I guess this is just like asking an oil question.
Can I get an improved ride by changing the stock rear shocks? If so, what is the best replacement rear shocks to change to?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

I think Ohlin makes a bagger shock that you can adjust preload, compression and rebound damping.

 

That was me with the most recent thread.
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

 

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

 

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.

 

I run the Works Steel Trackers with DRS (dual rate spring) and ARS (adjustable rate suspension) and love them. I chose these over the Progressives.

 

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.