Suspension advice
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 36
Likes: 8
From: Woodinville, WA
Suspension advice
I have a 2017 Heritage and I am thinking of a suspension upgrade and trying to decide between 2 options. I should mention that I am short and though I can handle the standard ride height of my Heritage, an inch drop would definitely help. I am thinking of the following 2 options that are within my budget.:
What would be your choice? Why?
Thanks,
Joe
- Shotgun shock in rear - This would give me the ability to drop the rear for around town riding, but raise it when out on the road, keeping the lean angle intact. This will max out my budget and leave front suspension stock. I am also a little concerned about the slow leak issues I read about so often.
- Progressive 422 w/RAP in rear, lowered 1" with monotubes in front, lowered 1" - I am sure this will improve the handling, but I am concerned that my lean angle will be compromised. This option is well within my budget.
What would be your choice? Why?
Thanks,
Joe
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
I went with 422 RAPs and in the 3 years I've had them I have absolutely no regrets.
They can be adjusted to lower as much as 2".
I did a review of them:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...my-review.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...til-today.html
Also, I added the Signature Series seat that also lowered me about an 1".
As with the 422's I have no regrets.
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They can be adjusted to lower as much as 2".
I did a review of them:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...my-review.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...til-today.html
Also, I added the Signature Series seat that also lowered me about an 1".
As with the 422's I have no regrets.
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Last edited by Bluraven; Nov 6, 2017 at 11:23 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 88
From: Gila Bend AZ
I have a 16 Deluxe, I went with the 422 with RAP and the monotubes up front with a 1 inch drop front and rear, so much better then stock, even better now that I have about 8500 miles on them I don't ride aggressive anyway but I have had no problem, on any of our roads out here dragging parts on a curve. I talked to Progressive customer service and they don't suggest going lower then 1 Inch 1.5 max, but their shocks/monotubes will do up to 2 inch drop as Bluraven said in his post. I like him have no regrets on my suspension choice. Sorry about the whole chapter and verse.
Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 570
Likes: 135
From: DFW, TX
2007 Night Train - I have Progressive 422 w/RAP in rear, lowered 2" with monotubes in front, lowered 1". Do not get HD shocks unless you are a heavy guy. I am going to change mine to standard duty as I only weigh 165#. I am happy with the mods
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 634
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
Ive had both, and currently running the 422s w/rap. I loved the SS but unfortunately had a leak after 4 years of use. But with any air ride thats the chance you take. Sent back and fixed with no questions asked. Their customer service is second to none.
I decided to try the 422s w/rap and I gotta say I love them so I opted to keep them and I sold the SS. I like the ride of the 422s and they go well with the monotubes that I have in the front very well. I am lowered an inch front and rear. Either way you can't go wrong. Hope this helps.
I decided to try the 422s w/rap and I gotta say I love them so I opted to keep them and I sold the SS. I like the ride of the 422s and they go well with the monotubes that I have in the front very well. I am lowered an inch front and rear. Either way you can't go wrong. Hope this helps.
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I have a Shotgun, with Progressive Monotubes up front.
You'd be hard pressed to find a better ride...
Those "slow leak issues" you're referring to is a problem from years ago.
I also experienced it, three years ago, but the leak was so slow that it took the whole winter to leak down completely.
One call to SS in the spring and a new one was on my porch in two days.
At that time they told me that they had received a bad batch of check valves.
As far as I know that issue was corrected long ago and it hasn't been a problem since.
Mine hasn't budged in the three years since I had it replaced.
I only run the switches now for the first ride of spring and the last ride before putting it away for the winter, just to make sure it's all in working order.
Now I just set it where I like it and leave it alone for riding season.
You'd be hard pressed to find a better ride...
Those "slow leak issues" you're referring to is a problem from years ago.
I also experienced it, three years ago, but the leak was so slow that it took the whole winter to leak down completely.
One call to SS in the spring and a new one was on my porch in two days.
At that time they told me that they had received a bad batch of check valves.
As far as I know that issue was corrected long ago and it hasn't been a problem since.
Mine hasn't budged in the three years since I had it replaced.
I only run the switches now for the first ride of spring and the last ride before putting it away for the winter, just to make sure it's all in working order.
Now I just set it where I like it and leave it alone for riding season.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 1,489
Likes: 23
From: East of Tulsa
RAP 422s and Progressive monotubes in front, not lowered, on my 2016 Deluxe. Much better than stock. Both rear shocks are set with no preload and no shims in the front still makes for a firm ride for me. But dressed to ride I mite weigh in at 150 pounds. Only 2000 miles on the Progressives, so maybe they will loosen up some with more time.
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Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11,185
Likes: 7,961
From: In my head
I'm about to do a complete Legend air-ride on my wife's 17 softail. Not cheap but you can lower it until it sits on the frame when parked if you wanted.
$1500 includes compressor and everything you need to install except your labor.
$1500 includes compressor and everything you need to install except your labor.
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