Which Upgrade, Stage 2 or Suspension
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 5,063
Likes: 2,582
From: On my bike!
I personally wouldn't go with a HD tq cam so my recommendation would be do the shocks and save the other money til you're ready to do a proper stage 2 that will yield much better results. Everyone has different opinions but in the end, it's your bike so go with your gut. Good luck sir!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 922
Likes: 898
From: Upstate NY
Engine upgrade!!!
Brute power is far more important than the ability to control said power.......Does anyone give a sheet about shocks in their blown 502 Nova??? No way!!!
All kidding aside......my question is.....what are the roads like where you live? Im in upstate NY and NOTHING can be done to tame the potholes, road heaves and construction delays. Our riding seasons are short here. I tried to upgrade my suspension last season and was horribly disappointed. Everyone tells me 'oh, you need THESE shocks or you need THESE forks or you need to dial in each suspension part three times over'......Suspension upgrades always seem subjective to road conditions and rider preference and the perfect alignment of the moon and stars.
Horsepower upgrades are usually quite immediate and rewarding. Spend money, make bigger, go faster. More faster equals more smiles.
YRMV
Brute power is far more important than the ability to control said power.......Does anyone give a sheet about shocks in their blown 502 Nova??? No way!!!
All kidding aside......my question is.....what are the roads like where you live? Im in upstate NY and NOTHING can be done to tame the potholes, road heaves and construction delays. Our riding seasons are short here. I tried to upgrade my suspension last season and was horribly disappointed. Everyone tells me 'oh, you need THESE shocks or you need THESE forks or you need to dial in each suspension part three times over'......Suspension upgrades always seem subjective to road conditions and rider preference and the perfect alignment of the moon and stars.
Horsepower upgrades are usually quite immediate and rewarding. Spend money, make bigger, go faster. More faster equals more smiles.
YRMV
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
All kidding aside......my question is.....what are the roads like where you live? Im in upstate NY and NOTHING can be done to tame the potholes, road heaves and construction delays. Our riding seasons are short here. I tried to upgrade my suspension last season and was horribly disappointed. Everyone tells me 'oh, you need THESE shocks or you need THESE forks or you need to dial in each suspension part three times over'......Suspension upgrades always seem subjective to road conditions and rider preference and the perfect alignment of the moon and stars.
In Michigan, roads suck. I dare to say worst...or some of the worst in the nation.
On my 19 limited, I put about 500 miles on from New until I swapped my Ohlins and put them on the back.
I noticed it, but the real kicker is when I went 2 up with the wife...she made it very clear to her the ride was much less harsh over frost heaves, train tracks, pot holes, etc.
Now, that being said...if the state you live in has generally nice roads, I'd go cam first.
This 114 does everything I "need" it to...so the stage 2 I do this season is a want.
Properly setup suspension not only gives a better ride but also keeps the tires in contact with the road, which also makes it a safety factor.
Only you can decide.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 5,315
Likes: 4,272
From: Granville New York
Since nobody else has said it i will. Just do both. Whats another 1000 bucks in the grand scheme of things? Buy the cam for you and use the excuse of the wife's comfort and added safety factor for the suspension upgrade...women love to feel safe. Plus you can sell your stock shocks here for a couple hundred dollars and take the wife out for ride to a nice dinner...damn that was easy...ya got any other problems? I'm here for you. Lol
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Banned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 4,506
Likes: 2,361
Engine upgrade!!!
Brute power is far more important than the ability to control said power.......Does anyone give a sheet about shocks in their blown 502 Nova??? No way!!!
All kidding aside......my question is.....what are the roads like where you live? Im in upstate NY and NOTHING can be done to tame the potholes, road heaves and construction delays. Our riding seasons are short here. I tried to upgrade my suspension last season and was horribly disappointed. Everyone tells me 'oh, you need THESE shocks or you need THESE forks or you need to dial in each suspension part three times over'......Suspension upgrades always seem subjective to road conditions and rider preference and the perfect alignment of the moon and stars.
Horsepower upgrades are usually quite immediate and rewarding. Spend money, make bigger, go faster. More faster equals more smiles.
YRMV
Brute power is far more important than the ability to control said power.......Does anyone give a sheet about shocks in their blown 502 Nova??? No way!!!
All kidding aside......my question is.....what are the roads like where you live? Im in upstate NY and NOTHING can be done to tame the potholes, road heaves and construction delays. Our riding seasons are short here. I tried to upgrade my suspension last season and was horribly disappointed. Everyone tells me 'oh, you need THESE shocks or you need THESE forks or you need to dial in each suspension part three times over'......Suspension upgrades always seem subjective to road conditions and rider preference and the perfect alignment of the moon and stars.
Horsepower upgrades are usually quite immediate and rewarding. Spend money, make bigger, go faster. More faster equals more smiles.
YRMV
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,732
Likes: 9,241
From: Snow Hill, NC
I understand the newer suspension is a bit better than previous versions but still , the people who say its just fine are probably not people that have upgraded to a better setup. If youre not happy with the ride 100% then do the suspension first. I was amazed how crappy the setup on my 07 flhtc was after I installed the Progressive cartridges in the front and my Ohlins base coil overs on the rear. My wife also commented on why we didnt do this earlier. Now my 14 year old bike rides like a quality bike. It no longer jars our backs.
we are now looking at a Tri glide and the suspension will be 2nd on the list after a new seat.
we are now looking at a Tri glide and the suspension will be 2nd on the list after a new seat.