Rear shocks
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Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Here
There was a recent thread Wreckman, where the guy changed his shock oil using Amsoil 10 wt shock therapy oil. Even showed the jig he used to compress the shock a little to get the oil past the dampener. I don't remember how it was worded. I thought it interesting because I'm planning to do my 2010 RK soon. I've read several threads on here about doing it. Everybody says it improves the ride a lot.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,615
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From: Escondido, CA
My son just installed Progressive Suspension 440 shocks on his 07 Wide Glide. He said the improvement was incredible but it made the front end feel bad. He's going to change the front now.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 862
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From: Henderson, Nevada
I was unimpressed with the stock shocks on my '03 FLHTI when I bought it. Replaced with Progressive 440's with solo spring rate. Mild improvement. Needed a shock with spring rate for passenger and got the Progressive 412's. Better than stock also. However, with either shock you only get preload adjustibility. A shock with compression and rebound damping adjustability would be the best. Have the Progressive front springs and SE fork oil. Lost the smooth boulevard ride, but high speed handling improved, also less brake dive. Cartrige conversion next on list.
Last edited by Harleyboyddk; Aug 31, 2010 at 09:58 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
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I was unimpressed with the stock shocks on my '03 FLHTI when I bought it. Replaced with Progressive 440's with solo spring rate. Mild improvement. Needed a shock with spring rate for passenger and got the Progressive 412's. Better than stock also. However, with either shock you only get preload adjustibility. A shock with compression and rebound damping adjustability would be the best. Have the Progressive front springs and SE fork oil. Lost the smooth boulevard ride, but high speed handling improved, also less brake dive. Cartrige conversion next on list.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 10,675
Likes: 95
From: Billings,Mt.
There was a recent thread Wreckman, where the guy changed his shock oil using Amsoil 10 wt shock therapy oil. Even showed the jig he used to compress the shock a little to get the oil past the dampener. I don't remember how it was worded. I thought it interesting because I'm planning to do my 2010 RK soon. I've read several threads on here about doing it. Everybody says it improves the ride a lot.
It was very easy to change the oil.
I have not road the bike yet because of a bad shift shaft seal leak.I will be riding it to the dealer on sat. to get fixed.
Linky http://www.hdforums.com/forum/tourin...oday-pics.html
Last edited by 1flhtk4me; Sep 1, 2010 at 07:07 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 227
Likes: 0
From: Charleston TN
There was a recent thread Wreckman, where the guy changed his shock oil using Amsoil 10 wt shock therapy oil. Even showed the jig he used to compress the shock a little to get the oil past the dampener. I don't remember how it was worded. I thought it interesting because I'm planning to do my 2010 RK soon. I've read several threads on here about doing it. Everybody says it improves the ride a lot.
Ronp42 please let us know how this works out for you when you get the oil changed and what the ride is like then. Softer I hope. What oil are you planning to use when you make the change
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Yup! 
You asked for the 'best'. After many years of messing around with my Glide I bought custom-built Ohlins from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. They have cured bottoming-out when 2-up and fully loaded and give a smoother more comfortable ride than anything I have previously tried. 
Can I get an improved ride by changing the stock rear shocks? If so, what is the best replacement rear shocks to change to?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Northern Ontario
Possibly not the best, but I changed mine to progressive 416's , I ride with 5 lbs air and never bottomed out agian. Saying that I haven't tried other shocks although I did change the oil in my stock shocks before going to progressive and can't say I personally noticed improvement ie still got bottoming.
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