Bitubo 13” shock review
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Bitubo 13” shock review
Well, just when I thought I had given up on looking for a pair of shocks that would make me happy you guys piqued my interest in yet another brand that sounded worthwhile to give a try. For the record I went from stock air shocks to Super Shox, Legend Revo A’s, Pro Action, Progressive 444’s, back to Pro Action then HD 13” Hand adjustables that proved to be stiff but adequate (no bottoming out).
I just purchased a pair of 13” Bitubo’s from DK customs. They arrived on the third day including the date of purchase. Very quick service. They arrived set up for my weight and riding style. I was a little surprised to only see about two or three threads showing (on the top) for the preload. The damper was set at #3. On my initial ride that was only about 10 minutes I went looking for huge bumps and of course bottomed out on two of them. Today I decided to ride like I normally do and all I can say is what a pleasant ride. I pushed the bumper up before the ride. Every now and then I stopped to see where the bumper was pushed to and again was surprised that there was still about and 1/8” before it would hit bottom.
As you all probably figured, I am very picky so for me to say it was a good ride is a great testament to these Italian Shocks. I plan on calling DK tomorrow to discuss what to do when I add my tour pack and also if I can set them to not bottom on the monster bumps while still keeping the ride smooth.
I just purchased a pair of 13” Bitubo’s from DK customs. They arrived on the third day including the date of purchase. Very quick service. They arrived set up for my weight and riding style. I was a little surprised to only see about two or three threads showing (on the top) for the preload. The damper was set at #3. On my initial ride that was only about 10 minutes I went looking for huge bumps and of course bottomed out on two of them. Today I decided to ride like I normally do and all I can say is what a pleasant ride. I pushed the bumper up before the ride. Every now and then I stopped to see where the bumper was pushed to and again was surprised that there was still about and 1/8” before it would hit bottom.
As you all probably figured, I am very picky so for me to say it was a good ride is a great testament to these Italian Shocks. I plan on calling DK tomorrow to discuss what to do when I add my tour pack and also if I can set them to not bottom on the monster bumps while still keeping the ride smooth.
Last edited by Streetrunner; Apr 28, 2019 at 03:23 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 5,022
Likes: 2,352
From: Camp Lejeune, NC
Great to hear you found a set of shocks you like. They must be pretty awesome if you think they’re better than all those others.
I would advise not to chase a setting that will eliminate bottoming out completely. You should still bottom out on large bumps if your shocks are set optimally. For you to eliminate bottoming completely you’d have to add a lot of preload, which will translate into a stiffer, less enjoyable ride.
I would advise not to chase a setting that will eliminate bottoming out completely. You should still bottom out on large bumps if your shocks are set optimally. For you to eliminate bottoming completely you’d have to add a lot of preload, which will translate into a stiffer, less enjoyable ride.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I'm still tweaking on mine. I asked for plush ride and they were a little stiff when I put them on. I just got through backing off another round after doing five already. I'll check it tomorrow on the way to work. I'm not looking to bottom out but haven't yet and it gets better every time I adjust. Still a little too firm on bumps but I like the way it is starting to settle in the dips. So far I am very happy and know I will be even more so when I get them dialed in to my personal preferences.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
I'm still tweaking on mine. I asked for plush ride and they were a little stiff when I put them on. I just got through backing off another round after doing five already. I'll check it tomorrow on the way to work. I'm not looking to bottom out but haven't yet and it gets better every time I adjust. Still a little too firm on bumps but I like the way it is starting to settle in the dips. So far I am very happy and know I will be even more so when I get them dialed in to my personal preferences.
i weigh 217 and there are only about three threads showing on the top on the preload adjustment. I ride solo most of the time.
