New Shocks for Riding 2 Up?
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 628
Likes: 129
From: Mn
You have probably touched on a huge factor that I didn't consider. I guess I have a garage queen (don't know if that a good thing or a bad thing) because I bought the bike new July 1st 2013 and it has about 5800 miles on it. My wife and I both had great hopes of going on a lot of road trips, but between work, her hips and my back it just hasn't worked out as planned. I've considered selling it, but I just can't bring myself to do it.
I don't mean to sound rude but you need to get out and ride the mc, no shocks in the world are going to make that much differance in your riding ability, as suggested take an advanced riders corse and if you want to pursue your riding career it is something you have to work at weekly.
Regards!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
My wife has been riding with me on and off for 40+ years, and 2 week ago she was cold, without saying anything, she turned - opened the TourPak - and pulled my jacket out, while at a stop light. We almost went over. Don't think she'll do that again.
She must be able to Slap you from across the room,
IMPRESSED, lol
Funny thing is I made a point to say I'm taking my jacket just in case - YOU KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS - well she didn't bring hers.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Here we go again! I think some of you guys have been hypnotized by Howard. I say that lovingly but in truth I'm so tired of hearing that Ohlins is the cure for just about any problem.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have understood the Ohlins were catered spring rate for rider or rider plus passenger. So how effective can that be switching from solo to 2 up. Either too stiff solo or too soft 2 up. This is why I ran air suspension. I can adjust me rebound for the extra weight and add extra pressure to get the smooth ride. So far I am extremely impressed with the Legend Aero A. If I was fully solo I would have looked into coil shocks.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,926
Likes: 193
From: ohio
Take the rider course, or at least get the vid's, have your wife take it too, prctice by yourself in a lot, no shame in what might possibly save your lives, someday. Bikes are a whole different animal with a passenger, especially a newbie, or un taught
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,863
Likes: 172
From: Clarksville, TN
WOW - With All Due Respect - Just how long are your wife's arms and how flexible is she??? ON a bet - now way in Hell could my wife on her best day, open the tour pack at a stop light and pull out a jacket?
She must be able to Slap you from across the room,
IMPRESSED, lol
She must be able to Slap you from across the room,
IMPRESSED, lol
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,301
Likes: 24
From: Minden LA
I have touched on this issue before, but I'm not sure new shocks will fix the problem.
So, on my '13 Ultra the max weight capacity is around 470lbs (best I remember). I'm 6' 220 lbs and my wife is about 5'9" 240 lbs.......you see where I'm going with this.
I can handle the bike just fine solo, but with her on back it's not a fun ride for me. I find myself having problems when coming to a stop and in slow tight cornering. She only rides with me about 20% of the time and I just can't get used to the added weight. I never ride with my tourpak on, but she insists on it being on and it makes a huge difference in the way the bike handles with her and the tourpak on. Yesterday, I went to the local HD dealer and bought a standard sissy bar and backrest pad to put on the 4pt docking mount. We didn't ride, but she sat the bike with the new backrest with me and she said it felt ok. This will help by not having the tourpak on, but I doubt it is going to solve my issues.
I've read about how bad the rear air shocks are, but I'm really not sure if new rear shocks or even front mono tubes will be a significant improvement. I'm sure they would be very noticeable with me solo, but not sure if it'll make a difference in my 2 up issue.
Any thoughts or suggestions would really be appreciated.
So, on my '13 Ultra the max weight capacity is around 470lbs (best I remember). I'm 6' 220 lbs and my wife is about 5'9" 240 lbs.......you see where I'm going with this.
I can handle the bike just fine solo, but with her on back it's not a fun ride for me. I find myself having problems when coming to a stop and in slow tight cornering. She only rides with me about 20% of the time and I just can't get used to the added weight. I never ride with my tourpak on, but she insists on it being on and it makes a huge difference in the way the bike handles with her and the tourpak on. Yesterday, I went to the local HD dealer and bought a standard sissy bar and backrest pad to put on the 4pt docking mount. We didn't ride, but she sat the bike with the new backrest with me and she said it felt ok. This will help by not having the tourpak on, but I doubt it is going to solve my issues.
I've read about how bad the rear air shocks are, but I'm really not sure if new rear shocks or even front mono tubes will be a significant improvement. I'm sure they would be very noticeable with me solo, but not sure if it'll make a difference in my 2 up issue.
Any thoughts or suggestions would really be appreciated.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,789
Likes: 277
From: Hawkeye state
To maintain proper sag yes. Doubling the weight on the bike I will add enough pressure to maintain the 3/4" or so of sag and adjust the rebound of the shock to a faster rebound with the increased pressure for a balanced ride. When back solo I will lower the pressure to again maintain sag and adjust the rebound to a lighter setting.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
3 turns preload on my springs, and I am good to go to add the wife, and 30 pounds of whatever she decides to take on a trip.
I have understood the Ohlins were catered spring rate for rider or rider plus passenger. So how effective can that be switching from solo to 2 up. Either too stiff solo or too soft 2 up. This is why I ran air suspension. I can adjust me rebound for the extra weight and add extra pressure to get the smooth ride. So far I am extremely impressed with the Legend Aero A. If I was fully solo I would have looked into coil shocks.