I currently has Xotic air ride on my streetglide but am thinking of replacing. I only weigh 125lbs and I need something that provides a quality ride. I am thinking of trying ohlins or a higher end air ride shock. Can any air ride compete with ohlins for good ride?

 

While both have adjustable pre-load’s and sag adjustment (air is tied into pre-load), you can set the rebound rate on the emulsion type shocks (at least on the Öhlins HD159’s) You also don’t have to worry, as much, about leaks. At least, that’s the way I understand it. The HD 159’s, also have a height adjustment that doesn’t effect the ride quality. Again, that’s how I understand the differences. I could be wrong

 

I am not to worried about air leaks since I have about 40,000 miles on air ride and never had a leak. I am just tired of the rough ride. Just to clarify the air rides better for my light weight then the OEM hand adjust shocks did but I still get a very rough ride.

 

My father's triglide has platinum air shocks...(sorry to say this but they are BS) very rough ride, very bumpy... In fact my mother don't want to ride it. So I decided to contact Howard and buy #3#3...WOW now the tri-glide have SHOCKS, before only has a pair of valves with some air in it... Night and day fellas, now the tri-glide is smooth like butter and the bumps doesn't exist...My father always say: bumps? whats bumps?

 

At your weight, I'd definitely go with a shock from vendor that will install custom rate springs for you--especially if you mostly ride solo. Don't know of any air ride options in that regard since it's just air pressure... To be fair I'm quite a bit heavier than you but my experience might still be helpful. I had a Triumph R3 in another lifetime, which had absolutely god awful factory shocks (you think Harley isn't good...) and I installed some Works Performance (now defunct, unfortunately) shocks with a low rate spring and they were heavenly--super plush but still good non-sloppy or -bouncy feel--as long as I didn't have a passenger, at which point they just didn't have enough oomph and would bottom out too often. I ended up having them re-sprung (free service!) so I could more easily take passenger, but as little as I rode 2 up I always regretted doing that--they were SO nice to ride solo.

Everyone's favorite Ohlin's vendor on here (see above) will take your weight into account when springing shocks (I have some of his I like)--I don't know if solo at 125 lbs is within operating range of his lighter springs but would certainly be worth a call at motorcyclemetal.com Also DK custom's Bitubo shocks recently had a good review on here and I believe they set up shocks for your weight--not sure how many spring options they have but might be worth checking w/them as well. Those just two I know of--sure there's more.

 

I don't agree that "everyone" has the same favorite Ohlin's vendor.
I do agree that at 125# the only hope for a decent ride is going to be a custom shock. Not only sprung for your weight but also valved. Most Harley shocks are generally set up for a 180-240# rider and possibly 120-150# passenger. They will be way to stiff off the shelf.

I know it's a bit of a haul for you but you are only 3 hours and change away from George at Pro Action. Might be worth a road trip over there to talk directly to someone that builds shocks and has a long history with suspensions.

Ohlin's, Pro Action, Legend, Bitubo and others are great shocks but they have to be set up correctly. This entails some trial and error on the setup tailored to the individual. If you are not inclined to spend the time to adjust them you may not see the benefit.

 

Thanks for the info. I ride 90% solo and 10% with my wife. She has a very bad back so she doesn't ride often. What really made me go to the air ride is I am only 5'4" and a 29 inseam so reach has always been an issue. It just really surprises me that nobody can do an air ride with a quality valved shock.

 

I think a good quality Coil over shock will give you a better ride than air, me if I would do it again I would go with a little higher end than HD159 (#2-2b) , I would go to the #3-3 from Ohlins ...If you can get it built for your specific weight if makes it better for you out the gate so pick one that can be built.
I currently have the HD159 on mine but I am 275 lbs 6’1”...still it’s hell of a better ride than I had.

 

Thanks for the additional info. I was looking at the 2-2a but maybe the 2-2 adj. I also was looking at the dirty air aluminum touring shock. .

 

At 125# you might get by perfectly fine with a "short, low" 12" version of conventional spring shock fitted w/proper rate springs to get nice low(er) seating position, comfortable ride, and not have much issue with shorter travel. That said it's probably very unlikely the same setup would have enough adjustment to comfortably ride a passenger, esp one w/bad back that may not tolerate much bottoming out. I'd discuss your specific wants and concerns with every custom shock vendor you can find before making a decision.

Incidentally, todd-67, I'm well aware that "everyone's favorite ohlin's vendor" is not everyone's favorite, and was using the expression at least somewhat tongue in cheek. However, I think even his detractors would admit he's quite knowledgeable and any research on shock options for a challenging HD touring fitment would be incomplete without his input and that he may be able to provide a very nice option for OP.