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HD air shocks are going in the trash

 

If the stock Harley air shocks aren't that bad, why are you changing them?

When all these guys get on the forum and talk up Ohlins shocks, it's not because we work for Ohlins, or because Howard is paying us. We're doing it because we've already experienced the lousy stock air shocks, and usually another pair of shocks (Progressives for me) in the interim, before we bought the Ohlins.

We're just trying to pass that experience and knowledge on to you...to possibly save you time and money. If you don't want to take our advice, then go ahead and buy another pair of Harley shocks...for $500.

 

The sticker on the shocks says they are made by Showa.

 

Springers 03 got them for half price people so don't be a hater. (less if you consider sales tax)
I should know he bought, them from me.
I had them on the bike I traded in and didn't need them anymore. He'll be happy.

 

While HD's air shocks are nothing to write home about, when adjusted properly they are about par with what comes stock on most touring bikes. I've owned more than 40 motorcycles, many of them premium motorcycles from other makes besides HD, and I can tell you that all of them come with budget suspension. Go to any BMW or any of the bike forums and you'll see lots of threads about suspension upgrades.

I was considering going with the Ohlins as I have had them on a number of my bikes and they are excellent shocks, but I wanted the hand-adjustable preload **** as I ride about 50/50 solo and tandem and want to be able to make quick, tool-less adjustments to the preload. So I ordered the standard length premium ride shocks for $424 with free shipping.

I'll post up my thoughts on them once I get a chance to use them. If they suck you guys will be the first to know and I'll be phoning Howard...

 

I still have my '05 Road Glide with the stock air shocks and 72,000 miles on it. The bike rides like a baby carriage. The problem is that HD never re-calibrated the shocks for the stiffer frame. The new bikes handle way better and are way smoother but, ride like a truck, an old truck. Then they have the gaul to make the suspension that should have come with the bike an accessory that you can buy.

 

I like the OEM shocks on my Ultra...no need to upgrade IMHO.

 

Another Ohlins customer of Howards here. I spent ages researching shocks on HDF and made a number of observations. One is that there are some riders who are perfectly happy with their ride on stock shocks, yet others are very unhappy - I see no way of pleasing everyone. Another observation is that ride quality when 2-up is very different to riding solo, but very few of us make that distinction when commenting on ride quality. I suspect solo riders will be happy with ANY shock! Some HDF members have fitted many different shocks, at great personal expense. I decided to take a short cut, skip all the other alternatives, save a lot of time and cash and go for gold! Mrs B is VERY happy queening it up out the back there!

 

I've heard that Ohlins were pretty good. Has anybody tried the premium shocks by H.D. and not liked them?

 

Many would suggest that Ohlins are for now the very best out there. I guess we really need an Ohlins owner to test the HD premium shocks and give us some
comparisons.