What's different between '08 & '09 shocks?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
The question was:
And the answer is: yes, it will bolt on.
But the setting of the new shocks is totally different: it will not work properly on the "old" frame (too stiff).
Concerning the CVO SG shocks, it may improve the ride for a heavy guy, and only on the new frame. But if you're a light weight (like me), it also doesn't work, even on a 09/10/11 FLH.
For the same money, you can easily find better shocks!
And the answer is: yes, it will bolt on.
But the setting of the new shocks is totally different: it will not work properly on the "old" frame (too stiff).
Concerning the CVO SG shocks, it may improve the ride for a heavy guy, and only on the new frame. But if you're a light weight (like me), it also doesn't work, even on a 09/10/11 FLH.
For the same money, you can easily find better shocks!
Road Master
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 928
Likes: 1
From: Long Island NY
I needed to lower the rear on my Ultra and did not want to go with the Air Shock-12" like most do.
I went and bought the Progressive 940 shocks. They are pricey but they are soooo much better on the road and the ride feels alittle stronger? No bottoming out you can spin them with your hand when you need to change them for ride or weight?
They sit at 12" height and have the travel of the 13" shock, it is a little weird but read the write up on them they are VERY GOOD and you will have a much better ride if you get them and get the 1" drop you need ?
I went and bought the Progressive 940 shocks. They are pricey but they are soooo much better on the road and the ride feels alittle stronger? No bottoming out you can spin them with your hand when you need to change them for ride or weight?
They sit at 12" height and have the travel of the 13" shock, it is a little weird but read the write up on them they are VERY GOOD and you will have a much better ride if you get them and get the 1" drop you need ?
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: In the flatlands!
12in to 13in shocks
On my 09 SG I removed the stock 12in shocks and replaced them with a set of new take off 2010 13in RK shocks then lowered the rear back down with a good deal I found on a Arlen Ness 1in lowering kit. Now I have a smoother ride and the bike sits the same.
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 50
From: usa
I had the older SG shocks on my 06 Standard and now I have the newer model on my 09 Classic.I find the newer shock is smoother,tighter feeling and much more planted than the older shock.I'm sure that the new frame and swing arm helps in this area too,but the shocks don't seem to be as harsh as the old ones.It took me a while to find the correct air pressure.It seems to be 25-30 psi for me (165 lbs) riding solo.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 862
Likes: 1
From: N Dak
Tell me more of this Arlen Ness lowering kit. I want to go 1 inch lower but I want to keep my stock shocks for the exact reason. I am thinking the 12 inch shocks will make the ride a little stiff with 2 up. Thanks
Mark
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 145
Likes: 2
That is a kick a$$ idea! I might have to give that a try after I get myself some newer 13in shocks to try out and see how I like them. Please do post some info on the lowering kit you are using.
Thanks for all the great ideas and input.
Craig
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Brittany (France)
I had the older SG shocks on my 06 Standard and now I have the newer model on my 09 Classic.I find the newer shock is smoother,tighter feeling and much more planted than the older shock.I'm sure that the new frame and swing arm helps in this area too,but the shocks don't seem to be as harsh as the old ones.It took me a while to find the correct air pressure.It seems to be 25-30 psi for me (165 lbs) riding solo.
Of course, the new 13" are much better than the 12" (more travel and not so stiff).
Anyway, the weight of the tour pack on a Classic makes a big difference, compared to a naked SG: it's like carrying a (light) passenger all the time.
I'm 155 lbs I believe (71 kg), and I've tried all the air pressure settings from 0 to 30psi: that's allways too hard (above 25 psi the bike even "rebounds" on its shocks).
But, as I've said above, the kind of roads you're riding on makes also the difference: I guess that driving in North America or in Europe is not the same game!
Last edited by pierre29; Mar 8, 2011 at 02:14 AM.
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Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 479
Likes: 1
From: In the flatlands!
Just saying...
Here's the deal I got, saved some $$:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...K%3AMEWNX%3AIT
Or you could just go out and spend the big $$ on the name brand lowering shocks and take a chance you'll be satisfied.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,837
Likes: 50
From: usa
I'm not sure, but I think the angle between the shocks and the swing arm is slightly different: that's probably why you need stiffer shocks.
You mean you have the newer 13" or still SG shocks?
Of course, the new 13" are much better than the 12" (more travel and not so stiff).
Anyway, the weight of the tour pack on a Classic makes a big difference, compared to a naked SG: it's like carrying a (light) passenger all the time.
I'm 155 lbs I believe (71 kg), and I've tried all the air pressure settings from 0 to 30psi: that's allways too hard (above 25 psi the bike even "rebounds" on its shocks).
But, as I've said above, the kind of roads you're riding on makes also the difference: I guess that driving in North America or in Europe is not the same game!
You mean you have the newer 13" or still SG shocks?
Of course, the new 13" are much better than the 12" (more travel and not so stiff).
Anyway, the weight of the tour pack on a Classic makes a big difference, compared to a naked SG: it's like carrying a (light) passenger all the time.
I'm 155 lbs I believe (71 kg), and I've tried all the air pressure settings from 0 to 30psi: that's allways too hard (above 25 psi the bike even "rebounds" on its shocks).
But, as I've said above, the kind of roads you're riding on makes also the difference: I guess that driving in North America or in Europe is not the same game!