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hattitude just posted the lions share of what I was about to regarding how subjective this topic is ranging from tire wall height and air pressure to seat foam and azz density. Toss in road surface variances and experiences and opinions abound.
@hattitude usually gets it right. Ohlins 13" Blackline 774 and Ohlins Nix 22's up front on my 2021 FLHTK. Love them!
Ohlins 13" Blackline 774 and Ohlins Nix 22's up front on my 2021 FLHTK. Love them!
You have the rear shocks I have and the front shocks I want....
The down side to owning 4 Harleys is that I have more projects than the budget allows.... I have not yet gotten to the front shocks on my bagger... every time I take a trip, I keep telling myself to bump that up on the mod list....
But there's the new cams for the Heritage, the cams for the Low Rider, and the Springer needs new tires....
check out this post we added back in 2018 ...about 2 up riding with the stock shocks ...
still using and riding with the same system ...today ...10/18/2023
I ran stock shocks on my 19 FLTRU for almost 4 years. Too stiff for my 200lb solo with absolutely zero sag. They were great for two-up once some sag was achieved. Replaced them with Super Shox 14 Platinums and now have great solo and two-up ride. Hundreds less than the competitors to boot. No regrets.
Last edited by RoadieWingZ; Oct 18, 2023 at 08:57 PM.
I had the 13" Ohlins in the rear of my SG and I was going to get the NIX 22's for the front. Even Ohlins told me the GP cartridges were easier to dial in, so I went that route. The only reason the RG doesn't have them yet, is I've used that budget on other things for my wife's bike that were more important. The front shocks aren't a deal breaker like the rears are, but they definitely make a difference.
After running the HD 159 and now the HD 044, I can say that the 044 are worth the extra coin. So much easier to get right and they really get that rear wheel to stick. No more side to side wobble at high speeds.
FWIW I've now tried stock, JRI, Racetech, Ohlins, Supershox, Pro Action, on my M8 Road Glides.
They're all light years better than stock.
Ohlins, PA, and Racetech are at the top.
JRI and Supershox are still WAY better than stock, not as good as the top ones but they also cost a lot less too, and would be just fine for most riders. I do track days and cross country trips so I'm probably putting them through the paces more than the average rider.
I had the 13" Ohlins in the rear of my SG and I was going to get the NIX 22's for the front. Even Ohlins told me the GP cartridges were easier to dial in, so I went that route. The only reason the RG doesn't have them yet, is I've used that budget on other things for my wife's bike that were more important. The front shocks aren't a deal breaker like the rears are, but they definitely make a difference.
After running the HD 159 and now the HD 044, I can say that the 044 are worth the extra coin. So much easier to get right and they really get that rear wheel to stick. No more side to side wobble at high speeds.
After getting the 044s and the NiX dialed in, I can't imagine better. The bike just feels planted now, especially at higher speeds.
For me, I'm just glad I was able to get the bike I got, a 2011 FLHTK and have the where with all to keep it on the road. I doubt I will ever get another one, not because there are not better bikes out there, but because I am happy enough with what I got and really do not want to go threw the whole process of setting up another bike.
The stock shocks are not perfect, but with the help of those on this and another forum I am able to keep the shocks that are already paid for by simply changing out to a heaver oil so I can ride all day with a smile on my face.
I am not throwing rocks, just trying to say Many Thanks...
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Stock air ride shocks ...
