Which Upgrade, Stage 2 or Suspension
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 874
Likes: 80
From: new york
I bought Ohlins from Howard (Motorcycle Metal) in 2012 for my 2011 Road Glide Ultra. I have since used the same shocks on my 2014 Limited, 2014 CVO Limited, 2017 CVO Limited, 2019 Limited and now the 2020 Road Glide Limited. There has been at least 100% better ride and handling on the Ohlins, I did send them out for a rebuild at 75K, only changed the oil, gas and seals (never leaked). I have also used the torque cam in 2 of the bikes and the Tri-Glide, a excellent choice for heavy bikes and two up. For me the suspension first, it will let you ride faster with better handling. The newer Showa shocks work much better than the old air bags but there is always room for improvement.
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
yes, my bike came with the hand adjustable shocks. I dont know if the specials shocks are upgraded from the standard but Im assuming they are the same.
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
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
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Here are my dilemmas, I broke my back in 06 and broke my neck in 2018 and have had 4 failed back surgeries and a successful neck surgery. The stock suspension isnt bad to me but its not great. If upgrading the suspension would eliminate the painful shock I get if I hit a bump or pothole that would be a big plus. Also, with my wife on the back and the tour pack loaded, I feel that the stock suspension bottoms out hitting said bumps and potholes.
as for the stage 2, the 114 has plenty of power and rides at 3000 rpms at 85mph. I would like more power from a stop and getting up to freeway speeds. I dont ride in the 4500 rpms which is where the house cam shines, so the torque cams are what Im looking at. A stage 2 is the highest stage upgrade Id do as when this engine dies, Ill throw the 131 in it.
I appreciate all the opinions and suggestions! Keep them coming.
as for the stage 2, the 114 has plenty of power and rides at 3000 rpms at 85mph. I would like more power from a stop and getting up to freeway speeds. I dont ride in the 4500 rpms which is where the house cam shines, so the torque cams are what Im looking at. A stage 2 is the highest stage upgrade Id do as when this engine dies, Ill throw the 131 in it.
I appreciate all the opinions and suggestions! Keep them coming.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
I have both of these mods on my 2018 Road Glide. The Legend Revos are far and away the best mod. I love the torque cam but my wife loves the shocks. They just gobble up the rough roads with out a problem. Everytime I would hit a big bump she would tense up and I would hear her say ouch. It took her a bit to stop tensing up but now she doesnt even look for the bumps. Enjoy both are great mods.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 449
From: Michigan
The Specials come with 12 shocks in the back. 1" shorter than the other bikes. That means you only have about 2 to 2 1/4" of travel. I put 13" RS1's on my RGS and they have 4" of travel. Much more comfortable.
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Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 84
Likes: 18
From: Arizona
Ive been riding Harleys for over 30 years. Actually, the only street bike Ive ever owned or ridden. Even with a bad back and neck, Ill stick with Harley.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,681
Likes: 851
From: Puyallup, wa
The Goldwing is the most uncomfortable bike I have ever ridden. The flat 6 gives you no room to stretch out unless you spread your legs like you are giving birth.
Seat, yes. Suspension, no.