Which shocks?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I ain't claimin' to be no stinkin' shock expert here, but for many years I was a Director of Purchasing for a chain of parts stores, etc., and I have toured more than one shock manufacturing facility (Monroe and Gabriel). I'm telling you, a good quality shock for any vehicle can be built and sold at a reasonable price; however, there is an awful lot of "hype" and "mystery" regarding shocks. What I find most amusing are the companies that over-hype their ability to custom make you shocks for your particular style of riding. OK, not everybody rides the same way you will, and on different days and in different places you will alter your personal riding style for that particular ride. With any adjustable shock you have the ability to alter, at least within reasonable parameters, your shocks for that particular ride, so forth and so on. So, if someone at some shock company spoke with you at length, and made notes, etc. they may build you a shock that is good for "your riding style" on a given day. What about the next day when your "style" may change somewhat because you are in a different place, different mood, different weight load, etc.?
On my 2nd RG, a '16 RGU I bought slightly used. As soon as I got it I trashed the OEM air shocks and put on the HD adjustables. Much better ride than the air shocks and, if I want, I can adjust them somewhat.
I don't mind paying more for a higher quality product. But IMHO, people waste a lot of money on buying over hyped and over priced shocks. YMMV.
On my 2nd RG, a '16 RGU I bought slightly used. As soon as I got it I trashed the OEM air shocks and put on the HD adjustables. Much better ride than the air shocks and, if I want, I can adjust them somewhat.
I don't mind paying more for a higher quality product. But IMHO, people waste a lot of money on buying over hyped and over priced shocks. YMMV.
Last edited by grbrown; Jul 18, 2019 at 09:51 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 498
Likes: 1
From: Rhode Island
I had Progressive 944 on my Ultra Classic and they were a huge improvement over stock, and even put Progressive monotube in the front. But I didn't know what I didn't know about shocks. After around 24 to 30 thousands miles (3 years for me) I thought I was going to lose my teeth or kidneys riding this thing. I met with Boston Computrack (shock experts who have been helping race bikes keep their tires planted for years) and they had been dealing with Harleys now as well. I went with the best Ohlins I could get with the external cartridge (don't recall the model number) and Ohlins on the front end also. Boston Computrack won't even sell Progressive's. They sell most of the names mentioned here for high-quality shocks. I don't know about Progressive's, but with Ohlins and I assume other quality shocks, they can be services, internal parts replaced, etc... This purchase has been the best upgrade I've ever done to my 2013 CVO. The RI, MA, and CT roads now feel like I'm riding a plush caddy. My wife doesn't complain any longer, and I'm not trying to avoid every bump and manhole cover. I've had the rear shocks done a summer before the front end. This year I had the rear serviced and it made a big difference.
Joe
Joe
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I have owned Progressive 940’s, Ricor, JRi, Ohlins #3-#3 & #6’s and a few others, in my front end I have used Ricor, Progressive monotubes, Traxxion Dynamics and Ohlins. I ride solo and 2up about 50/50. For me the #3-3 and Ohlins cartridges or #6 and Ohlins cartridges were both great rides, the wife loves the ride with the #6’s the best. Ohlins are the best in my book.
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