Touring suspension is crap
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 241
From: Highlands, NJ
I came over from a Fatboy. Now you want to talk SUCK, that suspension sucked.
I'm 235 and GF is a buck fifty. 42# does it for 2 up and I go 38# solo.
The ride isn't the greatest, but compared to the Fatboy, it's heaven.
Will eventually change them, but haven't decided yet.
I'm 235 and GF is a buck fifty. 42# does it for 2 up and I go 38# solo.
The ride isn't the greatest, but compared to the Fatboy, it's heaven.
Will eventually change them, but haven't decided yet.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,724
From: Hill Country, TX
No, it's not just you. Harley's stock air shocks are cheap, mass produced garbage. The front shocks are 1940's technology.
Do yourself a favor, and get a set of Ohlins for the rear. Don't try and go cheap with some in between brand as an interim fix. Do it right the first time, and you won't regret it.
For the front end until Howard comes out with some Ohlins cartridges for baggers, you need some kind of interim fix to shore up the mushy suspension there. I went with Race Tech springs and gold emulators to hold me over until I can get Ohlins up there. Many others have gone with the Progressive monotube cartridge system, and have been satisfied. Just don't lower the front end you still want and need suspension travel up there for comfort, performance, and clearance. The very last thing you want is your bottom triple tree practically sitting on your front fender.
Do yourself a favor, and get a set of Ohlins for the rear. Don't try and go cheap with some in between brand as an interim fix. Do it right the first time, and you won't regret it.
For the front end until Howard comes out with some Ohlins cartridges for baggers, you need some kind of interim fix to shore up the mushy suspension there. I went with Race Tech springs and gold emulators to hold me over until I can get Ohlins up there. Many others have gone with the Progressive monotube cartridge system, and have been satisfied. Just don't lower the front end you still want and need suspension travel up there for comfort, performance, and clearance. The very last thing you want is your bottom triple tree practically sitting on your front fender.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
We had similar discussions long before the 09s were introduced. The harsh reality is that a lot of us are very happy with our bikes, while some of us set off on the chase to find a decent set of shocks. There's nothing new! Use search for 'shocks' but get a long drink.....
Last edited by grbrown; Jul 31, 2012 at 08:36 AM. Reason: Grammar!
Same here. Ride a Sporty 400 miles in one day and you'll be in love with the touring suspension.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I honestly was fine with the stock ride. I was able to get the air set right for solo or two up so that we were comfortable most of the time with an occasional hard bottom on big bumps or dips. Then my wife started having back problems (unrelated to the bike). She has dehydrated discs and cannot take hard jolts at all. I was familiar with Ohlins so I bought a set of #3-3s. They are pricey, if she did not have the back problem I would not have bought them. I will say the difference is huge. Longer travel plus a much better performing shock equals a smooth comfotable ride with better control. Riding solo is much more comfortable and the bike handles better at speed in the twisties. We just got back from a weekend riding a 1000 miles of rural ranch roads, some single lane tracks, with lots of creek crossings, cattle guards, etc... The bike was heavily loaded (it was our anniversary and we had to have several sets of clothes for each day, don't ask me why) was smooth as silk and she didn't have one problem. They were worth every penny in my book. I also added ricor intiminators to the front with a set of progressive drop in springs when I lowered the front 1" for the 21" wheel. I didn't want it to bottom and ding my fender. That also significantly improved the ride and handling.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
Thanks for the input. I've heard of the Progressive 440's (about 6 to $700, yikes!). Anyone tried the Progressive 412's?
Have experimented with front fork oil with good results (have used Screaming Eagle fork oil) but never considered changing the rear (good one Beagle).
I was really curious if anyone experienced the difference in handling that I did between an '09 and up frame and '08 & prior FL frames.
Have experimented with front fork oil with good results (have used Screaming Eagle fork oil) but never considered changing the rear (good one Beagle).
I was really curious if anyone experienced the difference in handling that I did between an '09 and up frame and '08 & prior FL frames.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 106
Likes: 1
From: Brisbane, Australia
Thanks for the input. I've heard of the Progressive 440's (about 6 to $700, yikes!). Anyone tried the Progressive 412's?
Have experimented with front fork oil with good results (have used Screaming Eagle fork oil) but never considered changing the rear (good one Beagle).
I was really curious if anyone experienced the difference in handling that I did between an '09 and up frame and '08 & prior FL frames.
Have experimented with front fork oil with good results (have used Screaming Eagle fork oil) but never considered changing the rear (good one Beagle).
I was really curious if anyone experienced the difference in handling that I did between an '09 and up frame and '08 & prior FL frames.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 13,402
Likes: 941
From: Illinois
21K across the US and Canada on a 10 Ultra with several one day legs of 860 to 1,000 miles.
6'3" and 220 not a single complaint on suspension which I keep at 50 psi. Two other 12 touring bikes also and 4K on them at this point without complaint.
I don't change stuff much, I just acclimate to it.
I have had several metric crusiers and none compared to the rideability in the long haul to the HD Touring bikes.
The 12 Road Glide CVO is the best around touring machine for ride, comfort, tracking, handling that I have ever ridden.
So, do I agree that the 09 and up touring bike suck? Hell no, they are great!
Maybe the OP is more of a cruiser type of guy and should go that route.
6'3" and 220 not a single complaint on suspension which I keep at 50 psi. Two other 12 touring bikes also and 4K on them at this point without complaint.
I don't change stuff much, I just acclimate to it.
I have had several metric crusiers and none compared to the rideability in the long haul to the HD Touring bikes.
The 12 Road Glide CVO is the best around touring machine for ride, comfort, tracking, handling that I have ever ridden.
So, do I agree that the 09 and up touring bike suck? Hell no, they are great!
Maybe the OP is more of a cruiser type of guy and should go that route.
Last edited by lh4x4; Jul 31, 2012 at 07:07 PM.