Shocks adjustment
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
Shocks adjustment
I am new to my 2022 Road King Special I already got a lot of good tips on aftermarket shocks which are damn expensive.
I am 200lbs wifey is about 115lbs so I adjusted my preload to about 17-18 so far as I added about 30-40 lbs for baggage. What do you guys think about this adjustment?
Now I found the post that Sportster shocks could help as cheap solution, now if that would work it would be awesome but is this real option? Did anyone tried it? Does it work?
I am 200lbs wifey is about 115lbs so I adjusted my preload to about 17-18 so far as I added about 30-40 lbs for baggage. What do you guys think about this adjustment?
Now I found the post that Sportster shocks could help as cheap solution, now if that would work it would be awesome but is this real option? Did anyone tried it? Does it work?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
I get the price tag/sticker shock of shocks. I’m a buy once, (ok, sometimes more than once…lol) cry once kinda guy.
Good suspension will last for 10s of thousands of miles and can be rebuilt.
I think you’re better off dialing in and using the premium suspension for your ride and finding a dial point to fit yoru needs, rather than buying other Harley brand shocks to try and fix bad HD suspension to begin with.
You’ll find out…the same as others. You can replace the rear shocks and get a better quality ride. Very, very soon there after you’ll find out just how bad the front forks are with the rears being brought up to snuff.
It’s your call, your money…but you just spent a good chunk of change on a brand new bike. Is it worth pinching pennies for a minimal at best upgrade or saving for a better one.
Good suspension will last for 10s of thousands of miles and can be rebuilt.
I think you’re better off dialing in and using the premium suspension for your ride and finding a dial point to fit yoru needs, rather than buying other Harley brand shocks to try and fix bad HD suspension to begin with.
You’ll find out…the same as others. You can replace the rear shocks and get a better quality ride. Very, very soon there after you’ll find out just how bad the front forks are with the rears being brought up to snuff.
It’s your call, your money…but you just spent a good chunk of change on a brand new bike. Is it worth pinching pennies for a minimal at best upgrade or saving for a better one.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
I get the price tag/sticker shock of shocks. Im a buy once, (ok, sometimes more than once
lol) cry once kinda guy.
Good suspension will last for 10s of thousands of miles and can be rebuilt.
I think youre better off dialing in and using the premium suspension for your ride and finding a dial point to fit yoru needs, rather than buying other Harley brand shocks to try and fix bad HD suspension to begin with.
Youll find out the same as others. You can replace the rear shocks and get a better quality ride. Very, very soon there after youll find out just how bad the front forks are with the rears being brought up to snuff.
Its your call, your money but you just spent a good chunk of change on a brand new bike. Is it worth pinching pennies for a minimal at best upgrade or saving for a better one.
Good suspension will last for 10s of thousands of miles and can be rebuilt.
I think youre better off dialing in and using the premium suspension for your ride and finding a dial point to fit yoru needs, rather than buying other Harley brand shocks to try and fix bad HD suspension to begin with.
Youll find out the same as others. You can replace the rear shocks and get a better quality ride. Very, very soon there after youll find out just how bad the front forks are with the rears being brought up to snuff.
Its your call, your money but you just spent a good chunk of change on a brand new bike. Is it worth pinching pennies for a minimal at best upgrade or saving for a better one.
Also as front shocks - is this easy enough job of replacing springs like on Sportster where I would unbolt screw on upper lags and replace spring or more involved situation here?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,233
Likes: 4,943
From: England
My take on progressive is there is the standard spring and there is the HD spring. If either happen to fall in your window then you might be okay but if not it is just a guessing game.
Bitubo shocks in comparison has 7 or so springs to choose from. Check DK Customs.
Bitubo shocks in comparison has 7 or so springs to choose from. Check DK Customs.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 609
Likes: 329
From: Athens, Alabama
My take on progressive is there is the standard spring and there is the HD spring. If either happen to fall in your window then you might be okay but if not it is just a guessing game.
Bitubo shocks in comparison has 7 or so springs to choose from. Check DK Customs.
Bitubo shocks in comparison has 7 or so springs to choose from. Check DK Customs.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,585
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
Is 432$ good price for this shocks?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 456
Likes: 73
From: New Hampshire
[QUOTE=Burbur2;20753937]Valid point there. How about these 412 Progressive shocks any good these seems to be reasonably priced.
I have a set of 412 13" HDs on my RGU which I bought off of someone here pretty cheap. When the preload is set properly, they're not bad and a very cost effective way to go. Honestly though, I could've taken that money and put them towards a set of Legends which is what I'm looking for now. I'd say they're a slight improvement over stock, and only in the way that you have a real shock on BOTH sides of the bike rather than the main shock on the left and a "helper" shock on the right. I'm not an engineer but I have NO idea how that can work.
I have a set of 412 13" HDs on my RGU which I bought off of someone here pretty cheap. When the preload is set properly, they're not bad and a very cost effective way to go. Honestly though, I could've taken that money and put them towards a set of Legends which is what I'm looking for now. I'd say they're a slight improvement over stock, and only in the way that you have a real shock on BOTH sides of the bike rather than the main shock on the left and a "helper" shock on the right. I'm not an engineer but I have NO idea how that can work.
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Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 609
Likes: 329
From: Athens, Alabama
I wouldn't hesitate at it knowing what I know about them now. I was about to pull the trigger on a new set then did a forum search and ran across the set I just bought from a forum member at 2/3rds that cost. They had been listed for a while so I'm thinking the deal I got was due to the shorter length not being in high demand.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 9,810
Likes: 8,710
From: Edmonton, Alberta
I am new to my 2022 Road King Special I already got a lot of good tips on aftermarket shocks which are damn expensive.
I am 200lbs wifey is about 115lbs so I adjusted my preload to about 17-18 so far as I added about 30-40 lbs for baggage. What do you guys think about this adjustment?
Now I found the post that Sportster shocks could help as cheap solution, now if that would work it would be awesome but is this real option? Did anyone tried it? Does it work?
I am 200lbs wifey is about 115lbs so I adjusted my preload to about 17-18 so far as I added about 30-40 lbs for baggage. What do you guys think about this adjustment?
Now I found the post that Sportster shocks could help as cheap solution, now if that would work it would be awesome but is this real option? Did anyone tried it? Does it work?
As for putting Sportster shocks on, I can't see using a shock that was designed for a (relatively) lightweight motorcycle on a touring bike. You spent a big chunk of change on a new bike, why cheap out on something as important to your riding experience as suspension?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,837
Likes: 1,430
From: NJ
I just bought some used 13" HD takeoffs for $225 shipped. Let's see how much difference that extra inch makes. Some forum members claim their stock 13s are acceptable. If I'm not happy I'm sure I can get my $225 back and just plunk down the $$$ for the good stuff.