I see many comments about the crappy shocks on the HD touring bikes and agree with that assessment. It's a shame to buy a premium bike and get second rate suspension. For those who want to say that that's the experience of a HD, SAVE IT.

I had a Kawasaki 1600 Nomad for several years before this bike and while the shocks were not what I would rate as great, they did give a good ride. Many owners of those bike, especially the long distance tourers, went with Progressives of various types/sizes, but frankly I was satisfied with them. The are an air charged, coil over with preload adjustments. Would a stock Kaw shock fit on current models of the HD touring line?. Not sure what the height is of the shocks, but they are close in size to the HD ones. My bike has the lowered rear and front to improve ride height so I suppose that limits my options to some degree. Like others who have posted, I really don't want to spend $500+ to improve what SHOULD be a great ride.

For those who are concerned about installing a Japanese shock on your American bike, take off your radio, jacket, boots and any number of stock parts on the bike.

 

Not that it helps, but I completely agree with you on the ride quality on the tourers. But I went with the Harley Premium Touring shocks. I hated the air shocks.

 

If you have the 12" HD Air Shocks, they suck. You need to try something else.
I'm not sure how to keep your cost under $500 though. Good Luck.

I'm happy with the 12" Harley Premium Touring shocks. I put them on my last bike and they come standard on my new bike.

 

you can get a set of progressives 940 series on ebay for just under 500.00

 

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...and you can get some Ohlins #2-3 for just over $500.