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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 08:44 PM
  #1  
2005UltraNC's Avatar
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Default Shocks?

Have an 05 Ultra - seems that the ride could take the small bumps better. Anybody else notice this? It seems that the front shocks need a good size bump to actually move - like little bumps just get sent into the frame. I had the dealer look at it and they removed a little fork oil - really no better.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 09:58 PM
  #2  
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Default RE: Shocks?

I think they are a little tight. (Tighter than my 1998 Softail) I have 10K miles and I am hoping that they will slightly soften with a few more miles. You may try playing with the rear suspension and see if that makes any differnce, I normally ride about 18 lbs solo and 28 two-up. I have talked to my H_D shop and they said they are working as designed. I know they will flex because I hit a pot hole cruising about 60 and they compressed enough that the bell I had hanging dented my front fender. It was a good thing I was holding on. They do make alternative front fork(shocks), but they're not cheap and I'm not sure they are really and softer. The older glides had a front air suspension and it was adjustable - not sure why the stopped because I think that would help. I hope you enjoy your glide as much as I do. Good luck.
 
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:29 PM
  #3  
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Default RE: Shocks?

Progressive makes nice fork springs that work much better than the stock (either older or newer models). The older front forks (like mine) were very soft in the corners and did not handle well. The progressive springs make my bike handle like a slot car on the curves. My bike is lowered 1 1/4" front and back and handles really well. You might get a little better ride with more expensive shocks but remember, your wheelbase is not that long so you are going to feel some of the bumps.

Terry
 
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Old Jan 12, 2006 | 10:32 PM
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Default RE: Shocks?

Heck, I just bounced a little and keep grinning!
 
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 07:32 PM
  #5  
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Default RE: Shocks?

After you ride it for a while you start to notice bumps and noises, etc. We took a ride with some friends last fall. One of them was two up on a Big Dog. The other was two up on a 1200 Sportster. We stopped at a rest stop and the guy on the BD asked his wife if she brought any pain pills ‘cause his back was taking a beating from the bumps in the road. Both guys and their wives were complaining about the road. Me and my wife looked at each other and smiled. After that trip both guys were talking about getting baggers.
 
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 07:41 PM
  #6  
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Default RE: Shocks?

ORIGINAL: cbrunson

After you ride it for a while you start to notice bumps and noises, etc. We took a ride with some friends last fall. One of them was two up on a Big Dog. The other was two up on a 1200 Sportster. We stopped at a rest stop and the guy on the BD asked his wife if she brought any pain pills ‘cause his back was taking a beating from the bumps in the road. Both guys and their wives were complaining about the road. Me and my wife looked at each other and smiled. After that trip both guys were talking about getting baggers.
I didn't say I didn't notice it, its not bothering me though. A friend of mine gave me a ride in his jeep the otehr day. Now that is a rough riding beast! Its a good thing my teeth are still real!
 
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 07:48 PM
  #7  
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Default RE: Shocks?

ORIGINAL: FireHawk

ORIGINAL: cbrunson

After you ride it for a while you start to notice bumps and noises, etc. We took a ride with some friends last fall. One of them was two up on a Big Dog. The other was two up on a 1200 Sportster. We stopped at a rest stop and the guy on the BD asked his wife if she brought any pain pills ‘cause his back was taking a beating from the bumps in the road. Both guys and their wives were complaining about the road. Me and my wife looked at each other and smiled. After that trip both guys were talking about getting baggers.
I didn't say I didn't notice it, its not bothering me though. A friend of mine gave me a ride in his jeep the otehr day. Now that is a rough riding beast! Its a good thing my teeth are still real!
The “In reply to …” thingy strikes again.

I was referring to the first post. Baggers ride like a dream compared to other bikes.
Sorry for the confusion. I usually hit the fast reply button
 
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Old Jan 13, 2006 | 08:39 PM
  #8  
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Default RE: Shocks?

I've never noticed anything banging in the shocks... The fork is a whole 'nuther animal. A good hit feels to me like it's bottoming metal in some way. It's never too bad, just seems too solid, as if it's used up all it's got.

Have seen odd interstates (west across S. Dakota) that seemed to have continuous washboard-like effect that was annoying, but never used up the suspension or made muscles ache. Just annoying. Found a road that was supposed to head to a scenic dam, but only got halfway down in before I decided that seeing this dam wasn't as important as maintaining a viable bike and backside (and having a passenger that thinks thumbs gouging my kidneys is the way to control a bike didn't help any either).

 
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Old Jan 15, 2006 | 12:18 PM
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Default RE: Shocks?

Progressive 440's smoothed out my rear end. (The BIKE, silly!) I put the 12" shocks on, and dropped the front too. Rides nice, handles better too.
 
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