Im about to order a set of Ohlins HD779 or 778 for my 20218 street glide special. I believe this came with 12" rear shocks but from im reading most go with the 13". Any real difference or am i maybe missing something. I will be doing the front but not right away and maybe not even this season, i do have a 21" front wheel but doubt that makes a difference.

 

Pretty sure the SGS came with 12" rear shocks and standard front suspension. If you did not lower the front 1 " with that 21" wheel and have no plans to do so, then the Ohlins HD 779 would bring the SGS stance to what the OEM stance would be with the OEM wheels, just 1" higher front and rear. The HD 778 will not change the stance to what you have now. When you do the front suspension, Ohlins has a lowering kit. Some others do as well.

If it was me, I like a lower stance so I would be happy going HD 778 and then lower the front when changing shocks later.

I have a '13 King and went the other way. I lowered my King 1" front and rear to keep the same stance when I bought the bike using HD low profile shocks. I also went 21" wheels later on with a lowering kit to keep the same stance in front. I also went with Ohlins 12" shocks with the 3" stroke at the same time. Mine are the lower tier Ohlins with only preload adjustment, but was "tweaked" by the late Howard Messner.

 

Couple things i didn't mention are that im 6'4" and 290lbs, no tour pack and id say i ride about 70/30 2 up, maybe even a bit less. I didn't lower the front as i bought the bike used and it had the 21" and the 18" on the rear already. I have tall boys cycles floor board lowering kit 16" apes and 6.5" klockwerks windshield. I do like the stance now but i read the 13" are height adjustable anyway. I dont really want to be sat up much higher due to buffeting but i think i may be able to dial them in. I dont see many people going with the 12" over the 13".

 

Your SG would have come with 12 inch shocks.

I quickly switched out mine to 13 inch and find it much better and I am only 6'1" tall.

Spending this kind of money on suspension deserves customer service from the manufacturer or their knowledgeable distributor.

Please call them and ask questions.

This is one of the main reason I have ran Pro-Action on the last four touring models I have owned.

You can speak with the guys that have 40+ years in the industry, they know what you need and send them set up ready to install and ride for you, your weight and riding style. If they need adjustment a quick call and they are happy to help you.

You have good questions, but call and ask the guys in the industry that have the answers.

Shocks are a major upgrade for ride, handling and SAFETY!

 

I agree, ill give Ohlins a call. They are really my only option as far as price goes. Im in Canada and there are no deals up here. The cheapest I can find any of the big shock names are the 779/778 for $2100.00CDN.

 

What exactly are you looking to accomplish?
I will tell you from experience with a 21 and 18 wheel.
Your never gonna get that soft cushy ride no matter what shocks.
I had a 21/18 on my streetglide with several different shocks.
​​​​​They all rode like crap till I put some more meat on the road.
I went back to stock wheel size and it made a world of difference

 

Better ride for myself and when i have a passeneger. These wheels were on it when i bought the bike. It will cost me a fortune to buy new wheels and tires so thats not in the plan right now.

 

I was at the dealer yesterday and they had a road glide with the SE ohlins on it and I can sit on it and bounce and the suspension actually moves, mine currently is almost like a hard tail with almost no give or travel.

 

It will greatly improve the ride, especially with a passenger. Any of the top brands offer a great replacement shock

You will hardly notice the increase in height at the rear. I have the Ohlins HD044 in the rear, and their cartridges up front. if you can do both, you will be really happy.

 

Taller wheels use low profile tires with stiffer sidewalls because something still has to support the weight of the machine. It's the combination of stiff sidewall low profile tires and a larger front wheel which makes for a rock hard ride.......I'm not sure if shocks will make much of a significant change in the ride.

Might have to "bite the bullet" and change out the tires & wheels. Too bad you can't take a ride on one that isn't set up with such a large wheel and stock shocks for comparison.