Shocks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,113
Likes: 11,159
From: San Diego, CA
The problem with the softail (pre-monoshock design) is that the design and location of the shocks severely limit the travel (stroke) of the shock. While shock design usually will mean more to a shock's ride than just the stroke, all design parameters being equal, more stroke usually makes for better ride...... The stroke in a softail shock is just so small, it's really hard for design to overcome that limitation......
Because of these design limitations, you will never get a softail (pre-monoshock) to ride as good as a touring bike.......
Having said that, for many years, I have taken many long rides, including multi-day trips, on my '03 Heritage softail with no major issues. Never once did I waiver about taking a trip on the Heritage because of the ride.
When I added a '12 Bagger to my garage, I must admit it became the go to bike for long and multi-day rides, due to its comfort.
The are some aftermarket shock choices for the softail (pre-monoshock), but they are not as varied, nor as good as those for a touring frame bike. One in particular I have heard good things about is the Progressive 422RAP. I was going to put those on my Heritage, until I added a bagger to my garage....
Because of these design limitations, you will never get a softail (pre-monoshock) to ride as good as a touring bike.......
Having said that, for many years, I have taken many long rides, including multi-day trips, on my '03 Heritage softail with no major issues. Never once did I waiver about taking a trip on the Heritage because of the ride.
When I added a '12 Bagger to my garage, I must admit it became the go to bike for long and multi-day rides, due to its comfort.
The are some aftermarket shock choices for the softail (pre-monoshock), but they are not as varied, nor as good as those for a touring frame bike. One in particular I have heard good things about is the Progressive 422RAP. I was going to put those on my Heritage, until I added a bagger to my garage....
Last edited by hattitude; Mar 25, 2019 at 11:24 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 1,751
Likes: 263
From: Catalina AZ
Like stated above only so much you can do with the limited space/through.
But you can improve on stock, I gained travel and have adjustment in my system.
Allowing me to lower or raise the bike for conditions as well as adjust for added weight.
But you can improve on stock, I gained travel and have adjustment in my system.
Allowing me to lower or raise the bike for conditions as well as adjust for added weight.
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