more on shocks
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,599
Likes: 421
From: Lansing mi
I've got 13" shock with 1" lowering blocks. I put them on to see if I wanted to go lower without buying new shocks for the experiment. I like the Street Glide stance, but the shocks became very harsh with the lowering blocks. I'll replace them with 12's when I can get the cash.
Last week I took off the blocks and drove around and didn't feel much improvement if any, so the blocks are back on until I can find a real 12" shock that's better for a smoother ride then the stock 13'
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I had Ricors on the bike for a year. Good shocks, and really no complaints with the ride. My problem was that I was dragging stuff too often. I took a look at the Ohlins #3-4s which are a 14" shock. After a long conversation with Howard, I decided to give them a try.
Long story short, the bike sits high enough that my lean angles have increased dramatically. The first thing I scrape in the corners is the highway pegs. And the ride....The solo ride is very good. The 2-up ride is unbelievably good. It's amazing that a bike with only 3" of suspension travel can ride so well.
Yes, the Ohlins shocks are a lot of money. Yes, they take some time and effort to properly set them up. To me, they were totally worth it. Going over uneven bridge joints while group riding, I can watch the other riders getting tossed around going over them. My bike just glides over.
Long story short, the bike sits high enough that my lean angles have increased dramatically. The first thing I scrape in the corners is the highway pegs. And the ride....The solo ride is very good. The 2-up ride is unbelievably good. It's amazing that a bike with only 3" of suspension travel can ride so well.
Yes, the Ohlins shocks are a lot of money. Yes, they take some time and effort to properly set them up. To me, they were totally worth it. Going over uneven bridge joints while group riding, I can watch the other riders getting tossed around going over them. My bike just glides over.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 330
Likes: 1
From: Arkansas
I have the ohlins #3-1's and can't believe the smoothness of the ride and that I actually have something that when I change the settings it really makes a difference. Howard was as informative as he needed to be and did what he said he would no problem.....
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 417
Likes: 3
From: Watauga, TX
What is the lenght of the stock air shock on a 08 FLHTCU? I measure 12.5" eye to eye while sitting on the sidestand with 28 psi. Are these a 12.5" or a 13" shock? I would like to put a Ohlin on that is no taller, and possibly 1/2" shorter with me and passenger on the bike.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 4
For guys with the Ohlins what was the general consensus to address the front shocks? I know they don't make a system for the front so any issues mixing brands?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I was going to put Traxxion AK20's in my bike , they are about $1200 , I went to cvoharley web as there are a lot of Traxxion users there , everyone sweared by them but they all went from stock to the Traxxion , there were a few guys who went from stock to Progressive monotubes to Traxxion , they all said the monotubes were the best bang for the buck at $264 and the Traxxion were better but not $900 better , I may upgrade later but for now I'm happy with the monotubes
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
As always, any shock posts here turn into an Ohlins/MM advertisement. Some here just can't help themselves (myself included).
Those Progressive units sold under the D-S banner may be great. Maybe D-S can shed some light as to which Progressive models they equate to.
Just remember: you don't have to spend big cash to improve the ride of your Glide (no pun intended). The stock units are barely adequate, as you have found, making nearly anything an improvement.
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Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,905
Likes: 66
From: Hartford, AL
As always, any shock posts here turn into an Ohlins/MM advertisement. Some here just can't help themselves (myself included).
Those Progressive units sold under the D-S banner may be great. Maybe D-S can shed some light as to which Progressive models they equate to.
Just remember: you don't have to spend big cash to improve the ride of your Glide (no pun intended). The stock units are barely adequate, as you have found, making nearly anything an improvement.
Those Progressive units sold under the D-S banner may be great. Maybe D-S can shed some light as to which Progressive models they equate to.
Just remember: you don't have to spend big cash to improve the ride of your Glide (no pun intended). The stock units are barely adequate, as you have found, making nearly anything an improvement.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,033
Likes: 7
From: TEXAS
I was going to put Traxxion AK20's in my bike , they are about $1200 , I went to cvoharley web as there are a lot of Traxxion users there , everyone sweared by them but they all went from stock to the Traxxion , there were a few guys who went from stock to Progressive monotubes to Traxxion , they all said the monotubes were the best bang for the buck at $264 and the Traxxion were better but not $900 better , I may upgrade later but for now I'm happy with the monotubes
They will be on my FLHT, not my softy below in sig pic.