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

 

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

 

If you are not in the race track, you are not missing anything. For the type of touring most of us do, and if your OEM's are in good condition, the only thing you will notice is a much lighter wallet. Having said that, do check your OEM shocks and make sure they are in good condition, have the proper quantity and weight oil, and do not leak, oil or air. A defective shock, OEM or not, is a night mare that will vibrate you to death, and wear out your tires prematurely. And yes, aftermarkets also do fail once in a while.

 

Better handling and better passenger comfort were the biggest effects when changing them out. My wife comments on that every time we ride. She hated the stockers.

 

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.

 

I didn't like them for two up riding. They seems to bottom out quite a bit. They also seemed to lose pressure so had to check them all the time.

 

Just curious and looking for suggestions. When riding solo how much air do you run in comparison to your weight ?

 

You might of had a bad set of shocks, my shocks have never leaked, nor have I ever witness bottoming out. 275lbs w/rider at 125= 400lbs.




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

 

35lbs. temps 35 to 50 degrees, 38lbs. 55 & up seems to work best for me.

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.

 

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.