So far there has been a few votes for Shotguns..... but what about other options? (non-air ride shocks?)...

It seems that mostly people are more interested in lowering their softail than making the ride more comfortable.... Thats why so many people go for the Progressive 422s because they have the capacity to lower the ride up to 2"... For me upgrading the rear suspension is all about improving the handling and increasing the comfort as I also have back problems.

Good luck with the surgery.

 

For me, that is exactly why I went with the Shotgun Shock. Nothing else works better, as there isn't a one size fits all solution. Being able to adjust the damping to the conditions is the biggest benefit. You can't adjust regular shocks to a level where they work great for solo, two-up day tripping, and fully loaded two-up distance all with the same adjustment. Let alone adjusting so they are comfortable for flat highways, bumpy side roads, and twisty routes. I can do that on the fly using one switch.

The ability to adjust the height with the second switch is mostly a nice side benefit.

Roger

 

NC D'LUXE, I took your advice on the bars. This past weekend i stopped at the dealer that had a fatboy fit bike which was great. I dropped the seat that i have on it and a set of beach bars to see what it felt like and was amazed how much better it felt.

I will be doing the bars for sure, well my brother was nice enough to volunteer to install the bars and take care of all the cable details for me while i recuperate over the next few weeks. He is a mechanic at the York Softtail plant and requires me to include him in all work done to the bike(over protective big brother, got to love it).

Now as for the shotguns I really feel that I would like to do them as well but had one more question. I will most likely be lowering only 1" but as for softening the ride is there a gauge included to know where you are (point of reference) which would allow you to see what changes you have made and to monitor the pressure for future reference? If not i may look into mounting one to monitor the status. I do not have the ABS so I have the space for the assembly.


Craig

 

There is no guage, but you could likely rig one up easily enough I suppose. You really don't need one, IMHO, as you set it based on feel (bounce at a stop) and adjust as you go until it is right for the conditions. Not sure where you ride, but where I'm ad the road varies and I adjust as often as necessary.

My motto is 'if I'm thinking about it, I need to adjust it... if I'm not thinking about it then it must be just right'. It only takes a very quick tap on the damper to lighten the load, or a second or two to stiffen it up due to the heavy-duty pump.

Get one, ride for a day or two, and you'll be convinced and realize you don't need no stinkin' guages!

Roger

 

Forgot all about the dealers (or many of them) having the fit bike on the floor! Great idea and glad you were able to fit and feel some to help with your decision.

I'm not aware of a gauge for the Shotgun, not a bad idea. You may want to give JD a call direct at Shotgun and discuss the options and the Shotgun. He's a great kat to talk to and he'd be happy to help you out.

Good luck with your surgery and recovery! I go in Friday to have my cervical facet joint nerves exterminated...can't wait. LOL

 

I feel your pain. Had c5-6 done about 5 years ago. I can say that the Shotgun is really good. Rides best at about stock hieght, but can be slammed when parked.

 

Thanks for the advice brothers.

Your thoughts and ideas were very helpfull. I go the 28th to get the old neck stretched, and screwed. it still freaks me out but they say this is a common operation now a days.

Again Thanks!

Craig

 

Let us know how it works out. If you are having arm or shoulder pain and/or weakness, I bet it is gone when you wake up from the surgery. Mine did and never came back. I couldn't even lift my right arm before the surgery, and have many 5-6 hundred mile days since, without a problem. A word of advice, a couple days after surgery your going to feel GREAT and want do more than you should. DON'T......... Give it time.....3 months is what you need. Have patience.

 

+1 on what the others advised. But one other thing. I noticed on your profile picture that there is no windshield on your bike. While I am no fan of them, they really do take all of the beating from the wind, vastly, and I mean vastly reducing (practically eliminating), the wind pressure on your head, neck, and back. There is so much wind pressure pushing your head and body back, forcing your trunk, neck and arm muscles to be constantly tensioned while you ride without a windshield. I can only imagine that would make a huge difference.

If you already have a good windshield, then never mind. Just trying to help.

 

I agree with Brian about the shocks...I can offer a lil positive input on back surgery also.
Do their physical therapy but add to it, hit the gym daily. Had a lumbar fusion back late 80's and talked the doctor into letting me do my own therapy. I hit the gym daily for the next year pumpin iron like a ****. I still hit the gym. If you limit urself to a minimum amount of therapy and end up sittin around most of the time thats what will harm you the most in the long run. Stay active and good luck with the back.