Harsh Suspension...
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Harsh Suspension...
I just bought my first Harley (2010 Streetglide) about a month ago and really love it so far. I had a buell prior and many other sportbikes prior to that. I have noticed That the supension on this bike is horrible. If I am on the highway I dread hitting anything even a difference in height in the pavement is very punishing. It feels very harsh almost as if there is no dampening at all. As popular as these bikes are I can't think this is normal.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
Welcome to the world of HD suspension, where function follows form. Replace the crappy rear shocks with premium aftermarket units from Progressive, Works, or Ohlins, and fork springs from Progressive, and you may be happier.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 800
Likes: 27
From: In the Pacific Northwest, a few hours east of Seattle.
I just bought my first Harley (2010 Streetglide) about a month ago and really love it so far. I had a buell prior and many other sportbikes prior to that. I have noticed That the supension on this bike is horrible. If I am on the highway I dread hitting anything even a difference in height in the pavement is very punishing. It feels very harsh almost as if there is no dampening at all. As popular as these bikes are I can't think this is normal.
Thanks in advance.
Thanks in advance.
I advise you to try working with a Harley tech at one of your local dealers first, however, to see whether different settings will give you a better ride. Your rear shocks are gas adjustable and the tech may be able to dampen some of the stiffness out of the suspension for you. Obviously, its an individual perception - it may not work for you. But I have a 2004 RK Custom and I'm entirely satisfied with the stock suspension on it -- once I got down to tweaking it until I had it where I like it.
Its worth a shot before you dump a whole lot of ching into a completely new suspension system for the bike, I would think.
Your mileage may vary...
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
From: Easley, SC.
The newer touring suspension suck IMHO. I have an 09 and anything under 50 lbs in the rears and it's all over the place when 2 up. Mine bottoms out just pulling into my driveway. I even change out the shock oil as described in many post's here.
I wish I could afford a set of aftermarkets.
I wish I could afford a set of aftermarkets.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 470
Likes: 1
From: Bullhead City AZ
I changed out the oil in mine. rode about 500 miles yesterday with 25lbs of air in them. I have to hit a pretty big bump to bottom out now.
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 666
Likes: 5
From: Bay Area, CA
+1. My stockers would just not hold air no matter what I tried. After the dealer tried a few times, I realized you just can't fix stupid (or cheap Chinese shocks!) and went with Progressive 440s. Maybe not as good as Ohlins but they fit my budget at the time.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,918
Likes: 3,715
From: Hill Country, TX
I have noticed That the supension on this bike is horrible. If I am on the highway I dread hitting anything even a difference in height in the pavement is very punishing. It feels very harsh almost as if there is no dampening at all. As popular as these bikes are I can't think this is normal.
Harley Davidson should be embarrassed that on a $20K bike, these crappy air shocks are the best they could do. Everything is fine until you hit a bump or God forbid a small pothole, because you'll either knock a filling out of your teeth, or you'll jar a kidney stone loose.
I bought the air pump from Harley so that I could "fine tune" the air shocks to fit my ride, and it's been nothing but frustration. I've run the shocks everywhere from 10psi to 30psi (riding solo). On the low end, the shocks bottom out, and above 20psi, my frigging kidneys ache.
Personally, I'm either going with the Progressive 940s or the Ricor shocks...haven't made up my mind for sure yet.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 493
Likes: 1
From: SoCal
I installed the 13" touring shocks, with heavier oil, and installed the CVO seat. The CVO seat is lower than stock and has much better support and feel. It also accepts the Harley backrest. The overall result is 1" more suspension travel and the same seating height. The bike looks the same to me...
The stock shocks with heavier oil are so much better. I love the way it rides now. There are plenty of threads on how to change the oil on the rear shocks in this forum. Also, you can find lots of cheap, like new, stock 13" touring shocks available.
The stock shocks with heavier oil are so much better. I love the way it rides now. There are plenty of threads on how to change the oil on the rear shocks in this forum. Also, you can find lots of cheap, like new, stock 13" touring shocks available.