Shocks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,109
Likes: 9
From: Connecticut
I'd love to see actual proof or Test how they do ride VS the stockers.
When I was young (under 30) I had two cars with air bags in the Coils, in my 20's I had 4 cars and 1, 4WD with Air shocks. None of these actually made the Vehicle ride smoother, just higher.
In Mid life (30-50), I had 3 GW'ers with Air shocks F & R and IMHO though they rode Good. I am not sure they where any better than my Heritage. IMO one would have to do a side by side.
I have learned, been told, and taught to have a good riding bike Ur need Shock TRAVEL.
Without it,, U'll get a chitty/rough ride. Period. Look at the MOTO Cross bikes and trucks to see how much travel they have....
There is a Thread right now where a member is complaining His ShotGuns are Rough riding.. WHY.!!!! He's riding them Slammed.. In other words.. NO TRAVEL...
I know that the SG's shocks would be a smoother ride aired up, but after 7yrs and 46k worth of riding in all manners. I have None---Zero complaints/problem/pains from or with the Stock shocks.
Bottom line for ME is I don't feel/think/believe they are worth the $1500. to install. Even more so when I learned U have to drop one side to change tranny oil..
I am too freaking old any more to roll into to somewhere,, hit the buttons and watch her slam down to the stops. That won't settle with those who think is COOL.. But, I just thing its a Waste of money on A FAD..
Do what U all want, just don't think it for me at this tim
..
When I was young (under 30) I had two cars with air bags in the Coils, in my 20's I had 4 cars and 1, 4WD with Air shocks. None of these actually made the Vehicle ride smoother, just higher.
In Mid life (30-50), I had 3 GW'ers with Air shocks F & R and IMHO though they rode Good. I am not sure they where any better than my Heritage. IMO one would have to do a side by side.
I have learned, been told, and taught to have a good riding bike Ur need Shock TRAVEL.
Without it,, U'll get a chitty/rough ride. Period. Look at the MOTO Cross bikes and trucks to see how much travel they have....
There is a Thread right now where a member is complaining His ShotGuns are Rough riding.. WHY.!!!! He's riding them Slammed.. In other words.. NO TRAVEL...
I know that the SG's shocks would be a smoother ride aired up, but after 7yrs and 46k worth of riding in all manners. I have None---Zero complaints/problem/pains from or with the Stock shocks.
Bottom line for ME is I don't feel/think/believe they are worth the $1500. to install. Even more so when I learned U have to drop one side to change tranny oil..
I am too freaking old any more to roll into to somewhere,, hit the buttons and watch her slam down to the stops. That won't settle with those who think is COOL.. But, I just thing its a Waste of money on A FAD..
Do what U all want, just don't think it for me at this tim
..
Supporter
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,912
Likes: 73
From: Pittsburgh, PA
I say you have never riden one as the ride is well worth it. Don't knock something you didn't try first. I have riden mine with stock shocks, 422's and SS and they are far the best of any of them. And no you don't need 4-5" of travel unless you go offroad..........
I don't think you could get 5" of travel even if you dumped all the air.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 3,492
Likes: 19
From: Illinois
With all due respect, I have never ridden a bike with apes on them until just a few months back so there would never be any way I could comment on them other than what I think. This is my 1st EFI bike so prior to this there would be no way I could ever comment on it other than what I think. I have never hit a Deer while riding until a few weeks back so I could never really say how I would act or react because I have never hit one before, other than what I think.
I have never ridden a bike with air ride until 2 years ago so there would have been no way I could ever comment on it other than what I think. I also think comparing a car with air ride verse a bike with air ride is like comparing apples and oranges but then again, how would I know because I have never ridden in a car before that had air ride on it. I rode my 1st Harley in 1970 when I was 13 and been riding ever since. Had anyone told me that an air ride system can do all the things that it does, I don't know that I would have believed them. It does that and more. It's just not "cool" or riding "slammed. It also addresses safety issues as well as comfort. The only question, in my book is, is it worth it to each and every individual who is considering pulling the trigger on them or those who has already have them installed. For me, worth every penny, end of story.
If you can find 1 person who is unhappy the the SS you can find 100 who loves it. Given it has a lifetime warranty I don't see any downside. If a person is "older" and rides pain free, dang, consider yourself blessed!!!
I have never ridden a bike with air ride until 2 years ago so there would have been no way I could ever comment on it other than what I think. I also think comparing a car with air ride verse a bike with air ride is like comparing apples and oranges but then again, how would I know because I have never ridden in a car before that had air ride on it. I rode my 1st Harley in 1970 when I was 13 and been riding ever since. Had anyone told me that an air ride system can do all the things that it does, I don't know that I would have believed them. It does that and more. It's just not "cool" or riding "slammed. It also addresses safety issues as well as comfort. The only question, in my book is, is it worth it to each and every individual who is considering pulling the trigger on them or those who has already have them installed. For me, worth every penny, end of story.
