Suspension Clarification
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From: Arizona
Suspension Clarification
So I'm trying to get something straightened out: It was always my understanding that you could not run the new style, hand adjustable suspension on 08 and older bikes because of weak swing arms and just generally not being designed or it. I was reading on another thread about a guy putting on the premium suspension from a 17 RK on his 08 EG. Now after searching around, it appears that all of the hand adjustable shocks sold by Harley are "premium," or at least that's how it's listed on their website. Are there "premium" and "standard" hand adjustables? Sorry, but I'm confused and want to figure this out. I would also be hlpful to know what I can put on my 07 UC as well.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
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From: Wisconsin
This would be considered yet "another shocks thread". Tons of options on this don't know much about Harley premium shocks. But Stock shocks plan and simple IMO suck.If you are going to buy something get Ohlins, progressive, ,Legends on and on but not Harley. The shocks fit based on the length. Rear is easy. Forks might be a bit more tricky.Making sure they fit is a Google search away before you buy! Ride safe.
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From: Arizona
Oh I'm well aware of the "buy such and such expensive shocks" opinion. I'm really just trying to clear up my confusion on the different types of shocks made by HD more than anything, specifically if there are multiple kinds of hand adjustable suspension.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
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From: Wisconsin
As longs as there is a place to mount the adjuster the shocks would work. The length is the biggest issue. Most shocks are like 12 to 13.5 length. Some like it short.But you lose comfort and ride because you shorten the stroke. But both work. Again as with most stuff personal preference.On the HD website there are shocks and parts made for certain years. But I can't believe a shock is so specialized that it can't work on those bikes. Maybe more will chime in.Good luck
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: illinois
Budda109, what s13steve and i would like to know are the swingarms strong enough to use the single adjustable premium shocks on the earlier scooters 08 and down?
been searching i can only find post saying they should not be used, i cant not find one post where they have caused any type of problem though? im curious now because i have them installed on my 08 and love them
been searching i can only find post saying they should not be used, i cant not find one post where they have caused any type of problem though? im curious now because i have them installed on my 08 and love them
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From: Bedford UK
A feature of the suspension on some modern bikes, especially front forks, is that the compression damping is performed in one fork leg and the rebound damping in the other. Separating the two provides improved ride quality, especially when used with superior damper designs. With forks, which have two yokes/trees to support them, this is a simple and straight-forward upgrade for manufacturers to introduce, as the trees provide a sturdy foundation for the dampers. I have 'differential' Ohlins fork cartridges in my Glide.
Turning to your query regarding rear shocks, the same set-up can be done with twin-shock bikes, in which each shock provides different damping, indeed some also have different springs. However for those shocks to give their best, the swingarm has to have a much improved torsional stiffness, compared with the s/a used for identical twin shocks. There are HDF members who have reported using the later spec dissimilar shocks on older bikes, so while they are unlikely to get the best out of them IMHO, they do seem to be surviving the experience!
To identify those 'premium' Harley shocks that 'need' a stronger s/a, avoid any that have an adjuster on only one of the two shocks. It should be enough to simply compare them alongside each other. It has to be said that very few Harleys have ever come with truly superior suspension, the only exceptions I can recall being the XR1200 Sportys and the early FXDXT models, both of which had fully adjustable suspension both ends.
Turning to your query regarding rear shocks, the same set-up can be done with twin-shock bikes, in which each shock provides different damping, indeed some also have different springs. However for those shocks to give their best, the swingarm has to have a much improved torsional stiffness, compared with the s/a used for identical twin shocks. There are HDF members who have reported using the later spec dissimilar shocks on older bikes, so while they are unlikely to get the best out of them IMHO, they do seem to be surviving the experience!
To identify those 'premium' Harley shocks that 'need' a stronger s/a, avoid any that have an adjuster on only one of the two shocks. It should be enough to simply compare them alongside each other. It has to be said that very few Harleys have ever come with truly superior suspension, the only exceptions I can recall being the XR1200 Sportys and the early FXDXT models, both of which had fully adjustable suspension both ends.
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From: Arizona
Thanks grbrown. After reading your comment I’m wondering (and I say this as a noob to baggers and modifying bike suspension in general) if on the older bikes, you would be able to get away with using two of the non adjustable shocks, that is to say a non adjustable from the hand adjustables on each side of an 08 and older bike. On it’s face, it seems like this would be something pretty easy to get away with and not have any problems as you would have equal dampening and spring resistance on each side, which is what those bikes had anyway.
Last edited by s13steve; Feb 3, 2019 at 11:08 AM.
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2015
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From: Wisconsin
I understand.
Budda109, what s13steve and i would like to know are the swingarms strong enough to use the single adjustable premium shocks on the earlier scooters 08 and down?
been searching i can only find post saying they should not be used, i cant not find one post where they have caused any type of problem though? im curious now because i have them installed on my 08 and love them
been searching i can only find post saying they should not be used, i cant not find one post where they have caused any type of problem though? im curious now because i have them installed on my 08 and love them
I believe the reason HD and others have not "Stated" it works is because those bikes are not designed for that suspension. Not that you could not make it work but it is not recommended. Liability is present if there is a problem. Plus I doubt Harley would test it on a 08 model to give a stamp of approval. So your on your own. There are so many other great choices. Why take a risk on something that could potentially cause you harm. But that's JMO. I will try all kinds of stuff but the way you plant your tire on the road. I am gonna stick with what is known. I hope he gets his answers. Ride safe
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From: Nor Cal
... I’m wondering (and I say this as a noob to baggers and modifying bike suspension in general) if on the older bikes, you would be able to get away with using two of the non adjustable shocks, that is to say a non adjustable from the hand adjustables on each side of an 08 and older bike ...
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Last edited by multihdrdr; Feb 3, 2019 at 12:47 PM.