Which Upgrade, Stage 2 or Suspension
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by Bull369
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 isn’t bad to me but it’s 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.
6th Gear
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 14
Likes: 2
From: Williamsburg, VA
The choice really depends on you and how you ride. Where is the bike letting you down? Does it not handle how you'd like or ride too rough? Go with the suspension. Taking a little too much effort maintaining speed going up an incline while touring two-up? You see where this is going. I'd go suspension, but I ride solo and aggressively and want a bike that handles really well through tight corners and big sweepers. Evaluate where the bike is not performing to expectation and start there.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 31
Likes: 9
From: Tasmania
I would also do the suspension first. on most of my last few bikes and cars I have modified the suspension to suit the purpose that I use them for and the results have been impressive.
Don't just buy off the shelf components and bolt them on, talk to a suspension shop/dealer and ensure that what you buy is dialled to meet your needs.
Don't just buy off the shelf components and bolt them on, talk to a suspension shop/dealer and ensure that what you buy is dialled to meet your needs.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I guess if I insert myself into your position this is the way I would look at it as I have both a stage 2 cam in my 2020 as well as upgraded shocks.
Even using the HD cam you're not going to have that covered by warranty. Those engine mods have to be done by the dealer within 60 days of purchasing the motorcycle to be covered. That being said there are better options than the Harley cam should you choose to go that route. The choice of which would be your personal call based on what you are after. Also consider that upgrading the cam means opening up the intake and possibly the mufflers to take advantage of it along with the tuner. The HD cams you can get away with the tune dowmload from the SE tuner. Aftermarket cam means aftermarket tuner and subsequent dyno tune. You also have the added cost of additional labor vs. adjustable push rods to throw in there. $$ add up pretty quickly.
Now looking at the suspension situation you state that you ride 2 up a lot. The benefit of going to an aftermarket 13" shock is going to make a difference for both you and your wife, more for her than you. Those that don't ride 2 up seem to be the ones stating that the stock suspension is not that bad. I could get my wife to jump on here and give you the testimonial on where she stands on the issue. My buddy blew the motor in his CVO last summer and I loaned him my road king. His fiance called my wife on the first ride that she was on the back of my bike and was raving about the improved comfort over my buddies SG.
Even using the HD cam you're not going to have that covered by warranty. Those engine mods have to be done by the dealer within 60 days of purchasing the motorcycle to be covered. That being said there are better options than the Harley cam should you choose to go that route. The choice of which would be your personal call based on what you are after. Also consider that upgrading the cam means opening up the intake and possibly the mufflers to take advantage of it along with the tuner. The HD cams you can get away with the tune dowmload from the SE tuner. Aftermarket cam means aftermarket tuner and subsequent dyno tune. You also have the added cost of additional labor vs. adjustable push rods to throw in there. $$ add up pretty quickly.
Now looking at the suspension situation you state that you ride 2 up a lot. The benefit of going to an aftermarket 13" shock is going to make a difference for both you and your wife, more for her than you. Those that don't ride 2 up seem to be the ones stating that the stock suspension is not that bad. I could get my wife to jump on here and give you the testimonial on where she stands on the issue. My buddy blew the motor in his CVO last summer and I loaned him my road king. His fiance called my wife on the first ride that she was on the back of my bike and was raving about the improved comfort over my buddies SG.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 5,626
Likes: 4,080
From: Virginia
Adjust them to zero clicks and then ride the bike without bags for a few miles, adjust and ride some more till you find a setting that feels good to you. Try that 1st before you swap them.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 592
Likes: 429
From: Playing in traffic!
OP, I put my money where my mouth is, and upgraded to Ohlins front, and rear.
I've yet to run across a thread or reply that stated a suspension upgrade on a modern touring bike wasn't well worth the money spent. They more so read like, "Why did I wait so long."
Happy wife, happy life.....
I've yet to run across a thread or reply that stated a suspension upgrade on a modern touring bike wasn't well worth the money spent. They more so read like, "Why did I wait so long."
Happy wife, happy life.....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
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Road Master
Joined: Nov 2018
Posts: 922
Likes: 898
From: Upstate NY
In the end, I regret replacing the shocks as I feel there was only a 20% ride improvement. But, it is what it is. Ive learned to accept the limitations of my Model (05 EG), the roads around me and my wallet.