Air vs Premium Shocks
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 4,378
Likes: 1,933
From: El Flatistan
New rear shock are on my list also. My 03 RKC still has the original air shocks with a great 150K miles. It's time...
Mostly ride 2 up for a combined 550lb/ish weight. We also do multi day trips which add another who knows what in extra weight.
Any suggestions?
Mostly ride 2 up for a combined 550lb/ish weight. We also do multi day trips which add another who knows what in extra weight.
Any suggestions?
Last edited by Nokkon Wud; Dec 11, 2017 at 10:57 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 142
Raider Bill, I too have and O3 RKC and I am totally happy with the stock air shocks. The whole Idea was not to cheap out when the factory put them on. It was for adjustability and very easily done with a small hand pump instead of a shock wrench. I also have a Police solo "air ride" seat on my skoot, so I'm air over air. I am 60 year old and cant understand what the fuss is all about. If you want total comfort, drive a cage. These are Harleys after all, it goes with the ride.
randy
randy
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,726
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
I've owned several Ultras all with Air shocks and yeah, they suck, can never get them adjusted right. I bought this 14 RK and same stiff ride, I bought a good used set of 12" Premium ride shocks and boy, what a difference. Only paid $250 for them and made a huge difference from Air. I also benefited from the 1" lower shock and never had much of a problem bottoming out. I weigh 225. even with my 120 lb girl on. Of course, some Ohio potholes are big enough to swallow a volkswagon and you hit that and will bottom out
Now as far as some of the other aftermarket, I hear nothing but good with them but I can't justify $700 plus for a good set of shocks when these feel fine to me.
Now as far as some of the other aftermarket, I hear nothing but good with them but I can't justify $700 plus for a good set of shocks when these feel fine to me.
I'm thinking about swapping my rear air shocks for the HD premium shocks. What are your thoughts and experience? I know there probably is better shocks than the HD shocks. In general, is this an improvement over the air? I think so but would love to hear all opinions.
TIA,
MJ
TIA,
MJ
In the report, you will find lots of useful information, including this chart:
You can see from the chart, the Twin Adjustables got more points of improvement in ride quality over the HD shocks and even the Progressives for a better price.
Here's a LINK to the Twin Adjustables if you'd like to read up on them!
Hope this helps!
Cristy
__________________
Cristy
FREE SHIPPING - ORDERS OF $100 OR MORE - LOWER 48 STATES
www.DKCustom.com
Call: 662-252-8828
Text: 662-420-4891
Email: Support@DKCustomProducts.com
Cristy
FREE SHIPPING - ORDERS OF $100 OR MORE - LOWER 48 STATES
www.DKCustom.com
Call: 662-252-8828
Text: 662-420-4891
Email: Support@DKCustomProducts.com
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1,122
From: 48.067222,12.863611
Raider Bill, I too have and O3 RKC and I am totally happy with the stock air shocks. The whole Idea was not to cheap out when the factory put them on. It was for adjustability and very easily done with a small hand pump instead of a shock wrench. I also have a Police solo "air ride" seat on my skoot, so I'm air over air. I am 60 year old and cant understand what the fuss is all about. If you want total comfort, drive a cage. These are Harleys after all, it goes with the ride.
randy
randy
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,820
Likes: 588
From: Michigan
I'm thinking about swapping my rear air shocks for the HD premium shocks. What are your thoughts and experience? I know there probably is better shocks than the HD shocks. In general, is this an improvement over the air? I think so but would love to hear all opinions.
TIA,
MJ
TIA,
MJ
I switched out my stock suspension on my 2014 FLHTK with H-d's 13" premium hand adjustable rear & premium cartridge front when I purchased the bike. I had to wait for components to ship, so I did my first 1000 miles on oem suspension. Suspension upgrades were installed at the 1k service. I noticed an immediate improvement in handling. It took a lot of trial/error adjustments to find the best setting for the rears. My final settings were completely different than the guidelines in the owner manual, however I believe those guidelines were really specific for the 12" units delivered as oem on SG models.
As I approached 30kmi the rear shocks were no longer providing good control; they were wore out. At 29kmi I had a set of Ohlins HD159's built & installed. After setting preload, only one adjustment was made to the rebound setting & shocks were dialed in. Ride control has not only been restored, it has been dramatically improved.
In summary, the H-D premium hand adjustable 13" shocks were an improvement over oem air shocks, but they do wear out & at some point will need to be replaced (not serviceable). Ohlins can be rebuilt (serviceable).
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Plenty of us also have Ohlins and enjoy the dramatically improved ride quality they provide! Stacks of threads around HDF about them.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,252
Likes: 142
grbrown, you are correct they can ride better but then again so does a Goldwing and just about every other cruiser out there. My point is that although me being young at 60 (thank you very much), the whole mystique of the Harley is being lost to the "terminator" cup holders, gps's. stereos and the lot. Harleys at one point were a mans bike (no offense ladies) and all that went with it. A little bump in the road and we are willing to drop hundreds and hundreds of dollars so our a$$es don't get hurt. Just my opinion guys but if I'm going to ride, I want to feel the road and whats under me. Perhaps I'm just fortunate enough to not be bothered. Prior to my 03 RKC, I rode a 65 sportster, a 68 sportster with a mag and a 74 shovel. Those were bone jarring so I guess I'm more than happy with what I have now.
randy
randy
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Randy, we've ridden similar paths! Having bought new and survived several years of ownership of a '74 74" I have no wish to endure that discomfort again! And I'm confident that Mrs B will say much the same of our current Glide, before I upgraded it. 