Better shocks for '06?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 508
Likes: 31
From: California
Better shocks for '06?
Looking to modernize my dad's 06 CVO Fat Boy. Has an SS 124 kit and a ton of other go-fast parts, but it handles like the freighter that's blocking the Suez Canal.
I know Progressive makes a set of shocks but they look more show than go - are there any other brands I should look at? And any sort of steering damper? I'm used to riding performance Dynas and wondering if there are ways to make this Fat Boy more of a canyon carver!
I know Progressive makes a set of shocks but they look more show than go - are there any other brands I should look at? And any sort of steering damper? I'm used to riding performance Dynas and wondering if there are ways to make this Fat Boy more of a canyon carver!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,116
Likes: 7,638
From: Poolville
Fatboy's will never really become a canyon carver with only 5.5 in of clearance.. best thing would be the progressives beaver front and rear and then make the plugs in the front a 1/2" longer than what they say to firm it up more and use at least 20w fork oil...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
Progressive are far from "show and go". Get 422 w/RAP for the rear, and a set of monotube cartridges up front, and your dad's bike will handle orders of magnitude better than stock.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
I don't have any experience with emulators, but I can tell you that the monotubes are awesome.
Cheers!
Last edited by Clammy; Mar 27, 2021 at 08:43 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 100,455
Likes: 19,811
From: Centennial, CO
I did the same last Spring. 422s and monotubes. I was shocked, (excuse the pun) at the difference in handling. Wish I had done it years ago. I ride mine pretty aggressively in the curves and have full confidence in it.
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 508
Likes: 31
From: California
Excellent info! I have had not-so-great experiences with Progressive in the past so I was looking for an alternative. Seems Progressive and Legend are the only guys currently making shocks for earlier Fat Boys. I think I'll end up going with the 422 with RAP because I think even a slight improvement would be noticeable!
As for the front, likely will go the monotube route if I can find the right deal...
As for the front, likely will go the monotube route if I can find the right deal...
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,523
Likes: 312
From: Out of Commiefornia!
Check out Shotgun Shock air-ride shocks. Maybe not ‘performance’ level, but having the ability to raise and lower, along with softening and firming, with the flick of a couple of switches is awesome.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
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From: San Diego, CA
I was unaware that Legend made a rear suspension for softails.... Learn something new everyday...
But @ $995... they better be awesome, "Ohlin shock on a bagger" type quality of ride....
To further add to the OP's question.... anyone with experience on the Legend softail rear suspension...?
But @ $995... they better be awesome, "Ohlin shock on a bagger" type quality of ride....
To further add to the OP's question.... anyone with experience on the Legend softail rear suspension...?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 3,415
Likes: 1,124
From: USA
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.
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.