How good are stock softail rear shocks? I heard they are not so good. I own a 14 fatboy lo

 

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....

 

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.