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?

 

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.

 

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!

 

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

 

Having just changed from stock (19 year old) rear shocks to progressives I was amazed at the difference. Now the only thing that stops me on a ride is my bladder and not my backside