I need suspension advice
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 115
Likes: 26
From: Nebraska
I need suspension advice
I have a 2014 Ultra Limited and Im giving up on the air shocks. Its been a long process of trying to make them work and Im ready to upgrade. My rider weight with gear stays at a constant 350 lbs. there is so much information out there my head is spinning. Im willing to spend a reasonable amount of money for a decent ride buy I dont have endless funds for this project. My requirements for this project are a good ride of course, durability, able to work with 350 lbs of riders and gear, retain stock riding height, and cost of $1,000 or less. I would also like something that can be paired with a front suspension in the future. I would also like something that can be at my doorstep within 2 weeks.
Spoke with local H-D dealer today about their aftermarket offerings and they bragged up the factory air shocks. Thats why I use a dealer 100 miles away. They recommended Legend Revos. They claimed they were a step up from progressive 944s.
I know there are hundreds of post on this but most are old and several seem to get off track quickly. I could use some good advice.
Spoke with local H-D dealer today about their aftermarket offerings and they bragged up the factory air shocks. Thats why I use a dealer 100 miles away. They recommended Legend Revos. They claimed they were a step up from progressive 944s.
I know there are hundreds of post on this but most are old and several seem to get off track quickly. I could use some good advice.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 15,620
Likes: 27,704
From: SoCal
From my experience, there are several levels of upgrades you can go for (this is one area where you kind of get what you pay for).
Most expensive: If you ride a lot and can appreciate really good suspension, Ohlins, Legends, and a few other top tier shocks will make you very happy.
Middle road: Progressive makes some very good shocks but not nearly as good as the above
Best bang for the buck: Harley's Premium Adjustable shocks work pretty well at your weight numbers. Not nearly as goodl as the above but, you can get them on the forum (or eBay) for a fraction of what you'll spend for premium shocks and if you don't like them, you can sell them and go another route. Very many people are very happy with this option.
My own preference is Ohlins but, I have many friends who can't tell the difference.
Most expensive: If you ride a lot and can appreciate really good suspension, Ohlins, Legends, and a few other top tier shocks will make you very happy.
Middle road: Progressive makes some very good shocks but not nearly as good as the above
Best bang for the buck: Harley's Premium Adjustable shocks work pretty well at your weight numbers. Not nearly as goodl as the above but, you can get them on the forum (or eBay) for a fraction of what you'll spend for premium shocks and if you don't like them, you can sell them and go another route. Very many people are very happy with this option.
My own preference is Ohlins but, I have many friends who can't tell the difference.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,422
From: USA
There's an interesting thread or two on Bitubu, who makes interesting shocks and a fork kit. It's one of the few that genuinely has my interest. No personal experience.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ck-review.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ck-review.html
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 926
From: Squamish, BC
Everyone has their own preference. I chose Pro-Action shocks and have been very happy with their performance, now with 6k on them. I chose these over Ohlins due to the body's tight threads on the Ohlins becoming gummed up with dirt easy - the Pro actions seemed a little more well designed. Again, just another opinion. Ohlin does make great suspensions components. From what I have read here, the Legends seem to be rather stiff riding
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There are two ways of looking at this challenge! One is to do as I did and try some of the 'promising' but less expensive products - and find them less than satisfactory, which can consume both time and money. Two, cut out all the 'promising' stuff and go straight to the top-rated brands, of which there are very few. That will give quicker results and you are far more likely to find nirvana than option One.
Having upgraded your shocks, do be aware that your forks will naturally follow, as good shocks will show up how poor the stock forks are. At the time I made my choice the selection was simple, as Ohlins stood on the top of the pile. You can always swap out the shocks when changing bike (or bike brand), although doing that with forks internals is not so simple.
Having upgraded your shocks, do be aware that your forks will naturally follow, as good shocks will show up how poor the stock forks are. At the time I made my choice the selection was simple, as Ohlins stood on the top of the pile. You can always swap out the shocks when changing bike (or bike brand), although doing that with forks internals is not so simple.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 193
Likes: 28
From: Northern Virginia
I went with Progressive 944s simply because I wanted to lower the back end by 1 inch and keep the full shock stroke. I notice a slight difference between the Progressives and other FLTRUs setup with Ohlins or Legends, but not enough to give up the lowering I wanted (without using a lowering block).
Just something else to consider.
Just something else to consider.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,179
Likes: 684
From: Forest Hill, Md
I tried Progressive over stock air shocks and they were OK. Had for several years. Last year I went with Ohlins and can't believe how great they are. Wish I got them from the beginning. Just north of $800
Last edited by elPrez; Jul 12, 2019 at 10:20 AM.
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Advanced
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 92
Likes: 13
From: florida
If at all possible try and ride something with the different shocks. This may prove impossible but perhaps the dealer or a bike rally etc would provide an option.
Otherwise given your requirements I'd jump in at the top with legends or ohlins from what I've read. Keep in mind I've never ridden these, this is only a "reading" recommendation.
I put the bitubo 13" shocks on my bike, and I'm not so sure it was worth it. I wasn't personally dissatisfied with stock but want my passenger to feel better on rides (she's not happy w/ the stock set up), and I wondered if I just didn't know how comfortable it could be. Since I had a bit of money available I figured why not. I've only ridden a hundred miles or so and its different but not life changing by any means. FWIW my personal load is about 200. I purchased from bellissimoto and wouldn't recommend them for you. The price/product was o.k. but it took over month for them to arrive.
Good luck in your search.
Otherwise given your requirements I'd jump in at the top with legends or ohlins from what I've read. Keep in mind I've never ridden these, this is only a "reading" recommendation.
I put the bitubo 13" shocks on my bike, and I'm not so sure it was worth it. I wasn't personally dissatisfied with stock but want my passenger to feel better on rides (she's not happy w/ the stock set up), and I wondered if I just didn't know how comfortable it could be. Since I had a bit of money available I figured why not. I've only ridden a hundred miles or so and its different but not life changing by any means. FWIW my personal load is about 200. I purchased from bellissimoto and wouldn't recommend them for you. The price/product was o.k. but it took over month for them to arrive.
Good luck in your search.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Be bold and look forward to a wonderful ride!