Suspension confusion
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
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+1 on that. I wish I would have done that upgrade way sooner than I did.
There are shorter air shocks (12") available that you can run as direct repacements. Some guys run the 13" and deal with a little higher seat height, or you can use lowering blocks to get back to stock height. I went from 12" to 13" with lowering blocks, and while I have not been able to put many miles on since the change, the 13" shocks seem to have a bit smoother ride than the 12" shocks. The air shocks seem to not give much improvement to smaller guys, it seems like if you are under 170lbs, they are not much of an improvement.
The take off RoadKing or StreetGlide air shocks are probably your lowest-cost option. They are adjustable somewhat by adding air. I probably have $150 total in mine with the lowering blocks and air pump.
The aftermarket shocks, like the Ohlins that grbrown is talking about will cost you quite a bit more, but will give an even better ride. I've ridden on a bike that was similar to mine that was fitted with Progressive 412s, the lowest cost Progressive shocks, which were a lot better than stock, but equal, or even a little worse riding that my air shocks. Lots of choices out there, it really comes down to what you want to spend.
You'll find that once you upgrade the rear shocks, you'll feel how bad the front forks dive and bottom out, but that's a whole different topic.
The take off RoadKing or StreetGlide air shocks are probably your lowest-cost option. They are adjustable somewhat by adding air. I probably have $150 total in mine with the lowering blocks and air pump.
The aftermarket shocks, like the Ohlins that grbrown is talking about will cost you quite a bit more, but will give an even better ride. I've ridden on a bike that was similar to mine that was fitted with Progressive 412s, the lowest cost Progressive shocks, which were a lot better than stock, but equal, or even a little worse riding that my air shocks. Lots of choices out there, it really comes down to what you want to spend.
You'll find that once you upgrade the rear shocks, you'll feel how bad the front forks dive and bottom out, but that's a whole different topic.
Yeah, I had 12" air shocks, went to the 13" much smoother ride. Then when I put the lowering blocks on, and even smoother ride. I'm 185 and was running 5 psi before the lowering blocks, now with them am running 18 psi., very nice ride.
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