View Poll Results: POLL: Problem with Shotgun Shock
Voters: 27. You may not vote on this poll
POLL: Shotgun Shock problem
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 735
Likes: 30
From: Orlando, FL
I just installed mine on Sunday, so I won't skew your poll as two days obviously isn't enough time for me to evaluate reliability.
I can share first impressions though. Riding with it back and forth to work yesterday it was great. I played with it a bit, trying to find that sweet spot where the bike can sit low and good looking, but still have enough pressure to keep my big (300lb+) *** off the bump stops and I had no problem getting there. The adjustability is pretty much infinite.
Most of the install time was spent figuring out the right lift to use for an ABS bike. The Craftsman yellow jack that I've had for years didn't leave clearance to remove the shocks, so I picked up the recommended Harbor Freight lift. Well, turns out the spread on the arms doesn't leave room for the compressor to squeeze into place (again, specific to ABS bikes as the compressor mounts to one of the front shock bolts). I ended up going back to the Craftsman jack to raise the bike, and setting it on four jack stands in order to complete the install. Once that was done it was pretty much a breeze with the most effort/time being spent on the rear shoulder bolts, pushing the wrench with my foot to break them loose and turn them a little bit at a time. After the shock and compressor are mounted and the wiring snaked through the switch goes on in no time and you're ready to rock. Oh, and don't get excited like me and forget to put the splashguard back in before lowering the bike back to the ground.
I can share first impressions though. Riding with it back and forth to work yesterday it was great. I played with it a bit, trying to find that sweet spot where the bike can sit low and good looking, but still have enough pressure to keep my big (300lb+) *** off the bump stops and I had no problem getting there. The adjustability is pretty much infinite.
Most of the install time was spent figuring out the right lift to use for an ABS bike. The Craftsman yellow jack that I've had for years didn't leave clearance to remove the shocks, so I picked up the recommended Harbor Freight lift. Well, turns out the spread on the arms doesn't leave room for the compressor to squeeze into place (again, specific to ABS bikes as the compressor mounts to one of the front shock bolts). I ended up going back to the Craftsman jack to raise the bike, and setting it on four jack stands in order to complete the install. Once that was done it was pretty much a breeze with the most effort/time being spent on the rear shoulder bolts, pushing the wrench with my foot to break them loose and turn them a little bit at a time. After the shock and compressor are mounted and the wiring snaked through the switch goes on in no time and you're ready to rock. Oh, and don't get excited like me and forget to put the splashguard back in before lowering the bike back to the ground.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 900
From: Omaha
I've never ridden a softail with any air ride system installed.
I did much research on suspension systems before I decided not to go with an air ride system.
If I was to install an air system on my Heritage I wouldn't consider anything other than Shotgun Shocks.
Shotgun Shocks seems to be the industry leader in not only product but also Customer Service and warranty.
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In my opinion;
Let's face it anyone who follows this forum has read concerning Shotgun Shocks there have been issues related to air leakage, valve failures, pump failures along with other minor issues.
That's not to say that as far as air ride systems are concerned that Shotgun Shock is a bad product, only that as with all air ride systems there seems to be a likelihood that there will be eventually some type of issue.
To me that's just the nature of this type of upgrade.
I think we don't see Legends air ride system complaints probably as often because they aren't as popular as the Shotgun Shock system is.
The issue with getting responses to this poll may be that many have had issues but they are hesitant to vote because if they do vote in all good conscience they have to vote "yes" they have had problems.
If enough people voice problems, then sales will suffer and then the company will fold.
When the company folds so does the Customer Service and the lifetime warranty which is 2 of the 3 best features of Shotgun Shocks.
Again as stated this is only my opinion which I concede will likely differ from others.
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ive had several air ride systems over the years,cars & bikes...and most the time there are minor issues,overall you pay to play,if you dont want issues dont buy,stay stock...simple as that..overall ive had 3 legend systems and 3 shotgun systems...had one issue with legend where it was leaking from bottom of bags..they wouldnt replace it since it was 2 years old so never went with them again..met jd in laughlin,talked about his system and 2 weeks later had one at my door..have ss #4 coming now for customers bike now...never had an issue with ss cept for a broken wire in the harness which he replaced in a couple days even though it may have been my fault on install...once again dude is a stand up guy that has the best warranty in the biz..period...love supporting him and his product...god bless america
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 1,961
Likes: 245
From: Triune, TN
ive had several air ride systems over the years,cars & bikes...and most the time there are minor issues,overall you pay to play,if you dont want issues dont buy,stay stock...simple as that..overall ive had 3 legend systems and 3 shotgun systems...had one issue with legend where it was leaking from bottom of bags..they wouldnt replace it since it was 2 years old so never went with them again..met jd in laughlin,talked about his system and 2 weeks later had one at my door..have ss #4 coming now for customers bike now...never had an issue with ss cept for a broken wire in the harness which he replaced in a couple days even though it may have been my fault on install...once again dude is a stand up guy that has the best warranty in the biz..period...love supporting him and his product...god bless america
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
ive had several air ride systems over the years,cars & bikes...and most the time there are minor issues,overall you pay to play,if you dont want issues dont buy,stay stock...simple as that..overall ive had 3 legend systems and 3 shotgun systems...had one issue with legend where it was leaking from bottom of bags..they wouldnt replace it since it was 2 years old so never went with them again..met jd in laughlin,talked about his system and 2 weeks later had one at my door..have ss #4 coming now for customers bike now...never had an issue with ss cept for a broken wire in the harness which he replaced in a couple days even though it may have been my fault on install...once again dude is a stand up guy that has the best warranty in the biz..period...love supporting him and his product...god bless america
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 3
From: Utah
Interesting you couldn't get your Legends air bags warrantied, they like the Shotgun Shock have a lifetime warranty. I have used it a few times as we have done more Legends stuff and have it on 2 of our personal bikes. When it comes to softails, I agree that the Shotgun Shock is hands down the best available...
*edited from Legend to Platinum
Last edited by UT-rckr; Feb 13, 2017 at 04:41 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 7,492
Likes: 103
From: Stuttgart, Germany
http://www.legendsuspensions.com/download/warranty
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
I had the original Legends shocks on my '02 bagger, back when they were modifying stock shocks (no airbags) in the early 2000's. One of them blew a seal and they were replaced under warranty in 2014....
