Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
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Joined: Oct 2006
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Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
I'm likely going to buy a new Street Glide, but I do wonder if the lowered suspension will be on the harsh side, compared to a Classic or Ultra? Does the Street Glide's lower profile and resulting "good looks" come at a high price for old backs?
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 383
Likes: 3
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
The 12" Harley rear air shocks do not have as much travel.
Thats why I went with the Proggessive 440 rear shocks, better response
on compression and rebound.
Thats why I went with the Proggessive 440 rear shocks, better response
on compression and rebound.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
ORIGINAL: rlanggard
I'm likely going to buy a new Street Glide, but I do wonder if the lowered suspension will be on the harsh side, compared to a Classic or Ultra? Does the Street Glide's lower profile and resulting "good looks" come at a high price for old backs?
I'm likely going to buy a new Street Glide, but I do wonder if the lowered suspension will be on the harsh side, compared to a Classic or Ultra? Does the Street Glide's lower profile and resulting "good looks" come at a high price for old backs?
I love the Street Glide but get an Electra Glide Classic for about the same money and strip it.
DC.
Road Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,121
Likes: 3
From: Mass.
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
D175,
Yes you are correct, but if you removed that top heavy tour pack from the Ultra it would have handled way better. Not as good as the '06 but close.
DC.
PS NICE RIDE!
Yes you are correct, but if you removed that top heavy tour pack from the Ultra it would have handled way better. Not as good as the '06 but close.
DC.
PS NICE RIDE!
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 72
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From: Arkansas
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
I just picked up a used 06 Road King Custom which has the same rear suspension as the Street Glide. It took me about 15 minutes of riding it to realize the suspension had to be changed...it was really jamming my back, even after making adjustments to the air pressure. I ride pretty aggressively compared to most cruiser riders and was constantly worrying about my cornering clearance. I probably should have gotten a standard Road King, but couldn't pass up the deal on the RKC....and I like its looks.
My wife wanted to go for a ride as a passenger [rare, since she rides her own bike] but I wouldn't let her. I was afraid it would hurt her back and she would never ask to ride with me again.
I had my dealer install 13" Progressive 440's which gives me the same cornering clearance as a standard Road King in addition to improving the overall ride quality and handling.
The lowered rears look sharp, but comfort and performance are always going to get a higher priority from me.
My wife wanted to go for a ride as a passenger [rare, since she rides her own bike] but I wouldn't let her. I was afraid it would hurt her back and she would never ask to ride with me again.
I had my dealer install 13" Progressive 440's which gives me the same cornering clearance as a standard Road King in addition to improving the overall ride quality and handling.
The lowered rears look sharp, but comfort and performance are always going to get a higher priority from me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,779
Likes: 71
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
Im 50 yrs young with a very bad back, no problems on my SG. I still have the stock shocks but the 440 shocks are great. Best ride Ive ever had on a bike................
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
The SG shocks are very harsh. Although they make the bike look and handle great they can break your back. I had to change mine. Purchased a pair of shocks from ebay that were removed from an '05 Ultra that was converted to a Trike. Cost me $48 including shipping. Best investment for the price so far and guess what, nobody even notices that the bike is raised an inch. They see a SG and that's it.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: DFW
RE: Street Glide Suspension - too harsh?
while I will say that the ride on my Street Glide is a bit firmer, when it comes to handling, it couldn't be better. My SG will definitely "go around a corner." That comment is a total load of crap. In fact it's the best handling Harley I've ever ridden.