Help with shocks
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 35
Likes: 190
From: katy, texas
Help with shocks
Hey everyone! I need some help. I am small, I weigh about 130 pounds and I ride a street glide special. My husband put progressive shocks on the rear and has the setting on the lightest setting. It still rides really really stiff. Anyone have any suggestions for a smoother ride? Thank you!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 1,153
From: Oklahoma
Because they're already on there, try setting stiffening them half way and see if it get any better, or if it changes anything. It shouldn't be, but I'd want to be sure it wasn't bottoming out all the time set so soft, and basically riding around on the stops.
Did he go back with the 12" shocks like stock, or go with the 13" shocks? I probably would go with 13" shocks just to add another inch of travel... because there isn't much to begin with lol
Mine was stock at 13" (a RGU), I went with 14" SuperShox with a 1" lowering block. Love 'em, I can set them too soft where it feels pillowy (?) going down the highway, but long sweepers at 90+ it gets an interesting sway/wobble going. 1- thats too soft, they'll bottom out first decent bump and 2- that soft doesn't really handle good at all. I stiffen them up, and when I got to about the mid-point it feels good and handles great.
Did he go back with the 12" shocks like stock, or go with the 13" shocks? I probably would go with 13" shocks just to add another inch of travel... because there isn't much to begin with lol
Mine was stock at 13" (a RGU), I went with 14" SuperShox with a 1" lowering block. Love 'em, I can set them too soft where it feels pillowy (?) going down the highway, but long sweepers at 90+ it gets an interesting sway/wobble going. 1- thats too soft, they'll bottom out first decent bump and 2- that soft doesn't really handle good at all. I stiffen them up, and when I got to about the mid-point it feels good and handles great.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
i bought a set of progressive 944s for the wife cause she was having the same problem as you with the stock 12'' hand adjustable hd shocks. while it was an improvement over stock, it was still in the low range of comfort. bought a set of supershox from my dealer. 30 days to try them out, if not happy, full refund. she loves them. they had to be special ordered by the dealer cause she's a lightweight too. so if you decide to go this route, check with supershox first to get the correct number for the dealer to order.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 35
Likes: 190
From: katy, texas
Because they're already on there, try setting stiffening them half way and see if it get any better, or if it changes anything. It shouldn't be, but I'd want to be sure it wasn't bottoming out all the time set so soft, and basically riding around on the stops.
Did he go back with the 12" shocks like stock, or go with the 13" shocks? I probably would go with 13" shocks just to add another inch of travel... because there isn't much to begin with lol
Mine was stock at 13" (a RGU), I went with 14" SuperShox with a 1" lowering block. Love 'em, I can set them too soft where it feels pillowy (?) going down the highway, but long sweepers at 90+ it gets an interesting sway/wobble going. 1- thats too soft, they'll bottom out first decent bump and 2- that soft doesn't really handle good at all. I stiffen them up, and when I got to about the mid-point it feels good and handles great.
Did he go back with the 12" shocks like stock, or go with the 13" shocks? I probably would go with 13" shocks just to add another inch of travel... because there isn't much to begin with lol
Mine was stock at 13" (a RGU), I went with 14" SuperShox with a 1" lowering block. Love 'em, I can set them too soft where it feels pillowy (?) going down the highway, but long sweepers at 90+ it gets an interesting sway/wobble going. 1- thats too soft, they'll bottom out first decent bump and 2- that soft doesn't really handle good at all. I stiffen them up, and when I got to about the mid-point it feels good and handles great.
Thread Starter
|
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2021
Posts: 35
Likes: 190
From: katy, texas
i bought a set of progressive 944s for the wife cause she was having the same problem as you with the stock 12'' hand adjustable hd shocks. while it was an improvement over stock, it was still in the low range of comfort. bought a set of supershox from my dealer. 30 days to try them out, if not happy, full refund. she loves them. they had to be special ordered by the dealer cause she's a lightweight too. so if you decide to go this route, check with supershox first to get the correct number for the dealer to order.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 264
From: Fresno Ca
Progressive offers multiple springs with differing stiffness' for each of their shocks. You might want to see if you have the correct one for your weight.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,253
Likes: 482
From: MA
the spring rate is probably too stiff for your weight unless they were custom ordered for you. Progressives arent very good IMO. Find a company (ohlins, RWD, racetech, etc.) that will offer a spring rate made specifically for your weight. Not just a "normal or heavy duty" option.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 321
Likes: 85
From: Maine
This may sound foolish. but most people don't set sag correctly. Shocks aren't rocket science. I've seen many bikes where sag was way off due to not following steps correctly. I would start there before making any swap outs and spending more money.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
strongwood
Dyna Glide Models
5
Apr 26, 2011 09:28 PM