If you can find 1 person who is unhappy the the SS you can find 100 who loves it. Given it has a lifetime warranty I don't see any downside. If a person is "older" and rides pain free, dang, consider yourself blessed!!!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
I have an 02 Deuce and an 07 FXSTC with over 52,000 miles between them.
I have found them to be as comfortable as any bike that I have had since 1956. The FXSTC is a little more comfortable but it is because of the plush King/Queen seat that came stock with it. I have a solo HD leather seat on the Deuce.
Everyone can ride the same set up and come back with a different impression. One will say the best suspension ever and another will say total junk. It is totally subjective.
One must experience the product and decide for themselves.
The ride is the result of a combo of components. The tires, the shocks, the load, shock travel, shock oil weight, valving, spring rates, the seat and the set up of rake and trail. All work together or if not done right against each other.
I have found them to be as comfortable as any bike that I have had since 1956. The FXSTC is a little more comfortable but it is because of the plush King/Queen seat that came stock with it. I have a solo HD leather seat on the Deuce.
Everyone can ride the same set up and come back with a different impression. One will say the best suspension ever and another will say total junk. It is totally subjective.
One must experience the product and decide for themselves.
The ride is the result of a combo of components. The tires, the shocks, the load, shock travel, shock oil weight, valving, spring rates, the seat and the set up of rake and trail. All work together or if not done right against each other.
Last edited by lh4x4; Nov 9, 2013 at 11:32 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 1,122
Likes: 4
From: Florida
There are new people coming here all the time. There are people who are not new here but maybe never read or thought about topics because it never interested them, couldn't afford it and so. This forum is for those people more than anyone else, IMHO. It's about learning and sharing information and people should be able to come here without being made fun of or people getting ripped for giving their opinion, no matter how many times in the past they have done so. If you already know everything then this forum is probably not for you. I been riding 40+ years and I still learn **** all the time. I am still shocked at times how SOME bikers here make **** of other bikers. I have never seen that before in all my years of riding. I have seen a few people over the years pull that **** at a bar or pig roast or something and it never ended well at all for them. Why people don't ignore threads that bothers them is beyond me.
I can't speak for the legend other that it would never serve me the way I would need an air shock to work for me so I never considered it. The SS, to me, is worth every penny and not only would I do it again, I would never own another softail without it on there. If your interested in more information let me know and I can send you a private message later from work with some detail. Ok, let the slaughter and slander begin. It's cool, I'm comfortable with who I am and I never tire of trying to help a fellow biker out, as it should be. After all, the OP is asking for help.
I can't speak for the legend other that it would never serve me the way I would need an air shock to work for me so I never considered it. The SS, to me, is worth every penny and not only would I do it again, I would never own another softail without it on there. If your interested in more information let me know and I can send you a private message later from work with some detail. Ok, let the slaughter and slander begin. It's cool, I'm comfortable with who I am and I never tire of trying to help a fellow biker out, as it should be. After all, the OP is asking for help.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,463
Likes: 3
From: Montclair, CA.
I started an air suspension thread two years ago and at first was slammed for not doing a "search" on the subject, fine. Some times I'm just lazy when it comes to doing a search and I like the current responses when I do do a search.
On the internet people are more inclined to post a response that they would never say in the real world, anonymity as they say.
You will notice that the majority of the negative responses are from the same people. I see this on other blogs I subscribe to, the same people always bitching, complaining or putting other people down.
I don't let the other negative posters get to me, end of story.
Every question about the SS is NOT the same so if the poster needs answers for a different question are they not allowed to ask IT?
Now lets return to our story
After asking about the air suspension systems that are available I chose the SS system as being what "I" wanted and I'm glad I did.
The cost was thought about, at that time I had the money in the budget, and if I had to budget myself to afford the SS system I would have after looking at both systems, legends and SS, as the SS was what "I" was looking for.
The ride before the SS was good on our '12 Heritage as the wife and I liked it, compared to the '06 Sporty we had with the Progressive 442's I installed, but after the SS installation both my wife and I LOVE it.
We both have bad backs and when riding and hitting the road ruts and dips our backs don't complain any more with the SS system.
We ride with the suspension at full up with just a touch of rebound but when we park the bike I drop it all the way down for my wife to get on and off the bike, she is 5'2" and it makes it easier for her to get on and off when the bike is all the way down, yes she does use the passenger floor boards when getting on and off the bike.
The SS system pluses:
1. the ride.
2. the adjustability of the ride firmness.
3. the adjustability of the ride height.
4. the adjustability of the bike for mounting and dismounting, great for us short folks.
5. the COOL factor.
the SS system minuses:
haven't found any.
Go with the Shotgun Shock you will be glad you did.
On the internet people are more inclined to post a response that they would never say in the real world, anonymity as they say.
