Picked up my 2019 CVO SG couple of weeks ago and while I love the bike overall, I can't stand the rear suspension. It seems to ride like a rock. According to the chart that came with the bike, my shocks should be set to around 7 or 8. At this setting it's brutal. I currently have the rear shocks adjusted to 3. It seems better, but still hard, compared to my previous 2016 Limited. At some point I will probably change the shocks to either Progressive or Legend. I have three questions: 1) Is it really worth the money for new shocks to improve the ride? 2) If I put on 13" shocks (as everyone seems to do) how does doing so affect the steering geometry and handling? 3) Does the drive belt need to be adjusted by changing the shock size by 1" ?

 

Yes, to the first question. Again, ABSOLUTELY YES to the first question. Worry about the other two questions later, they will fall into place.

 

1. That's a double-edged question! If you buy cheap you will simply jump from the frying pan into the fire and be little better off. If you chose wisely and are prepared to buy good quality products then the improvement can blow your mind - and I don't say that lightly! In that case then most emphatically the answer is YES, it is worth it. We have sponsors who can supply at discounts and there are some supreme suspension components out there.
2. After a few miles I suspect you won't really notice - unless you buy really good shocks (see above)!
3. Yes.
4. There are zillions of threads around HDF on suspension.

 

Thanks for your reply.

Do you consider the Progressive 944 and the Legend Revo A to be quality products?

 

Play with your settings. Then when you are still not fully satisfied spend the bucks. After you do you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner.

ProAction for me.

Ride safe

 

Thanks.

Love the P51. Prettiest airplane ever made.

 

don't worry about the geometry. if you put 13'' shocks on, your bike will have the exact same geometry as an ultra. the front forks are the same. they don't do anything different except put shorter shocks on the rear.

for the rest, the answers have already been given.... enjoy your new shocks

 

 

will the factory shocks lighten up some after a break in period? I put a set of 444's on my bike an I'm happy for what they cost but I only ride like 3-4K a year

 

Ohlin `13 inch or Legend.