Suspension Upgrade
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 47
From: Southern California
RWD RS-1 Shocks. There is an awesome review of the shocks in Matt Harley Laidlaws Harley Davidson website you should watch. I have them and love em.
Russ Wernimont Designs
Russ Wernimont Designs
Last edited by flash1034; Sep 6, 2019 at 12:59 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 154
Likes: 48
From: MN
Check out Ktech or Ohlins. These turds are never going to live up to your expectations if you have rode something other then HD. I just ordered up a set of Ktech Razors rear shocks for my 2012 RG. Can't decide where I want to go with forks yet. Plenty of options with a wide array of adjustability. You just have to search outside the HD circle.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,075
Likes: 11,096
From: San Diego, CA
As you can see, there are many opinions, and just like seats, the ride can be subjective.... the good news is, the OEM suspension has set the bar real low.... so you can get an improvement with almost anything you buy... but the premium shocks provide an exponential increase in ride comfort/control....
My only suggestion is to do some homework, then buy the best premium shock you can afford. While many shocks seem to be comparable, an $800 shock is usually much better than a $500 shock... buy once, cry once...
I also suggest you do a search. This has been discussed many, many times.... you will get hours of reading/learning and will have more than enough info to narrow down what you may want to buy...
Currently, Ohlins tend to be one of the most mentioned premium shocks, with few people that are not pleased with them. I went with Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal, and have finally found what I was looking for... after about 5 years, and 3 other shock makes....
Legend shocks, and Pro Actions shocks also have a very satisfied following...
Newer makes, that I've read about recently, are gaining some popularity; Fox Shocks and Russ Wernimont Designs RS-1 shocks...
Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples when shopping... for example there are emulsion style shocks, gas separated shocks, and gas separated with a remote reservoir. Shocks will have preload, and some will also have damping adjustments. Usually, comparing a preload adjustment only emulsion shock, to a fully adjustable gas separated design shock, will offer two distinct price points and two distinct ride experiences.... usually..... but there are exceptions...
Good luck with your decision, and do your reading homework..!!
My only suggestion is to do some homework, then buy the best premium shock you can afford. While many shocks seem to be comparable, an $800 shock is usually much better than a $500 shock... buy once, cry once...
I also suggest you do a search. This has been discussed many, many times.... you will get hours of reading/learning and will have more than enough info to narrow down what you may want to buy...
Currently, Ohlins tend to be one of the most mentioned premium shocks, with few people that are not pleased with them. I went with Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal, and have finally found what I was looking for... after about 5 years, and 3 other shock makes....
Legend shocks, and Pro Actions shocks also have a very satisfied following...
Newer makes, that I've read about recently, are gaining some popularity; Fox Shocks and Russ Wernimont Designs RS-1 shocks...
Just make sure you are comparing apples to apples when shopping... for example there are emulsion style shocks, gas separated shocks, and gas separated with a remote reservoir. Shocks will have preload, and some will also have damping adjustments. Usually, comparing a preload adjustment only emulsion shock, to a fully adjustable gas separated design shock, will offer two distinct price points and two distinct ride experiences.... usually..... but there are exceptions...
Good luck with your decision, and do your reading homework..!!
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 275
Likes: 47
From: Southern California
Watch these before you buy.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
I agree, good reviews by Matt Laidlaw. I must say those RWD RS1 shocks look pretty enticing for the the type of shock and price point.
