Better shocks for '06?

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Mar 28, 2021 | 05:27 PM

#11

Clammy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2004

Posts: 8,129

Likes: 1,981

From: Ottawa, CANADA

Quote:

Originally Posted by 04FXDI

The RAP 442's are from showy, they only come chrome because the chrome holds up better then painted black. There's a few alternatives to rear shock set ups but air wasn't one for me. Not that I couldn't afford them by any stretch of the means, just didn't want the hassle of air leaks, compressors and so forth. I did the RAP's and the monotubes at the same time, trust us, the guys that are running them, love them. Solo or 2UP I can drag runners all day and feel confident she'll hold her line. When I load the bike for 2up touring, I just twist the **** a couple turns, depending on the trip and how heavy we pack, adjust the preload and you're good to go.
Invest in them, take the advice from the guys here that have them and love them. You wont be disappointed. My GF is a peanut, so we can pack a weeks worth of her clothes in a lunch bag, if you're a bit heavier and the GF is curvy, get the HD set up.

This ^^

I never thought about the reason the 422s are chrome. Being that chrome's more durable than paint, it makes a LOT of sense; especially considering you can't see the chrome when they're installed.

I decided on the Heavy Duty 422 w/RAP, because when Reaper is in Baggertail mode, the hard bags, tour-pak, and their mounts add about 100 lbs empty. So add luggage, and a 2nd person, and the HD makes sense for me (even though right now I'm single.

) With the HD 422s, I'm running no preload solo, and that seems to be perfect. I haven't tried them loaded up yet, but that will be coming in the next few weeks, I'm sure.

Cheers!

Last edited by Clammy; Mar 28, 2021 at 05:30 PM.

Mar 28, 2021 | 09:27 PM

#12

Jackpoticorn

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Jun 2014

Posts: 508

Likes: 31

From: California

Oh yeah LOL I'm 135lbs and won't ever ride the Fat Boy 2-up, so the HD versions are not for me! Again I've had some so-so experiences with Progressive in the past hence my hesitation - air ride is cool, but agreed it's probably overcomplicated for what I need (and it's a lot more expensive).

I am curious to know if anyone has tried the Legends because at that price they better reach up and give me an "old fashioned" every few hundred miles

Mar 29, 2021 | 08:32 AM

#13

ThePaintPirate

Club Member

Joined: Dec 2013

Posts: 2,972

Likes: 1,730

From: SE Iowa

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jackpoticorn

I'm with you on that one, I've been a big fan of Legends ever since I put a set on my Dyna. Got some for my RK and really looking hard on them for my Night Train, but that price is a tough pill. The Parts Giant rep should be able to get you a deal for a set.

Mar 30, 2021 | 07:31 AM

#14

MCSarge

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 3,029

Likes: 449

From: Michigan

The non air Legend shocks for Softails have been out for a while and other than a video that doesn't show anything and the guy says they are the best shock out there, there are not many reviews. The biggest issue I have with them is that you will have to drop one shock to change the oil in the trans. You can suck out the old oil threw the fill hole but not sure how that would work in the long run......

Mar 30, 2021 | 08:07 AM

#15

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 100,455

Likes: 19,811

From: Centennial, CO

I can't imagine the Legend shocks being $500 better than the 422s. But I could be wrong.

Apr 9, 2021 | 08:04 PM

#16

klf33

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 2,796

Likes: 36

From: Toronto, Ontario

I have the 422's as backup shocks, they lasted for 3 years before I pulled the trigger on Shotgun (got it used from here),
You can say that after 7 years and around 45K miles, the shotgun shocks started leaking bad and had to be replaced, old model was discontinued and I had to get the new one so got a discount on the upgrade (free warranty applies to same model only) and the cost of replacing the shock.. (bad)
During this time I ran the bike with the 422's for a few months while the replacement was shipped back and forth (I live in Canada and our summer is like 30 minutes

).
I could not believe how 'less fun' the bike was with the 422, too high and harsher ride?, the shotgun shock dropped 3" down was riding a lot better than 422 dropped 1.5" down.
It is all relative, on the 422 I was super happy and it was a GREAT step up from the lowering nails I used before! but man.. coming to them from the ShotGun was an eye opening experience.

Expensive, yes, durable as the 422, hell no, but.. if you like to ride low (like I do), it is INCREDIBLE! and I am the guy who rides 500Km's days (300Miles) on Sundays and put another 500 during the week, so the bike gets miles constantly, not touring but decent use.

I hope this helps