You will notice that the majority of the negative responses are from the same people. I see this on other blogs I subscribe to, the same people always bitching, complaining or putting other people down.
I don't let the other negative posters get to me, end of story.
Every question about the SS is NOT the same so if the poster needs answers for a different question are they not allowed to ask IT?
Now lets return to our story
After asking about the air suspension systems that are available I chose the SS system as being what "I" wanted and I'm glad I did.
The cost was thought about, at that time I had the money in the budget, and if I had to budget myself to afford the SS system I would have after looking at both systems, legends and SS, as the SS was what "I" was looking for.
The ride before the SS was good on our '12 Heritage as the wife and I liked it, compared to the '06 Sporty we had with the Progressive 442's I installed, but after the SS installation both my wife and I LOVE it.
We both have bad backs and when riding and hitting the road ruts and dips our backs don't complain any more with the SS system.
We ride with the suspension at full up with just a touch of rebound but when we park the bike I drop it all the way down for my wife to get on and off the bike, she is 5'2" and it makes it easier for her to get on and off when the bike is all the way down, yes she does use the passenger floor boards when getting on and off the bike.
The SS system pluses:
1. the ride.
2. the adjustability of the ride firmness.
3. the adjustability of the ride height.
4. the adjustability of the bike for mounting and dismounting, great for us short folks.
5. the COOL factor.
the SS system minuses:
haven't found any.
Go with the Shotgun Shock you will be glad you did.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 213
Likes: 1
From: Canada
I started an air suspension thread two years ago and at first was slammed for not doing a "search" on the subject, fine. Some times I'm just lazy when it comes to doing a search and I like the current responses when I do do a search.
On the internet people are more inclined to post a response that they would never say in the real world, anonymity as they say.
You will notice that the majority of the negative responses are from the same people. I see this on other blogs I subscribe to, the same people always bitching, complaining or putting other people down.
I don't let the other negative posters get to me, end of story.
Every question about the SS is NOT the same so if the poster needs answers for a different question are they not allowed to ask IT?
Now lets return to our story
After asking about the air suspension systems that are available I chose the SS system as being what "I" wanted and I'm glad I did.
The cost was thought about, at that time I had the money in the budget, and if I had to budget myself to afford the SS system I would have after looking at both systems, legends and SS, as the SS was what "I" was looking for.
The ride before the SS was good on our '12 Heritage as the wife and I liked it, compared to the '06 Sporty we had with the Progressive 442's I installed, but after the SS installation both my wife and I LOVE it.
We both have bad backs and when riding and hitting the road ruts and dips our backs don't complain any more with the SS system.
We ride with the suspension at full up with just a touch of rebound but when we park the bike I drop it all the way down for my wife to get on and off the bike, she is 5'2" and it makes it easier for her to get on and off when the bike is all the way down, yes she does use the passenger floor boards when getting on and off the bike.
The SS system pluses:
1. the ride.
2. the adjustability of the ride firmness.
3. the adjustability of the ride height.
4. the adjustability of the bike for mounting and dismounting, great for us short folks.
5. the COOL factor.
the SS system minuses:
haven't found any.
Go with the Shotgun Shock you will be glad you did.
On the internet people are more inclined to post a response that they would never say in the real world, anonymity as they say.
You will notice that the majority of the negative responses are from the same people. I see this on other blogs I subscribe to, the same people always bitching, complaining or putting other people down.
I don't let the other negative posters get to me, end of story.
Every question about the SS is NOT the same so if the poster needs answers for a different question are they not allowed to ask IT?
Now lets return to our story
After asking about the air suspension systems that are available I chose the SS system as being what "I" wanted and I'm glad I did.
The cost was thought about, at that time I had the money in the budget, and if I had to budget myself to afford the SS system I would have after looking at both systems, legends and SS, as the SS was what "I" was looking for.
The ride before the SS was good on our '12 Heritage as the wife and I liked it, compared to the '06 Sporty we had with the Progressive 442's I installed, but after the SS installation both my wife and I LOVE it.
We both have bad backs and when riding and hitting the road ruts and dips our backs don't complain any more with the SS system.
We ride with the suspension at full up with just a touch of rebound but when we park the bike I drop it all the way down for my wife to get on and off the bike, she is 5'2" and it makes it easier for her to get on and off when the bike is all the way down, yes she does use the passenger floor boards when getting on and off the bike.
The SS system pluses:
1. the ride.
2. the adjustability of the ride firmness.
3. the adjustability of the ride height.
4. the adjustability of the bike for mounting and dismounting, great for us short folks.
5. the COOL factor.
the SS system minuses:
haven't found any.
Go with the Shotgun Shock you will be glad you did.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
I say you have never riden one as the ride is well worth it. Don't knock something you didn't try first. I have riden mine with stock shocks, 422's and SS and they are far the best of any of them. And no you don't need 4-5" of travel unless you go offroad..........