list. I'll end up doing a DIY / upgrade thread for Breakout owners here.
My main concern was with it not having good rebound damping control when lowered or with 2-up. But those of you running with it lowered seem to feel the ride control remains very good. I ride my bike quite aggressively and am more used to Dyna / FXR bikes, so proper rear suspension manners is a must.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 14
From: lancaster,ca
You will not be disappointed...When mine is all the way down it sticks in corners like no buddies business. I personally had JD install mine one year at the love ride, he is a straight shooter and a stand up guy. I just hope one day we can get some preset switches...did I say preset switches? preset...lol. It's really not that hard to get to the sweet spot and leave it, but like you I ride hard in the canyons so it sucks getting off the bike and getting to where you need to be, I know some guys will say it adjust on the fly but I haven't had much success in doing it. Just a 3 position is all it would take, maybe I should just get a 3 position switch and mount it hidden some where..Hmmmm
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,158
Likes: 68
From: Martinsburg, WV
You will not be disappointed...When mine is all the way down it sticks in corners like no buddies business. I personally had JD install mine one year at the love ride, he is a straight shooter and a stand up guy. I just hope one day we can get some preset switches...did I say preset switches? preset...lol. It's really not that hard to get to the sweet spot and leave it, but like you I ride hard in the canyons so it sucks getting off the bike and getting to where you need to be, I know some guys will say it adjust on the fly but I haven't had much success in doing it. Just a 3 position is all it would take, maybe I should just get a 3 position switch and mount it hidden some where..Hmmmm
Kind of like this idea I had for a bar tach that would fit in a brace that mounts across the handlebars. It would be cool, but I'm not someone that could make my own electronics to do that.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
Make a front end air ride system JD!!! I'm waiting!!! I gotta have one of those Tshirts too with my next order or when I sell another set for you guys!!! Quality or customer satisfaction has never been an issue.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,240
Likes: 14
From: lancaster,ca
I'm guessing something like that would require psi monitors in the chambers to know where how much air should be in each. That or they would reset to a totally empty setting and use a time delay on shutting off. Regardless, that would take a lot of work.
Kind of like this idea I had for a bar tach that would fit in a brace that mounts across the handlebars. It would be cool, but I'm not someone that could make my own electronics to do that.
Kind of like this idea I had for a bar tach that would fit in a brace that mounts across the handlebars. It would be cool, but I'm not someone that could make my own electronics to do that.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,185
Likes: 189
From: 90210
DynaJ- thanks for the feedback on ride quality. you are spot on with a fixed position switch and with today's microelectronics it would not be hard to do. My Porsche Cayenne turbo had an air suspension with three settings. "sport" would drop the car exactly 1.5" from the middle "normal" position. - "cruise" would raise it 1" from middle position. I think the key is setting the middle position as the default reference point.
Sometimes mfr's don't think of good feature upgrades, most often the best ideas come from customers- it's up to the mfr if they want to pay attention and take advantage of intelligent feedback to increase the product's value. I have to agree that does kind of suck if it's guess work to raise / lower the bike regularly.
Sometimes mfr's don't think of good feature upgrades, most often the best ideas come from customers- it's up to the mfr if they want to pay attention and take advantage of intelligent feedback to increase the product's value. I have to agree that does kind of suck if it's guess work to raise / lower the bike regularly.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,612
Likes: 32
From: usa
DynaJ- thanks for the feedback on ride quality. you are spot on with a fixed position switch and with today's microelectronics it would not be hard to do. My Porsche Cayenne turbo had an air suspension with three settings. "sport" would drop the car exactly 1.5" from the middle "normal" position. - "cruise" would raise it 1" from middle position. I think the key is setting the middle position as the default reference point.
Sometimes mfr's don't think of good feature upgrades, most often the best ideas come from customers- it's up to the mfr if they want to pay attention and take advantage of intelligent feedback to increase the product's value. I have to agree that does kind of suck if it's guess work to raise / lower the bike regularly.
Sometimes mfr's don't think of good feature upgrades, most often the best ideas come from customers- it's up to the mfr if they want to pay attention and take advantage of intelligent feedback to increase the product's value. I have to agree that does kind of suck if it's guess work to raise / lower the bike regularly.
I was having trubs lil bit until Jessica explained it to me...
Now is easy and repeatable..
Wil send you a shirt
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Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 631
Likes: 26
From: Rome (Italy)
I know there's no need but wish to witness my own satisfaction with SS so far.
Ordered SS for my BO a couple of months ago and while they were still on the way to Italy JD realized there might have been some potential issues in firming up the shocks on ABS equipped BO due to wider tire, swingarm, etc...and the 200 psi compressor vs the older 300 psi. Well, a new upgraded system has been released to solve the issue and JD sent me the new version. Looking forward to installing it but so far that's top notch service and that's why I've chosen ShotgunShock other than the quality and specs.
Ordered SS for my BO a couple of months ago and while they were still on the way to Italy JD realized there might have been some potential issues in firming up the shocks on ABS equipped BO due to wider tire, swingarm, etc...and the 200 psi compressor vs the older 300 psi. Well, a new upgraded system has been released to solve the issue and JD sent me the new version. Looking forward to installing it but so far that's top notch service and that's why I've chosen ShotgunShock other than the quality and specs.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 596
From: Columbus, OH
got the bike out for the first time last weekend since October noticed I was drifting down while riding. Called Monday and talked to Jessica, she said they didn't have any replacements in stock but would send me a return label, I asked if it could be the check valve, she said she would send me one and asked what size tee shirt I wore, printed the shipping label while I was still on the phone and it was all here Wednesday when I got home from work. Great customer service.