Suspension upgrade recommendations
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 19
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From: Alliance, Ohio
Suspension upgrade recommendations
Need some ideas for improving the rear suspesion on the 2008 Electra Glide Classic. Jenny Craig isn't in my future and I need some help. My wife and I loaded with full traveling gear are about 475 -500 lbs.
With the shocks pumped up to max small bumps are a little harsher but we still get the terrible bottoming out when hitting some bridge/road seams and certain pot holes. My smaller riding companions have no problems with their wives. There are times when I worry about bending the rim or pinching the tire. The bottoming out is much more than should be expected.
I am looking for an adjustable suspension for solo and/or two up. I would like something more progressive so little stuff can soak up and the hard stuff can be reduced. Also to be able to get the rear of the bike back up with a full load would help handling and be a plus.
I used to race motocross years back so I am familiar with suspension and proper set up.
Please let me know what you think.
With the shocks pumped up to max small bumps are a little harsher but we still get the terrible bottoming out when hitting some bridge/road seams and certain pot holes. My smaller riding companions have no problems with their wives. There are times when I worry about bending the rim or pinching the tire. The bottoming out is much more than should be expected.
I am looking for an adjustable suspension for solo and/or two up. I would like something more progressive so little stuff can soak up and the hard stuff can be reduced. Also to be able to get the rear of the bike back up with a full load would help handling and be a plus.
I used to race motocross years back so I am familiar with suspension and proper set up.
Please let me know what you think.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
Likes: 38
From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
This is the guy to talk to. Go to the bottom of this link for the rear suspension info. Howard knows about as much as anybody I've talked to. He's working on an Ohlins prototype for baggers right now. I'm in line to get a set.
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage1.html
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage1.html
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 83
Likes: 1
Rear suspension
I had some troubles in getting the rear suspension right on my 09 Ultra, but my issue was a bit different because I needed to lower by one inch. After trying several things I want back to the stock suspension with the one inch lowering blocks. However, I did something else which I am convinced makes a big improvement in the ride. I drained the oil from the stock 13" air shocks and replaced the oil with the medium wt #10 Amsoil Shock Therapy. This seemed to make a huge difference in softening up the bumps. The bike rides 100 better than when I was using the 12" HD shocks, and still even better than the 12" Progressive 440 shocks which were an improvement over the 12" HD shocks.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
I was a fan of Progressive 440s until I tried Works. I'm a big guy too and would strongle suggest you give them a call. They'll valve a set of shocks for you based on numerous inputs from you to include ride height, weight (bike), weight (you), weight (passenger), etc....
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
This is the guy to talk to. Go to the bottom of this link for the rear suspension info. Howard knows about as much as anybody I've talked to. He's working on an Ohlins prototype for baggers right now. I'm in line to get a set.
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage1.html
http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage1.html
Thanks for posting that. I am currently using Fournales air shocks on my bike, which are a great improvement over the factory shocks, but we still suffer bottoming out when travelling fully loaded, although not as bad as before! I have recently discovered I can pump them to higher pressures than I have been using, so may yet get better results.
But Motorcycle Metal look good! Harleys all suffer from very short suspension travel, so I am impressed they have an Ohlins model that gives 4 3/32 inches of travel. On 13 1/4 inch shocks that is quite something! I am very tempted, despite being on the wrong side of the pond. I shall wait for more news of their latest Ohlins with interest.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, WA
After calling progressive and answering some questions about my weight, do I ride solo, if I ride 2 up then how often, what does my wife weight, do i load the bike down for touring. Once I answered his questions he suggested the 412 HD series. Not even their most expensive product. I would give them a call and see what they recommend. After purchasing rear shocks I have since bought the 1" lowering shocks for the front and their touring link stabilizer. Top quality and great service IMHO.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Shorter Shocks
I have a brand new set of 12" shocks made by YSS. A few HDF members did try the Bravo series along with the Progressive 412's. The YSS were a better ride in comparison. I bought several shocks of each model prior to committing to selling them as part of the evaluation period. They are $180 for the chrome body/black spring model. I believe the Progressives are more but do not know for sure.
In a heads up test on the same bikes it was determined the HDF members liked the YSS better, however, in my opinion, do not waste your money on them. I personally did not see much if any of an improvement over stock. Do what you like with this information. I would love to sell mine but I feel (in good conscious) I should point out the experience I had. Good Luck
In a heads up test on the same bikes it was determined the HDF members liked the YSS better, however, in my opinion, do not waste your money on them. I personally did not see much if any of an improvement over stock. Do what you like with this information. I would love to sell mine but I feel (in good conscious) I should point out the experience I had. Good Luck
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,007
Likes: 4
From: Vancouver, B.C.
...
I'm on my 4th set now... and last, thanks to Howard.
I had the stockers, 440s, Works Steel Trackers, and now a set of Ohlins.
The Ohlins are vastly superior. I can set them up for solo riding, AND they can still be adjusted for full bags, trunk, and additional luggage. (about an additional 100-ish #s) No problem. Spend the $$$ ONCE!
CN
I had the stockers, 440s, Works Steel Trackers, and now a set of Ohlins.
The Ohlins are vastly superior. I can set them up for solo riding, AND they can still be adjusted for full bags, trunk, and additional luggage. (about an additional 100-ish #s) No problem. Spend the $$$ ONCE!
CN
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Kerry, I thought you died. You haven't called or even e-Mailed me letting me know how you made out with this upgrade. How dare you go riding in place of spending your time bouncing electrons to the USA while gazing at a screen! Good to hear it all worked out for you! PS next March make sure you stop down when in Daytona.
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