2015 SGS suspension?
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Central Pennsylvania
2015 SGS suspension?
Hello,
Purchased the SGS in April of 15'. I bottom out (so badly that I clinch my jaw the entire time I'm riding) on our "lovely" PA roads. Have been asking my local shops what to go to with and ALL of them swear to stay away from any type of air ride. I've contacted Dirty Air and they don't seem to believe their ride would be significantly better than stock. I have adjusted the stock suspension 2 clicks at a time during long rides and have not found a sweet spot. When riding with my wife it becomes so bad that we rarely ride for more than an hour at a time.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Purchased the SGS in April of 15'. I bottom out (so badly that I clinch my jaw the entire time I'm riding) on our "lovely" PA roads. Have been asking my local shops what to go to with and ALL of them swear to stay away from any type of air ride. I've contacted Dirty Air and they don't seem to believe their ride would be significantly better than stock. I have adjusted the stock suspension 2 clicks at a time during long rides and have not found a sweet spot. When riding with my wife it becomes so bad that we rarely ride for more than an hour at a time.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
if you aren't short of leg, then the cheapest solution would be to go with the 13inch shocks vs the 12inch that come on the streetglide/roadglide custom. there are plenty of folks that would do a direct swap with you. that may be enough or you may have to go all the way to the high end ohlins sold here by howard at motorcyclemetal.com all depends on your wallet and your backside.....
but, the upshot is, get a shock with more travel, and you'll enjoy the ride more.
but, the upshot is, get a shock with more travel, and you'll enjoy the ride more.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 972
Likes: 633
From: Ohio
There are a lot of threads on here regarding suspension. If you do a search you should find all kinds of information.
I went with Ohlins in the back and they are great (especially for the wife) Got them from one of the forum sponsors. They are a little pricy but I would say worth it.
You can go with many other brands and most will be a huge improvement over stock.
I think the Street Glide shocks have a little less travel than my Road King and that is probably why you are having trouble with bottoming out, we bottomed out on the King with with the stock air shocks. Good luck with your search.
Welcome to the forum.
I went with Ohlins in the back and they are great (especially for the wife) Got them from one of the forum sponsors. They are a little pricy but I would say worth it.
You can go with many other brands and most will be a huge improvement over stock.
I think the Street Glide shocks have a little less travel than my Road King and that is probably why you are having trouble with bottoming out, we bottomed out on the King with with the stock air shocks. Good luck with your search.
Welcome to the forum.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,585
Likes: 673
From: Rolla
if you aren't short of leg, then the cheapest solution would be to go with the 13inch shocks vs the 12inch that come on the streetglide/roadglide custom. there are plenty of folks that would do a direct swap with you. that may be enough or you may have to go all the way to the high end ohlins sold here by howard at motorcyclemetal.com all depends on your wallet and your backside.....
but, the upshot is, get a shock with more travel, and you'll enjoy the ride more.
but, the upshot is, get a shock with more travel, and you'll enjoy the ride more.
I installed the 13" version of those same Hand Adjustable shocks on my previous Street Glide.
Never once did we ever bottom out riding 2-up.
When I traded for the Limited, I kept those Hand Adjustable shocks and installed them on the new bike.
If you want a nicer ride, then you will need more suspension travel.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 2,452
Likes: 23
From: Michigan
Hello,
Purchased the SGS in April of 15'. I bottom out (so badly that I clinch my jaw the entire time I'm riding) on our "lovely" PA roads. Have been asking my local shops what to go to with and ALL of them swear to stay away from any type of air ride. I've contacted Dirty Air and they don't seem to believe their ride would be significantly better than stock. I have adjusted the stock suspension 2 clicks at a time during long rides and have not found a sweet spot. When riding with my wife it becomes so bad that we rarely ride for more than an hour at a time.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Purchased the SGS in April of 15'. I bottom out (so badly that I clinch my jaw the entire time I'm riding) on our "lovely" PA roads. Have been asking my local shops what to go to with and ALL of them swear to stay away from any type of air ride. I've contacted Dirty Air and they don't seem to believe their ride would be significantly better than stock. I have adjusted the stock suspension 2 clicks at a time during long rides and have not found a sweet spot. When riding with my wife it becomes so bad that we rarely ride for more than an hour at a time.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
I see your doing two clicks at a time, but have you read your manual for a good starting point for the total weight.
I have yet to bottom out, even riding two up, tour pack and saddle bags stuffed.
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5th Gear
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 9
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From: Central Pennsylvania
Actually, during my walk through at the time if purchase, my local shop set the bike up for my wife and I. I need to do something different or I will be a single (rider) until we decide to sell it. I guess I just assumed that air tide would be the way to go?
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 597
Likes: 208
From: Southern Oregon
I'm going through the same thing myself. I contacted Progressive and they recommended a 13" 444. I also spoke with Howard and he wouldn't give me a specific recommendation but he did tell me that for my inseam (32") the most important thing is stroke. He recommended an emulsified shock for maximum stroke (as he explained it to me, in a separated shock the piston takes up space that could be used for travel).
I'm leading towards the Ohlins at this point, they're not that much more expensive than the Progressives, but it's a little more complicated than just ordering the 444s from the dealer.
I'm leading towards the Ohlins at this point, they're not that much more expensive than the Progressives, but it's a little more complicated than just ordering the 444s from the dealer.