Air vs Premium Shocks
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1,122
From: 48.067222,12.863611
Here's how I'd rank the shocks I've used 1-10 scale.
On my 2003 RKC: air ride: 2.5 My ohlins: 8.5 (model 2.5A). Prog 944's 6.0
On my 2015 RGS: Only the 12" premium. Even loaded down, they are decent. I'd give them a 6.5/10
Moral of the story..... Ohlins make the air ride seem like a little B!itch.
On my 2003 RKC: air ride: 2.5 My ohlins: 8.5 (model 2.5A). Prog 944's 6.0
On my 2015 RGS: Only the 12" premium. Even loaded down, they are decent. I'd give them a 6.5/10
Moral of the story..... Ohlins make the air ride seem like a little B!itch.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 3,250
Likes: 136
From: Nomad
Can't recommend any specific brand from my own experience tho.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
It is well worth trying some, but be very selective - there are plenty of aftermarket brands who don't provide much improvement. I can speak for Ohlins!
Last edited by grbrown; Dec 14, 2017 at 05:38 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 14,438
Likes: 2,421
From: Pittsburgh, Pa
Here's a REPORT LINK we did on Rear Suspension. Check it out!
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
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
Question. Where to Ohlins fit on this chart for comparison?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Good question. It's not as much help while it excludes high profile brands. I seem to recall there were more shocks in earlier lists.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2013
Posts: 6,044
Likes: 336
The major advantage of air ride shocks is the ability to change the ride from plush highway rides to firm twisty, from 1-up to 2-up on the fly with a simple push of a button that will increase or decrease the air pressure - even while you ride.
Last edited by JMC22; Dec 14, 2017 at 12:11 PM.
Ohlins, at a cost of $900 to $1000 fit in at the 80 points range.
Excerpt from report:
"What we Tested
We tested over 2 dozen different shocks, including all the popular brands/models. We test 11’, 12’, 13” & 14” shocks.
We made the decision to not list the products we tested that produced less than favorable results, nor have we listed the products that were very expensive and produced results not significantly better than less expensive options.
We have included a few of the more popular model shocks to give a point of reference when comparing."
We have not removed any shocks from our report charts, the chart above is just one of many published in our suspension reports. All charts can be seen at the following links:
Rear Suspension REPORT
Front Suspension REPORT
The charts would be a hot mess if we put everything we tested in there (there were over 2 dozen)...the only shocks we get consistently asked about that we did not include on the chart are the Ohlins...and mostly by folks that already have Ohlins.
We may modify our charts to include them, just so the question about Ohlins is answered in the charts.
btw, we are an Authorized Ohlins Dealer, but we can't, in good conscience, recommend spending $1000 to get the same ride quality that you can get from $550. If they were better (for the price) we would recommend them. We would make more profit a on $900 or $1000 Ohlins sale than on a $525 TA sale.
Excerpt from report:
"What we Tested
We tested over 2 dozen different shocks, including all the popular brands/models. We test 11’, 12’, 13” & 14” shocks.
We made the decision to not list the products we tested that produced less than favorable results, nor have we listed the products that were very expensive and produced results not significantly better than less expensive options.
We have included a few of the more popular model shocks to give a point of reference when comparing."
We have not removed any shocks from our report charts, the chart above is just one of many published in our suspension reports. All charts can be seen at the following links:
Rear Suspension REPORT
Front Suspension REPORT
The charts would be a hot mess if we put everything we tested in there (there were over 2 dozen)...the only shocks we get consistently asked about that we did not include on the chart are the Ohlins...and mostly by folks that already have Ohlins.
We may modify our charts to include them, just so the question about Ohlins is answered in the charts.
btw, we are an Authorized Ohlins Dealer, but we can't, in good conscience, recommend spending $1000 to get the same ride quality that you can get from $550. If they were better (for the price) we would recommend them. We would make more profit a on $900 or $1000 Ohlins sale than on a $525 TA sale.
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Last edited by DK Custom; Dec 14, 2017 at 01:25 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Yes I own Ohlins, since before Ohlins themselves started producing suspension for Harleys. Their products, courtesy another distinguished HDF sponsor, offered the first truly major high quality suspension upgrade for us. That DK now have products which you consider even better is just great, but is thanks to groundwork done elsewhere. Harley owners can at last look forward to a major improvement in ride quality, which we've deserved for a long time, and thanks in part to the good work DK has put in! For many members Ohlins has provided the datum by which other brands are judged.
Last edited by grbrown; Dec 15, 2017 at 10:27 AM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 169
Likes: 12
From: North Shore, MA
Replaced the stock shocks on my '14 SGS with Prog 944's in back and Prog Mono Tubes up front. Couldn't be happier, especially in the twisties when I'm leaving the rest of my group far behind. But, they're old, I'm only 70.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 102
Likes: 5
From: Clayton MI
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
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