Rear Shocks
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Joined: May 2008
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What will the heavier oil due ? Is it supposed to stiffen the ride?
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Southeastern Michigan
It is supposed to help the factory rear shocks ride better, a little firmer, but less big jolts. Here is the link to the thread that convinced me to try it out.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ml#post3971351
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ml#post3971351
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No doubt Penski is one of the best suspension makers out there, but what do you really want? For me the Progressive 440 is good enough for what I do. (cost/benefit analysis).
I have a BMW 1150RT with Wilbers custom built front/rear, and when I want handling, that is the bike I take. If I wanted better handling, I'd go back to sportbikes.
Two large for Harley suspension??? Please.
I have a BMW 1150RT with Wilbers custom built front/rear, and when I want handling, that is the bike I take. If I wanted better handling, I'd go back to sportbikes.
Two large for Harley suspension??? Please.
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
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From: Davie, FL
No doubt Penski is one of the best suspension makers out there, but what do you really want? For me the Progressive 440 is good enough for what I do. (cost/benefit analysis).
I have a BMW 1150RT with Wilbers custom built front/rear, and when I want handling, that is the bike I take. If I wanted better handling, I'd go back to sportbikes.
Two large for Harley suspension??? Please.
I have a BMW 1150RT with Wilbers custom built front/rear, and when I want handling, that is the bike I take. If I wanted better handling, I'd go back to sportbikes.
Two large for Harley suspension??? Please.
Since you undoubtedly are a very seasoned biker and know lots about riding you would know that the comfort you receive riding a good shock in comparison to the 440's that you have is not worth the price? I guess that is in your eyes. The 440's are undoubtedly one of the worst riding shocks out there. If you had a chance to try others than you would know the difference. As far as Wilbers being a good shock, we will just leave it at that. They have never been in the same class.
If you think the only thing that a great shock does is to improve handling maybe you should educate yourself more by reading elsewere. You forgot about the comfort factor.
Now I believe every rider should pick the components they feel comfortable with as some people are destine to ride a Chevrolet Aveo, which, at $10,030 is a great deal and others feel better riding a BMW 650i or a Mercedes-Benz S550 which does not. It is all where you want to be in life.
Last edited by FastHarley; Jan 16, 2009 at 07:30 PM.
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Two large for Harley suspension??? Please. What are you referring to?
Since you undoubtedly are a very seasoned biker and know lots about riding you would know that the comfort you receive riding a good shock in comparison to the 440's that you have is not worth the price? I guess that is in your eyes. The 440's are undoubtedly one of the worst riding shocks out there. If you had a chance to try others than you would know the difference. As far as Wilbers being a good shock, we will just leave it at that. They have never been in the same class.
If you think the only thing that a great shock does is to improve handling maybe you should educate yourself more by reading elsewere. You forgot about the comfort factor.
Now I believe every rider should pick the components they feel comfortable with as some people are destine to ride a Chevrolet Aveo, which, at $10,030 is a great deal and others feel better riding a BMW 650i or a Mercedes-Benz S550 which does not. It is all where you want to be in life.
2.) I know all about low vs. high speed damping, and yes that allows enough low speed control to prevent wallowing/bottoming while the high speed allows the shock to freely move on the big hit.
3.) The 440 is a big improvement over stock, I didn't like the air. The ride is tolerable for now. Is further improvement worth 4x the dollars? Time will tell.
4.) Wilbers is almost as good as Ohlins, which is almost as good as Penski. The Wilbers were custom built (including valving) for my weight and riding style, and I like them. Most Ohlins dealers will put a proper rate spring on a canned shock and send that along. I didn't inquire on the Penski. I did, however, consult a number of folks who own my type of bike and have all three brands of shocks.
5.) I own a Ford Focus, a Ford F-150, and a Mercedes E class. The one I enjoy driving the most is not necessarily the most expensive.
6.) Wherever I go, there I am.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 795
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From: Manasquan NJ
Spoke with the Race Tech rep at the IMS this weekend. New coil shocks with settings for my weight are about $600. They also have something called Emulaters for the forks. I likes what they had to say. I'll bet almost anything would ride better that a stock HD shock. They suck. My only question is whether to keep it lowered in the rear. I think it will ride and handle better without the lowering.
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Spoke with the Race Tech rep at the IMS this weekend. New coil shocks with settings for my weight are about $600. They also have something called Emulaters for the forks. My only question is whether to keep it lowered in the rear. I think it will ride and handle better without the lowering.
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Joined: Jan 2009
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This has been an interesting thread for me to read. I've had my '99 E-glide for about a year now and the ride sucks! (stock suspension) I've tried different pressures in the rear to no avail. Have been looking for feedback on different options. My biggest problem is finding something that will conform to my different riding styles. Low & slow for cruising, riding 2-up with a passenger , or towing the trailer.
I like the idea of the adjustable air ride, just worried about the longevity VS> the cost.
I like the idea of the adjustable air ride, just worried about the longevity VS> the cost.
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