Shock question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 5,067
Likes: 394
From: Edmonton Alberta Canada
Basically I should be looking for Progressive shocks OR used road king air shocks.
With the air shocks, what else is involved? Is it a pressurized system, requires a tank etc?
What size eye to eye would I need? Standard 11'in like the recommended progressives?
Thanks again! and chrome is a must for my ride.
With the air shocks, what else is involved? Is it a pressurized system, requires a tank etc?
What size eye to eye would I need? Standard 11'in like the recommended progressives?
Thanks again! and chrome is a must for my ride.
I think the SG's are 11" and the RK are 12" and they are available in chrome but mine are black.
I found mine by advertising a "parts wanted" ad on a local buy/sell web site called kijiji where the ads are free.
They really ride fantastic, they make you feel like this
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: chicago
No problem with the air fill, I just bought threaded schrader valves (I think that's what they are called, it's like a tire valve) for 3 bucks each, then you can just use a bicycle pump to fill them up. I run no air pressure for solo riding and about 4-6 PSI with a passenger.
I think the SG's are 11" and the RK are 12" and they are available in chrome but mine are black.
I found mine by advertising a "parts wanted" ad on a local buy/sell web site called kijiji where the ads are free.
They really ride fantastic, they make you feel like this
I think the SG's are 11" and the RK are 12" and they are available in chrome but mine are black.
I found mine by advertising a "parts wanted" ad on a local buy/sell web site called kijiji where the ads are free.
They really ride fantastic, they make you feel like this
So these shocks hold air like any sealed unit. Ex- tire, etc.....
That sounds simple enough. I'm going to search for the streetglide 11'in, and see what I can find.
Got any pictures by chance of the shocks and your set up?
I found this old discussion about RK & SG shocks on sportsters. I think I may go this route for the cost.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...sportster.html
Last edited by dja4260; Mar 3, 2011 at 04:58 PM.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
You may wish to slightly modify your Sporty. This beast rips Ducatti's up and spits them out. The owner rides a Ducatti at the track in competition. I have been told by Luke that the look on the $35K Ducatti's owners face after getting spanked by a Harley is priceless. Makes them want to slink away in their $1,000 riders suit and matching boots with the extra padded "cup".
BTW, Why do you think the dresser people get rid of their stock air shocks? Most wind up in the garbage.
BTW, Why do you think the dresser people get rid of their stock air shocks? Most wind up in the garbage.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh,PA
You can see the SGs on my Custom, they are 11.6", almost the same length as my stock. The Custom comes stock with the lower shocks. I havent read one thread where someone that installed RK or SG air shocks didnt like the results, so those that criticize them may not have tried them. The Sporty specs out around 590 lbs, where the RK and SG are 810 lbs. If someone feels the shocks are inadequate for an 810 lb bike, you think they may work on a 590 lb bike? I love the SG shocks so take it for what it is worth. Mine was $80 on ebay.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 574
Likes: 3
From: Toms River, New Jersey
Not saying your points about piggyback or custom made shocks aren't valid, but you also have to bear in mind that not everyone is looking to spend over $1000 for a pair of shocks. If I can add Street Glide shocks and be comfortable for under $150, I'd much rather put the remaining $850 or more back into other mods and upgrades. If I spent a grand or more on rear shocks, they better tell me "turn over honey" after 45 minutes.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
From: chicago
You can see the SGs on my Custom, they are 11.6", almost the same length as my stock. The Custom comes stock with the lower shocks. I havent read one thread where someone that installed RK or SG air shocks didnt like the results, so those that criticize them may not have tried them. The Sporty specs out around 590 lbs, where the RK and SG are 810 lbs. If someone feels the shocks are inadequate for an 810 lb bike, you think they may work on a 590 lb bike? I love the SG shocks so take it for what it is worth. Mine was $80 on ebay.
Thanks
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
There are four things about shocks to bear in mind before buying any. One is overall length, another is travel. In general the shorter they are the less travel there is and the less chance of absorbing bumps and thumps.
The next thing is whether you ride mostly solo or two up. If you ride solo choose what take's your fancy, as there is only you to suffer if your bike has a poor ride! If you ride 2-up with your favourite person and you want them to ride with you often, the rules change! Forget style and looks, chose shocks for comfort. Short shocks will not do that.
Finally there is quality. The shorter the shocks the better the quality you should buy, to get a decent ride. Cheap short shocks will not do it! To get a really good ride especially 2-up your shocks have to be very good quality in every way, especially damping.
The next thing is whether you ride mostly solo or two up. If you ride solo choose what take's your fancy, as there is only you to suffer if your bike has a poor ride! If you ride 2-up with your favourite person and you want them to ride with you often, the rules change! Forget style and looks, chose shocks for comfort. Short shocks will not do that.
Finally there is quality. The shorter the shocks the better the quality you should buy, to get a decent ride. Cheap short shocks will not do it! To get a really good ride especially 2-up your shocks have to be very good quality in every way, especially damping.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 111
Likes: 0
From: South euclid ohio-east side of Cleveland Ohio
There are four things about shocks to bear in mind before buying any. One is overall length, another is travel. In general the shorter they are the less travel there is and the less chance of absorbing bumps and thumps.
The next thing is whether you ride mostly solo or two up. If you ride solo choose what take's your fancy, as there is only you to suffer if your bike has a poor ride! If you ride 2-up with your favourite person and you want them to ride with you often, the rules change! Forget style and looks, chose shocks for comfort. Short shocks will not do that.
Finally there is quality. The shorter the shocks the better the quality you should buy, to get a decent ride. Cheap short shocks will not do it! To get a really good ride especially 2-up your shocks have to be very good quality in every way, especially damping.
The next thing is whether you ride mostly solo or two up. If you ride solo choose what take's your fancy, as there is only you to suffer if your bike has a poor ride! If you ride 2-up with your favourite person and you want them to ride with you often, the rules change! Forget style and looks, chose shocks for comfort. Short shocks will not do that.
Finally there is quality. The shorter the shocks the better the quality you should buy, to get a decent ride. Cheap short shocks will not do it! To get a really good ride especially 2-up your shocks have to be very good quality in every way, especially damping.
The 440's have a lifetime warranty adj on the top by hand for preload and are woth the extra $$$$ over the 412's
No problems in 12 yrs I have been riding them. Also check their sight or email them directly to see if they have any factory seconds available. I got mine as 2nds and couldn't find the reason.
Leroy
Ps I just checked their site and the 440-4006C retail for $645 vs 299 for the 412's.
A google search shows 440's about $439 on ebay.
Last edited by sportsterleroy; Mar 4, 2011 at 09:21 AM.