Making the Stock Shocks Better
Novice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Toronto Ontario
Just installed a set of 13 " HD air shocks on my 2010 RG Custom..drained old shock oil and replaced with Amsoil shock therapy 10 wt.(10 oz per shock)What a HUGE difference..running 20 psi and its much smoother over rough roads and i havnt bottomed out yet ..bike sits a bit higher in the rear but i can live with that.Thanks for all the info people.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Dont think there were any upgrades.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
One great thing and strength about HD is they don't change much over time. That fact enables aftermarket companies to invest in making parts they can sell for many years and also enables us to use parts from previous years. Many folks even use touring shocks on Sporty's or Dyna's because they are interchangeable.
I found the change in shock fluid to help my stock shocks but changing them to a better designed aftermarket set of shocks made a world of difference and transformed my bike. ie. Ricor and Ohlins.
In the twisties where I would ride 30 mph with the stockers I was able to go 40-45 mph comfortably with the stability of good shocks.
The cost of good shocks is more than the cost of a fluid change in the stockers but it's well worth it and they are rebuildable and re-sell-able.
Just a thought for those who really want a great riding HD.
I found the change in shock fluid to help my stock shocks but changing them to a better designed aftermarket set of shocks made a world of difference and transformed my bike. ie. Ricor and Ohlins.
In the twisties where I would ride 30 mph with the stockers I was able to go 40-45 mph comfortably with the stability of good shocks.
The cost of good shocks is more than the cost of a fluid change in the stockers but it's well worth it and they are rebuildable and re-sell-able.
Just a thought for those who really want a great riding HD.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
Maybe because there was no air?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,012
Likes: 144
From: Albuquerque New Mexico
I got 12 ounces each out of my 2009 13" shocks today, swapped to Maxima 10 wt fork oil
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 9,850
Likes: 220
From: Sacramento, CA.
I got lost after the second sentence & was havin trouble staying focused. I missed a lot of school when the first 2 Rs were being taught & did poorly on the third R. That's great that you took the time to figure.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
In my experience the best way to improve the stock shocks is to throw them in the trash (or Ebay) and replace them with something better such as Works, Ohlins etc. The stock shocks and seats are always the first things to go when I buy a new bike.
Rick
Rick
