Shocks for Heritage
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Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 89
Shocks for Heritage
Earlier this year, I rented a 2012 Heritage with the intention of buying one.
I also tried the RK Custom.
Although the RK had a softer ride, I felt a more comfortable riding position on the Heritage.
When I asked the dealer about possible upgrades to the shocks, he insisted that any upgrades to the softail are minimal an not worth the money.
What's the truth ?
I also tried the RK Custom.
Although the RK had a softer ride, I felt a more comfortable riding position on the Heritage.
When I asked the dealer about possible upgrades to the shocks, he insisted that any upgrades to the softail are minimal an not worth the money.
What's the truth ?
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
From: Krabi, Thailand
If you are moving on from a sportster to a Heritage the ride will seem very soft anyway.
There is adjustment available on the shocks - just not as easy as on the sportster - you have to get underneath the bike.
If you soften up the suspension on a Heritage then it starts to feel as if it wallows and it feels sloppy in the corners under braking.
Not many Heritage owners seem to feel the need to alter their suspension. This bike has been around in its current form for so long that HD may have almost got it right!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,264
Likes: 9
From: Rhode island
If you are moving on from a sportster to a Heritage the ride will seem very soft anyway.
There is adjustment available on the shocks - just not as easy as on the sportster - you have to get underneath the bike.
If you soften up the suspension on a Heritage then it starts to feel as if it wallows and it feels sloppy in the corners under braking.
Not many Heritage owners seem to feel the need to alter their suspension. This bike has been around in its current form for so long that HD may have almost got it right!
Gavotte disagree 100%
There are plenty of options out there. Progressives, shotgun.
There are way better options then stock Harley with air or better springs
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Melbourne Florida
If you are moving on from a sportster to a Heritage the ride will seem very soft anyway.
There is adjustment available on the shocks - just not as easy as on the sportster - you have to get underneath the bike.
If you soften up the suspension on a Heritage then it starts to feel as if it wallows and it feels sloppy in the corners under braking.
Not many Heritage owners seem to feel the need to alter their suspension. This bike has been around in its current form for so long that HD may have almost got it right!
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 679
Likes: 120
From: Fairbanks, AK.
Being new to the Heritage line, I had no idea they (mine did at least) come from HD set to the minumum pre-load (~160# or less). I bought the HD adjuster tool, zeroed the adjustments (one was 1/4 turn out), then cranked them both CCW 1 1/4 turns for my 210 weight. Better now, with reduced floorboard scraping and a firmer ride. My sag pre-set is about an inch with me on the seat. Still fine tuning the suspension. I'm sure Progressives front and rear would be nice as well.
I came off a 2012 Road King and so far this Heritage handles and rides far better for me. I like a firm ride, responsive turning, some shock travel, and engine feedback. The Heritage has that covered. The RK was a rubber ride.
I came off a 2012 Road King and so far this Heritage handles and rides far better for me. I like a firm ride, responsive turning, some shock travel, and engine feedback. The Heritage has that covered. The RK was a rubber ride.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 12
From: Cow Lake, WI
The dealer gave you sound advice. The most noticable difference would be how thin your wallet became. Course that would help make for a better ride, so I don't know...Try riding with your wallet in your vest pocket and see how you like it. 
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Near Duluth, MN
I like the stock ride so far, but I'm coming from an import bike that I modified. I still have a lot to learn about these wonderful bikes.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
Still happy with the stock shocks I have, the next up would be a set or Progressive's.
Then the top of the food chain would be an air ride system..
Heres a snap of our 07.
.
Then the top of the food chain would be an air ride system..
Heres a snap of our 07.
.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
Here is the link to the thread I started asking about air suspension:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/air-s...ir-shocks.html