09 shocks vs 07 shocks

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Jun 22, 2010 | 11:26 AM

sifularson

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From: Longview, Washington

09 shocks vs 07 shocks

I have an opportunity to pick up a set of take-off stock shocks from on 09 Road Glide. I do know that the max air pressure is higher on the newer shocks.

My question is this . . .

Are the 09 shocks any better than the 07 shocks and should I go for it and change out my stock 07 shocks?

Jun 22, 2010 | 04:44 PM

Mick

Road Warrior

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Rochester N.Y.

Steve , maybe my thoughts are purely subjective , but the 09 shocks seem to have more control or are a bit stiffer.
That said , the 09 shocks need more air pressure to do the same job as my previous bike (06 FLHT).
I ran my 06 shocks at 5-10 one up and 25-30 two up to feel right.
The 09 shocks seem to need 15-20 one up and 40-45 two up to feel right.
I know the two bikes are different , but this is what I've found so far with the 09 rear shocks.
Other than the pressure , the 09 shocks seem to slow things down back there nicer than the 06's.
The 09 shocks bottom pretty easy if the pressure goes much lower than I run now.
I don't ride aggressively at all BTW.
Mick

Jun 22, 2010 | 04:52 PM

Texas Fat Boy

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Joined: Dec 2006

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From: ST. Louis

You won't like the ride compared to your stock shocks.

Jun 22, 2010 | 04:54 PM

JCleary

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Joined: Jun 2008

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From: NorCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mick

Steve , maybe my thoughts are purely subjective , but the 09 shocks seem to have more control or are a bit stiffer.
That said , the 09 shocks need more air pressure to do the same job as my previous bike (06 FLHT).
I ran my 06 shocks at 5-10 one up and 25-30 two up to feel right.
The 09 shocks seem to need 15-20 one up and 40-45 two up to feel right.
I know the two bikes are different , but this is what I've found so far with the 09 rear shocks.
Other than the pressure , the 09 shocks seem to slow things down back there nicer than the 06's.
The 09 shocks bottom pretty easy if the pressure goes much lower than I run now.
I don't ride aggressively at all BTW.
Mick

This is true. They beat the hell out of you riding solo, but work great riding two-up. I have tried all kinds of pressures. 22psi works best for me solo, 45-50 two-up.

And yes, I have the 13" shocks.

Jun 22, 2010 | 04:54 PM

JCleary

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 2,132

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From: NorCal

I much preferred the ride of the pre-08 shocks. Like floating down the road...

Jun 22, 2010 | 06:19 PM

sifularson

Thread Starter

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2006

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From: Longview, Washington

I'm starting to see a trend here.

I do know that 2 friends of mine with 09s changed out their stock shocks for progressive because they couldn't stand their stock shocks.

I haven't had any issues with my shocks bottmong out or being too stiff. I run them at 10 solo and 25 riding 2up.

Think I'll stick with my stock shocks for now. Don't want to spend $500 to $600 on Progressive shocks at this time. Maybe later.

Thanks for the help guys. THIS FORUM ROCKS!!! (saved me money this time) LOL

Steve

Jun 22, 2010 | 08:40 PM

WVULTRA

Road Captain

Joined: Feb 2006

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Steve:

I picked up a set of '09 take-off stock Ultra air shocks, and installed on the '07 Ultra a year ago.

Those in the know stated the '09 and up used improved valving, etc., and used more air for same ride settings.

Have to say, I've been very satisfied using the recommended settings. And 2-up, they seem to be quiet an improvement. Of course, the old ones may have lost a lot of that new shock feeling.