Considering shock(s).... (16 Heritage)
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Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 329
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From: Fulltime RVer, Wherever!
Considering shock(s).... (16 Heritage)
Okay, I'm old. Whatever. Okay, fine. You're right. Old and overweight. Okay, FINE! Just overweight! I'm only 46, but I weigh about 250 lbs. I'm not proud. Not sure if it's the weight or the out-of-shape'dness, but there are some things while riding the bike that really hurt my back. (And actions while not on the bike.) But things like a 1 inch drop in the pavement, hard bumps in the road, bad train tracks, etc. can really jar my back. I've played with the shock pre-load on the bike, but ... nothing really.
I've come to the possible conclusion that the stock shock from HD is just average. I keep reading about these Progressive 422's. I'm no mechanic, but simply (consumer) logic leads me to sometimes believe that if it costs more, there might be a reason.
Would arranging with the shop to put one of these new shocks on make for a better ride? Maybe take the hard hits a little better, and react better to sudden drops or dips in the pavement? It's not like I'm riding the bike over a curb, but it just seems that a better shock might help.
Thoughts, anyone? And to prove I'm no mechanic I'll ask: "It is just one shock, right?"
If y'all think it's a worthwhile investment, any idea of a ballpark range to get the HD shop to install it? Or at least a typical timeframe so I can computer out with the hourly rate? And there seem to be a lot of shock offerings, which one is the right one?
I've come to the possible conclusion that the stock shock from HD is just average. I keep reading about these Progressive 422's. I'm no mechanic, but simply (consumer) logic leads me to sometimes believe that if it costs more, there might be a reason.
Would arranging with the shop to put one of these new shocks on make for a better ride? Maybe take the hard hits a little better, and react better to sudden drops or dips in the pavement? It's not like I'm riding the bike over a curb, but it just seems that a better shock might help.
Thoughts, anyone? And to prove I'm no mechanic I'll ask: "It is just one shock, right?"
If y'all think it's a worthwhile investment, any idea of a ballpark range to get the HD shop to install it? Or at least a typical timeframe so I can computer out with the hourly rate? And there seem to be a lot of shock offerings, which one is the right one?
If it is like my Rocker it is atually two shocks, look under the frame to see if there are two tubes...
But replacing them should be fairly simple, especially when you pre-soak (e.g. WD-40) the and clean the bolts before hand. Certainly no-more than a hours work by a competent mechanic...
But replacing them should be fairly simple, especially when you pre-soak (e.g. WD-40) the and clean the bolts before hand. Certainly no-more than a hours work by a competent mechanic...
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 560
Likes: 88
From: Gila Bend AZ
There are two socks side by side, I put the 422's with RAP (remote adjustable preload) on my 16 Deluxe over 2 years ago much better ride even with being lowered 1 inch, At the weight you stated I would suggest the HD spring, I also put the monotubes in my front suspension lowered 1 inch, now that I have about 20k on them they ride even better. I suggest Progressive's web site for further research. Ride safe.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
They will greatly improve your ride as will going to an air ride for more $, also look into doing the forks with progressive Monotubes.
But even with better suspension over the stock HD suspension its still a Softail and you will feel more and have a rougher ride than a Touring bike. The cost to do the 422 ($450-490) and pay HD shop labor (2hr) will be about $ 700. They are an easy install if you are a DIYer or have a friend or find an independent and save $100. Are they worth it -IMO yes but more for the overall handling than just comfort.
There are a lot of us out there with bad backs and often blame the bike for the discomfort, sometimes its about getting the right riding position - seat and handlebars. Sometimes its about getting in shape to be able to ride, stretching, building up to longer time in the seat to get used to the position you are in.
But even with better suspension over the stock HD suspension its still a Softail and you will feel more and have a rougher ride than a Touring bike. The cost to do the 422 ($450-490) and pay HD shop labor (2hr) will be about $ 700. They are an easy install if you are a DIYer or have a friend or find an independent and save $100. Are they worth it -IMO yes but more for the overall handling than just comfort.
There are a lot of us out there with bad backs and often blame the bike for the discomfort, sometimes its about getting the right riding position - seat and handlebars. Sometimes its about getting in shape to be able to ride, stretching, building up to longer time in the seat to get used to the position you are in.
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