What am I missing
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
the 12 inch street glide shocks on the 2012 are most likely the same as my 2010. You at 190 riding solo will not see a vast improvement, though there will be some. Riding two up it will be the passenger who will notice a vast improvement, again the rider will notice less bottoming.
the 12 inch shock has a 2 inch compression only stroke. 12 lbs is enough for your frame but if you add passenger and loaded for a trip you will be adding up to 50lbs. all that extra air is doing is adding preload to delay the compression. right away that should tell you it is a rougher ride as the shock is held back from compressing to avoid bottoming.
There is no rebound control. The shock has a spring inside that will extend it as fast as possible ready to be compressed again. now the shock is topping out which feels the same as bottoming. rebound control softens this with better shocks.
as I said most solo riders do not need to change until you add cargo and passenger. you spent $20k? on a bike with $300 shocks so the $600-1000 shocks should be vast improvement
the 12 inch shock has a 2 inch compression only stroke. 12 lbs is enough for your frame but if you add passenger and loaded for a trip you will be adding up to 50lbs. all that extra air is doing is adding preload to delay the compression. right away that should tell you it is a rougher ride as the shock is held back from compressing to avoid bottoming.
There is no rebound control. The shock has a spring inside that will extend it as fast as possible ready to be compressed again. now the shock is topping out which feels the same as bottoming. rebound control softens this with better shocks.
as I said most solo riders do not need to change until you add cargo and passenger. you spent $20k? on a bike with $300 shocks so the $600-1000 shocks should be vast improvement
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 13
From: colorado springs
Have been going back and forth on suspension upgrade. Hate the dive in the front and two up bottom out. When wondering if there is a difference I went a road a new M8, same bike as mine (no frame changes). The ride was totally different from a suspension stand point. This has convinced me to make changes and will hopefully do so this winter. Highly suggest riding a bike with updated suspension or a new bike and feel the differences
Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 22
Likes: 1
From: Miami
Shocks? So I hear all of this talk and see people investing some serious coin on new shocks. I have a 2012 street glide with stock air shocks and I think I am happy. The ride seems smooth enough and the terrible roads around here seem to be absorbed by the stock shocks or at least I think so, but I have noting to compare them to. Surely there must be a huge benefit. Rode the tail of the dragon this year and seemed to handle the twisting just fine. It's probably one of those situations where I don't realize how bad it is. So those of you that have went from stock to say Ohlins what am I missing?
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
All depends on what type of riding you do, road conditions, & the model of your scoot. When deriving to conclusions keep all comments the same or you will have oranges mixed with your apples lol.
Personally have a 2012 Road King w/stock suspension & I cannot be more happy with it, from 2-up to solo riding adjusting air in shocks is all I need!
Good luck!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Personally have a 2012 Road King w/stock suspension & I cannot be more happy with it, from 2-up to solo riding adjusting air in shocks is all I need!
Good luck!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 700
Likes: 312
From: southwest Va.
All depends on what type of riding you do, road conditions, & the model of your scoot. When deriving to conclusions keep all comments the same or you will have oranges mixed with your apples lol.
Personally have a 2012 Road King w/stock suspension & I cannot be more happy with it, from 2-up to solo riding adjusting air in shocks is all I need!
Good luck!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Personally have a 2012 Road King w/stock suspension & I cannot be more happy with it, from 2-up to solo riding adjusting air in shocks is all I need!
Good luck!
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
It seems that perfection is reached not when there is nothing left to add, but when there is nothing left to take away.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
Maybe I just got lucky IMHO....
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
Life isn't about waiting for the storm to pass, it's about learning to ride in the rain. WDB
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 72
From: Harleysville, PA
B Bop
2012 FLHR (Road King) Ember Red Sunglo & Merlo (stage II)
Cruise Control, ABS, Chrome Aluminum Profile Laced Spoke Tubeless Wheels, Security Package, Saddle Bag LED Lid Spoilers, and an array of accessories that enhances nostalgic appearance & blood curdling performance.
No man's life, liberty, or property is safe while the legislature is in session.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 3,133
Likes: 504
From: Lake County, IL
About the same here, but when I bought my bike used, the rear shocks wouldn't hold air for even a short ride. Turned out to be an easy fix, replaced the core on the Schrader valve. Holds pressure for miles and days now.