Shotgun shock problems
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,971
Likes: 901
From: Omaha
Fatty 95 only asked "I've had to send mine back 3 times now. has anyone had similar problems".
I think all Fatty 95 was looking for is a simple "yes" or "no" and if yes was a similar experience as theirs had.
Everyone's criticism of other forum members or of the Shotgun Shocks wasn't solicited from Fatty 95 and shouldn't be part of this thread.
However, if anyone is wondering if Shockgun Shocks is a good or bad product, all they need to do is search this forum for Shockgun shocks and spend the rest of the day reading all the post, both good and bad.
After reading all the post, I think all one has to do is asked themselves; "if someone gave me a shockgun shock would I install it on my softail?". If the answer is yes, then the matter is not about product reliability but rather financial priorities. If the answer is no, you wouldn't install it even if someone gave it to you, then your mind is made up.
That being said if someone wants to give me one, I'd put it on my 2009 Heritage
I think it's time to put this thread to bed, but that decision is really Fatty 95's to make.
I think all Fatty 95 was looking for is a simple "yes" or "no" and if yes was a similar experience as theirs had.
Everyone's criticism of other forum members or of the Shotgun Shocks wasn't solicited from Fatty 95 and shouldn't be part of this thread.
However, if anyone is wondering if Shockgun Shocks is a good or bad product, all they need to do is search this forum for Shockgun shocks and spend the rest of the day reading all the post, both good and bad.
After reading all the post, I think all one has to do is asked themselves; "if someone gave me a shockgun shock would I install it on my softail?". If the answer is yes, then the matter is not about product reliability but rather financial priorities. If the answer is no, you wouldn't install it even if someone gave it to you, then your mind is made up.
That being said if someone wants to give me one, I'd put it on my 2009 Heritage
I think it's time to put this thread to bed, but that decision is really Fatty 95's to make.
Last edited by Bluraven; Oct 23, 2013 at 09:38 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
There is no perfect world.
This lifestyle is expensive. -to others who doesn't know yet.
There are issues on Harley bikes too. My buddies doesn't want to risk their money to buy Harley bikes because of what other guys on the web say or experienced. That is fine, they ride Jap bikes or other foreign bikes, but they have to ride at the far back of the group. Do I have or had issues on mine? none so far.
The same concept on buying SS-(except riding from the behind). Some doesn't want to pay the price because of "plenty" issues you read based on experiences of others. What are you missing? maybe nothing. But hey, ride in a lifestyle you want. But again, this is an expensive lifestyle.
This lifestyle is expensive. -to others who doesn't know yet.
There are issues on Harley bikes too. My buddies doesn't want to risk their money to buy Harley bikes because of what other guys on the web say or experienced. That is fine, they ride Jap bikes or other foreign bikes, but they have to ride at the far back of the group. Do I have or had issues on mine? none so far.
The same concept on buying SS-(except riding from the behind). Some doesn't want to pay the price because of "plenty" issues you read based on experiences of others. What are you missing? maybe nothing. But hey, ride in a lifestyle you want. But again, this is an expensive lifestyle.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 503
Likes: 9
From: NM
These back and forth threads are crazy and entertaining. I can tell you this much. I really like my SS and I put it above all the other vendors out there that sell the air. I base that on the product specifications. That's where apple to apple comparison need to take place. Not against a stock suspension... that's pretty lame and SS is a custom bike application.
With all that being said, you can't just pull up some random posts that state anything. To get more technical you would need a random sample of SS owners and put it to statistics if you want to be more safe. That's about the most reassuring one would get, but it just won't happen. So until you had that number all your doing is pulling up a small subjective sample that decided to post an unhappy experience.
So like in any product reviews... I base my opinion to buy an expensive product off two things only.
1) I trust and know the person reviewing product and they are a personal friend so I can decipher what the review is based on and how I know they are with their stuff.
2) I would only take a product review from someone that has actually owned the product i am thinking about purchasing.
So if those two are in line, I know I can get a decent opinion and starting point to make my decision. Some guys will like and others will not.... to those posting things like "there are a lot of issues on the forum threads"... you're just failing to see the big picture of what and how these forums work. Hope this helps you out.
With all that being said, you can't just pull up some random posts that state anything. To get more technical you would need a random sample of SS owners and put it to statistics if you want to be more safe. That's about the most reassuring one would get, but it just won't happen. So until you had that number all your doing is pulling up a small subjective sample that decided to post an unhappy experience.
So like in any product reviews... I base my opinion to buy an expensive product off two things only.
1) I trust and know the person reviewing product and they are a personal friend so I can decipher what the review is based on and how I know they are with their stuff.
2) I would only take a product review from someone that has actually owned the product i am thinking about purchasing.
So if those two are in line, I know I can get a decent opinion and starting point to make my decision. Some guys will like and others will not.... to those posting things like "there are a lot of issues on the forum threads"... you're just failing to see the big picture of what and how these forums work. Hope this helps you out.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
If a few issues = plenty, then you are absolutely correct. Even though I would venture to guess the percentage of issues vs no issues is much lower than you would like to lead people to believe. We get it, you don't want to spend the cash for one so you are going to pop into these threads to justify that.
I pop into these threads to see what the problem was on a product I remain interested in. And when a guy gets accused of being fat, or told to man up and not complain, to the point where he has to issue an apology post for having experienced 3 problems on his $1.2K to $1.5K shock, I don't mind pointing out he should be commended for posting an honest experience with the product.
