Nothing "Premium" about these shocks...
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Interesting responses. I hope they do soften up!
Something I noticed occurring today. Probably did a hundred miles or so. Compared to the stock air shocks, I'm fairly convinced in terms of the small bumps, like road seams, the Hand Adjustable shocks do seem to suck them up a "little" smoother than the full length air shocks. They DO NOT eat the big hammers as well. I run the Progressive fork kit up front. Until I installed these shocks, the front always took the small bumps just a little bit better than the back. Now, the back seems to absorb the little ones just a little better than the front. Strange, but its just my observation. The big hits are still going to the stockers. Again, I don't care if anyone believes me or has differing results, I just want information in terms of my opinion and other forum members opinions in one thread, so future buyers can easily find it.
Something I noticed occurring today. Probably did a hundred miles or so. Compared to the stock air shocks, I'm fairly convinced in terms of the small bumps, like road seams, the Hand Adjustable shocks do seem to suck them up a "little" smoother than the full length air shocks. They DO NOT eat the big hammers as well. I run the Progressive fork kit up front. Until I installed these shocks, the front always took the small bumps just a little bit better than the back. Now, the back seems to absorb the little ones just a little better than the front. Strange, but its just my observation. The big hits are still going to the stockers. Again, I don't care if anyone believes me or has differing results, I just want information in terms of my opinion and other forum members opinions in one thread, so future buyers can easily find it.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 1,588
Likes: 329
From: Florida
There is a chart in the owners manual that shows suggested settings for the shocks with and without tour pack based on rider weight and additional weight of passenger, cargo and accessories, it's a good starting point to get them dialed in. And they will soften up after awhile.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 714
Likes: 126
From: Westchester cty. NY
They look like what came on my new Road King, I'm 275 and with the shocks cranked up to 10, the ride and handle great. As far as I'm concerned, it's something I don't have to replace cause it sucks for a change
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 197
Likes: 46
From: Rubidoux ca
I think those shocks are the biggest piece of **** Harley ever made they do not even match from one side to the other I put a set of legend shocks on my 15 road glide and it made an incredible difference
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Yah know, I kinda wish I had a set of the standard length "Premium" shocks. Just to see the difference. Cause a shock with a whopping 2.25 inches TOTAL TRAVEL ain't never gonna be the king of the hill. Trying out the longer shocks at least would enlighten me to the MOCO's way of thinking.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,784
Likes: 92
From: Michigan
Ya the 12" are a dime a dozen, 13" sell like hotcakes.
Me and all the stuff in my bags weigh in around 300# and I have the shock set on 2 clicks or 1 turn only to take up slack so the spring don't rattle. If you go by the book you might as well just bolt solid rods in place of the shocks.
I spent most of a day out riding and adjusting the shock first what the book says and everything in between. Just think about it. The more you screw the **** down the more it compresses the spring which in turn makes it stiffer to handle more load. It's not rocket science but I will say they are better than air but I would never pay full price just because there not worth it.
Hate to say it but if you want a good ride then you got to bend over and pay for something like Olin's but stay away from Progressive 412's no better.
Me and all the stuff in my bags weigh in around 300# and I have the shock set on 2 clicks or 1 turn only to take up slack so the spring don't rattle. If you go by the book you might as well just bolt solid rods in place of the shocks.
I spent most of a day out riding and adjusting the shock first what the book says and everything in between. Just think about it. The more you screw the **** down the more it compresses the spring which in turn makes it stiffer to handle more load. It's not rocket science but I will say they are better than air but I would never pay full price just because there not worth it.
Hate to say it but if you want a good ride then you got to bend over and pay for something like Olin's but stay away from Progressive 412's no better.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 813
Likes: 101
From: Ancaster, Ontario, Canada
At 160 lbs I found the OEM shocks on my SGS to be stiff and also described them as like riding on a brick! I used to cringe when riding rough roads, but Legends suspension has solved all that. Suspension is such a key component on any vehicle and this is probably the only thing that really disappointed me as a new Harley owner. From what I have read, it seems that the lighter the rider, the worse the ride (shocks are very stiff). However, Im over it now and love riding whenever I can!
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Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,920
Likes: 77
From: dallas
with my new 2014, I thought I had to change my shocks since they rode so hard. but after 1500 miles or so they brake in some. still pretty hard though. But handling of course is great. the 13 in ch i guess would be an improvement judging from test rides on a EG with 13's, but i bought a street glide for a reason. cheers
