touring shocks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Slyder,
They are definately different. I did the 10w fluid swap on my 06 SG and my Bro's 09 SG, the 10w worked great on the 06 but the 09 was way too stiff, so we had to back off fluid weight. I believe the valving/ports were changed to achieve slower damping and rebound, but that is just an assusmpion. If you want the details you might try calling Howard at Motorcycle Metal.
They are definately different. I did the 10w fluid swap on my 06 SG and my Bro's 09 SG, the 10w worked great on the 06 but the 09 was way too stiff, so we had to back off fluid weight. I believe the valving/ports were changed to achieve slower damping and rebound, but that is just an assusmpion. If you want the details you might try calling Howard at Motorcycle Metal.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Touring air shocks
2009,2010,2011 Road Glides and Street Glides have 12'' air shocks vs. the 13'' on earlier models. They did it to look cool in the showroom but you could not ask for a worse ride they flat out suck no dampening what so ever. You can play with your air pressure forever and they will never be right. Either banging when they top out or banging when they bottom. Do yourself a favor get them off and throw them away. That's one of the first upgrades those bikes need. They are probably the biggest piece of junk on the 20k+ motorcycle.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Rear shocks
That's good because the 12'' on the 09 thru 11 SG,RGC are junk. I think the 13'' air shocks are a little better but still not too good compared to some Ohlins or Ricors,check out Motorcycle metal's Ohlins and Harold's How to set up shocks and the HD air shocks pictures. I put Ohlins on my 2010 RGC and think HD is real mean putting those air shocks on their touring line.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I already swapped to 09 shocks and Progressive mono tubes up front. Havent had a chance to ride it yet since its frickin freezing out and there is a foot of snow on the ground. So what kind of pressures can you run in these newer shocks? Just so i can get a base line on where to start my trail and error.
Solo I run between 18 and 20 lbs.Two Up I run between 40 and 44 and it feels pretty good. Hope this helps.
This is my first post .
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 709
Likes: 1
From: Maine
Shocks
Ya i know what you mean very expensive kind of bothered me what it cost to change to one of the aftermarket brands. But they really helped the bike a lot. It's really a shame that they put some of the air shocks they do on a 20k touring bike.