Just like I don't mind commending JD for stepping up each time and making things right.
There are basically two types of threads here when it comes to the SS, I notice. One where a guy just bought one and is happy as a clam with his purchase, and is really enjoying the smooth ride and cool factor. Everyone cheers him on and congratulates him. Nothing wrong with that.
Then there are threads where people have experienced problems with the product, where it is not holding air over time, or is not functioning at all. Heck, one guy was asked to show off how his bike lowers with a switch, and his SS failed on him right there on the spot. haha.
I have the money to buy the SS. Could have bought one long ago. But since it would be the single largest purchase for my bike, by far, and my largest purchase the last few years save for my gal's engagement ring, I'll just kick back and educate myself here.
Apparently the product is going through minor revisions here and there. So I don't feel in a hurry to make a decision on it.
And yes, I'll exercise my privilege to join the discussion. Just because I'm not a SS cheerleader doesn't mean I can't.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 503
Likes: 9
From: NM
Nope.
There are basically two types of threads here when it comes to the SS, I notice. One where a guy just bought one and is happy as a clam with his purchase, and is really enjoying the smooth ride and cool factor. Everyone cheers him on and congratulates him. Nothing wrong with that.
Then there are threads where people have experienced problems with the product, where it is not holding air over time, or is not functioning at all. Heck, one guy was asked to show off how his bike lowers with a switch, and his SS failed on him right there on the spot. haha.
And yes, I'll exercise my privilege to join the discussion. Just because I'm not a SS cheerleader doesn't mean I can't.
There are basically two types of threads here when it comes to the SS, I notice. One where a guy just bought one and is happy as a clam with his purchase, and is really enjoying the smooth ride and cool factor. Everyone cheers him on and congratulates him. Nothing wrong with that.
Then there are threads where people have experienced problems with the product, where it is not holding air over time, or is not functioning at all. Heck, one guy was asked to show off how his bike lowers with a switch, and his SS failed on him right there on the spot. haha.
And yes, I'll exercise my privilege to join the discussion. Just because I'm not a SS cheerleader doesn't mean I can't.
When people get defensive to try and defend the product, it is because in either of the two "VALID" thread posts you stated above, there is always some dude who doesn't even have the shock start talking negative about it. So, that's where all the the folks that have used it and are familiar with it start saying you don't have any idea what you are talking about.
Come on man... cheerleaders? If you ask for a review and people rave and are excited about their product is that enough? Now they become cheerleaders? It's not because they dropped some coin... I don't hear as much about Legends as I do about these and they cost more. In the end if you hear a bunch of posts about people sating they made a bad choice or these shocks are crap then flame away the product. You don't hear that...you hear people saying they had a problem... like anything in life.
You have a nice looking scoot. Looks like you already have it lowered and no need for anything urgent. I do recommend it for your slim though... it will look even better and handle better. That's a fact. As far as luck with no problems... too many variables.
I do know this... there are a lot of people on here that are installing these in garage. That is great and how I do it, but if it is not professionally installed there can be a miriad of problems that start on install. So some threads can be product manufacture or install issue. Any product is a work in progress and evolution. That growth and change does not equate to bad product. That's how I see all this at least.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
If I can installed it, anyone can (given they have the right tools). I went and bought the few tools I needed.
SoCalSoftailSlim.... if you ride on the SS, you will see why people rave about it. Yes, there have been a few issues.... but by far, most people,e haven't had any issues. Even I had an issue (bad compressor) but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also.
SoCalSoftailSlim.... if you ride on the SS, you will see why people rave about it. Yes, there have been a few issues.... but by far, most people,e haven't had any issues. Even I had an issue (bad compressor) but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 4,719
Likes: 60
From: Los Angeles
Well, last few posters, thanks for trying to see my perspective and for the compliment on my bike. I get my lessons from all the super cool bikes here, including yours.
A lowered Softail is a beautiful thing, no matter how you do it.
"but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also."
Could very well happen. And if I did become a cheerleader, I'd be quick to point out I had been skeptical before.
I could also never buy a SS.
But I'm sorry, that doesn't mean I can't comment on threads about this product. Particularly when I want to very legitimately thank a poster for being honest about his experience.
A lowered Softail is a beautiful thing, no matter how you do it.
"but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also."
Could very well happen. And if I did become a cheerleader, I'd be quick to point out I had been skeptical before.
I could also never buy a SS.
But I'm sorry, that doesn't mean I can't comment on threads about this product. Particularly when I want to very legitimately thank a poster for being honest about his experience.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 3,747
Likes: 5
From: Central Cali
Well, last few posters, thanks for trying to see my perspective and for the compliment on my bike. I get my lessons from all the super cool bikes here, including yours.
A lowered Softail is a beautiful thing, no matter how you do it.
"but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also."
Could very well happen. And if I did become a cheerleader, I'd be quick to point out I had been skeptical before.
I could also never buy a SS. But I'm sorry, that doesn't mean I can't comment on threads about this product. Particularly when I want to very legitimately thank a poster for being honest about his experience.
A lowered Softail is a beautiful thing, no matter how you do it.
"but the good far out weighs the bad. Like I said, once you ride with it.... you will be a "cheerleader" also."
Could very well happen. And if I did become a cheerleader, I'd be quick to point out I had been skeptical before.
I could also never buy a SS.
But I'm sorry, that doesn't mean I can't comment on threads about this product. Particularly when I want to very legitimately thank a poster for being honest about his experience.