Air ride or adjustable shock
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 444
Likes: 78
From: Xenia OH
Air ride or adjustable shock
My question is for those who have ridden the newer suspension with the adjustable rear shock via a **** behind the left saddlebag vs. The older air ride shocks. Which one do you think rides better?
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,772
Likes: 22,998
From: North Carolina
The original air ride HD shocks are the WORST shock in history. They constantly leak and are always in need of air or have too much air. A real hassle constantly checking and adding air.
Two years ago on a 2016 Limited I made the decision to switch to Pro Action. The difference was amazing, really hard to imagine how much of an improvement it was. The bike rode so much better, it handed so much better and no more adding air or adjusting. Just get on, ride and enjoy.
The next year we upgraded to a new 2017 CVO Limited which had the newer HD adjustable shocks. At first glance they did not look like much compared to the Pro-Action but I decided to give them a try. My wife you rides a lot in the passenger seat told me they were not even close and suggested we switch them for Pro-Action. Now 11k miles later we are still very glad we did.
If you try them you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner. The absolute best upgrade you can do for your bike.
Two years ago on a 2016 Limited I made the decision to switch to Pro Action. The difference was amazing, really hard to imagine how much of an improvement it was. The bike rode so much better, it handed so much better and no more adding air or adjusting. Just get on, ride and enjoy.
The next year we upgraded to a new 2017 CVO Limited which had the newer HD adjustable shocks. At first glance they did not look like much compared to the Pro-Action but I decided to give them a try. My wife you rides a lot in the passenger seat told me they were not even close and suggested we switch them for Pro-Action. Now 11k miles later we are still very glad we did.
If you try them you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner. The absolute best upgrade you can do for your bike.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Yes, the premium hand adjustable shocks ride better than the air adjustable shocks. But neither set offers a good ride. You'll be much happier with a quality set of aftermarket Ohlins, bitubo, Pro-Action or Progressive. Just sayin'.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 953
Likes: 127
From: Rome, NY
It's dial "adjustable", not "adjustables". Only the left shock is adjustable, the right isn't. Another brilliant move by Harley.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 412
Likes: 108
From: Shitsville
There been a few shock threads lately.I just got my first harley a few months back and thought the seat was the big comfort changer. Do shocks really make that much of a difference? I put on a Sundowner seat and it seems pretty cushy. Will I be floating on air with new shocks?
Ordering a shock pump to mess with my PSI out of curiosity
2015 RK
250 lbs
Ordering a shock pump to mess with my PSI out of curiosity
2015 RK
250 lbs
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 444
Likes: 78
From: Xenia OH
yes I knew it was only the left is adjustable. I just fat fingered a key. Now what is the right shock purpose? Rebound or looks?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
Club Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 4,553
Likes: 5,895
From: Syracuse NY
The original air ride HD shocks are the WORST shock in history. They constantly leak and are always in need of air or have too much air. A real hassle constantly checking and adding air.
Two years ago on a 2016 Limited I made the decision to switch to Pro Action. The difference was amazing, really hard to imagine how much of an improvement it was. The bike rode so much better, it handed so much better and no more adding air or adjusting. Just get on, ride and enjoy.
The next year we upgraded to a new 2017 CVO Limited which had the newer HD adjustable shocks. At first glance they did not look like much compared to the Pro-Action but I decided to give them a try. My wife you rides a lot in the passenger seat told me they were not even close and suggested we switch them for Pro-Action. Now 11k miles later we are still very glad we did.
If you try them you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner. The absolute best upgrade you can do for your bike.
Two years ago on a 2016 Limited I made the decision to switch to Pro Action. The difference was amazing, really hard to imagine how much of an improvement it was. The bike rode so much better, it handed so much better and no more adding air or adjusting. Just get on, ride and enjoy.
The next year we upgraded to a new 2017 CVO Limited which had the newer HD adjustable shocks. At first glance they did not look like much compared to the Pro-Action but I decided to give them a try. My wife you rides a lot in the passenger seat told me they were not even close and suggested we switch them for Pro-Action. Now 11k miles later we are still very glad we did.
If you try them you will kick yourself for not doing it sooner. The absolute best upgrade you can do for your bike.
Ditto x100
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,183
Likes: 837
From: KMHT KFMY
Ditch the HD/SHOWA crap suspension FRONT AND REAR and you will not regret it.
If you improve the back without addressing the front, you end up in a worse position IMHO
I did Progressive shocks, and the bike handled like crap until I did the front to match the back.
HD stock suspension is the worst thing on any HD, but the item most people ignore.
and for heavens sake stay away from air shocks.
Something where you can add or subtract spring, and adjust compression/rebound will make you happy
If you improve the back without addressing the front, you end up in a worse position IMHO
I did Progressive shocks, and the bike handled like crap until I did the front to match the back.
HD stock suspension is the worst thing on any HD, but the item most people ignore.
and for heavens sake stay away from air shocks.
Something where you can add or subtract spring, and adjust compression/rebound will make you happy