changing shock absorbers softail
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Stage II
Joined: Sep 2018
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From: Moss
changing shock absorbers softail
I'm thinking about changing shock absorbers on one of my bikes, 2009 FatBoy Lo. The bike has 32000km/20000 miles on it. Is it recommended to change these? I have read that original HD absorbers have poor quality compared to Progressive og YSS, and that changing them can seriously improve the bike. Any thoughts about this, anyone?
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Joined: Feb 2019
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From: Over there
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: Most likely. The amount of improvement would depend on a lot of variables. How dialed is your pre-load adjustment on your shocks now? How much do you weigh? Do you ride more 2 up or solo? What condition are the roads you ride mostly? The stock shocks are ok, imho, if you're 180lbs, dial in the pre-load for your riding style and only ride on smooth pavement. If any of these things aren't true...switch to a better shock, one that is sprung for your weight with gear. I'm a big dude. So I run heavy duty Progressive 422s. I dialed them in for my pre-load...and now it's like I'm gliding, for the most part. No more jarring, filling loosening bumps or bottoming out or feeling the back end get loose & mushy.
Long answer: Most likely. The amount of improvement would depend on a lot of variables. How dialed is your pre-load adjustment on your shocks now? How much do you weigh? Do you ride more 2 up or solo? What condition are the roads you ride mostly? The stock shocks are ok, imho, if you're 180lbs, dial in the pre-load for your riding style and only ride on smooth pavement. If any of these things aren't true...switch to a better shock, one that is sprung for your weight with gear. I'm a big dude. So I run heavy duty Progressive 422s. I dialed them in for my pre-load...and now it's like I'm gliding, for the most part. No more jarring, filling loosening bumps or bottoming out or feeling the back end get loose & mushy.
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: Ottawa, CANADA
I can tell you from my own experience that upgrading the rears to Progressive 422 (with or without RAP, but I highly recommend WITH RAP, if you carry passengers or load lots of luggage, and need to change the preload regularly) is a major improvement. Do the front suspension as well. I recommend Progressive monotube cartridges. Your bike will be transformed.
Cheers!
Cheers!
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,973
Likes: 911
From: Omaha
Here's a link to my review of Progressive 422 RAPs from 2014.
After 7 years of riding on them I my opinion on them hasn't changed.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...my-review.html
After 7 years of riding on them I my opinion on them hasn't changed.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...my-review.html
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theyammieguy
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Nov 18, 2011 07:33 AM
