Which shocks?
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Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2018
Posts: 49
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From: missouri
Which shocks?
I have a 2019 Road Glide that has 12" shocks on it. I am looking at going with either progressive 944 shocks or the Ohlins HD-039 shocks. Looking for any advice on the best shocks to go with.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: OH
The Ohlin's are in a different class than the progressive shocks. Between the two Ohlin's is the better choice. I run Pro Action on one bike and Bitubo on the other and am very happy with them. I think it is still best to get them from a place that will customize the valving for your loading requirements.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Straight Jacket Memories and Sedative Highs
I disagree.
I got progressive 440s on one bike, which at the time were popular. No longer made. I have wondered what to go with on my other bike.
I got progressive 440s on one bike, which at the time were popular. No longer made. I have wondered what to go with on my other bike.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Long overdue, we at long last have a selection of decent quality shocks to choose from. Has any of us tried them all? Probably not! So all you have is a variety of suggestions or recommendations from those of us who own them and have decent riding experience on them. I've owned my Ohlins since before Ohlins themselves started selling them for Harleys, also since most of the brands named above came on the scene, but am not about to swap them for another brand!
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 997
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From: Louisville, KY
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.