Touring suspension is crap
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Palm beach gardens fl
Just returned from the mountains ...live in south Fl 12 hr ride on a 2011 RK. Ohlins in the rear and race tech valves and springs rated for my weight. Howard at motorcycle metal modified the internals with some welding and grinding. He is the master of suspension, both interstate droning and in the mountains the bike handled, I could break in a very controlled manner with out the riddicluas dive, little bumps are gone .....road tars , road grooves are no problem, . The fork can be fixed but you have to know how.......the upper and lower brushing were woren out at 20,000. The rake and weight of the road king wears the inside area 1/3 of each. This takes off the Teflon and wears the Crome fork tubes. I was a BMW rider - RTs. This Harley is more comfortable and handles very well ....thanks to Howard ...he knows this stuff. Nice guy too
I ride a sporty most of the year so when I do get home to ride my limited it is heaven and personally I like it it is very comfy for me, but that IJMO
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 240
Likes: 7
From: WI
Here's my 2 cents worth and all my problems are riding 2 up with a light load.
Stock shocks either bottomed or were very harsh.
Bought Progressive 13'' 440 standard springs and the bike still bottoms while riding the interstates.
I wish I would have bought the heavy duty springs. (200 me 140 O.L.) but I wanted a decent ride while riding solo.
Anyone looking to buy the 440's I mentioned earlier send me a PM.
Stock shocks either bottomed or were very harsh.
Bought Progressive 13'' 440 standard springs and the bike still bottoms while riding the interstates.
I wish I would have bought the heavy duty springs. (200 me 140 O.L.) but I wanted a decent ride while riding solo.
Anyone looking to buy the 440's I mentioned earlier send me a PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Anchorage, Alaska
2011 FLHTC, just coming up on 5k an Alaskan roads.
Front end dive was nasty, Ricor Intiminators + 1/4" additional pre-load. Much improved.
Factory air shocks are OK, run 45psi single, 50 2up + cargo on road trips. Little weak there. Still looking into what I was to do about the rear shocks.
Front end dive was nasty, Ricor Intiminators + 1/4" additional pre-load. Much improved.
Factory air shocks are OK, run 45psi single, 50 2up + cargo on road trips. Little weak there. Still looking into what I was to do about the rear shocks.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Nothing is air tight! Our tyres leak air as well, which is why we have to check them regularly.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 16,125
Likes: 24
From: Linden New Jersey
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.....
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Lexington KY
Is it just me or does HD's '09 and up suspension suck? I mean I've got over 150,000 miles on Road Kings (3 at about 50,000 each). I recently got a 2010 FLHR and it has got to be the worst handling/suspending FL I've owned.
Is it the bigger rear tire on the "09 and up bikes? I've been told the air suspenders are more sensitive to how much air put in . . . of course this comes from a dealership service guy who just got defensive and looked at me cross-eyed when I ask if he gets complaints about HD's '09 and up Touring suspension and handling.
I've tried air in increments of 5lb's, going from 0 pounds & full bottoming out to my butt flying off the seat. I'm only 185 lbs, and occasionally ride double.
Anyone else have similar reaction? How about fixes? Progressive, Olins?
Is it the bigger rear tire on the "09 and up bikes? I've been told the air suspenders are more sensitive to how much air put in . . . of course this comes from a dealership service guy who just got defensive and looked at me cross-eyed when I ask if he gets complaints about HD's '09 and up Touring suspension and handling.
I've tried air in increments of 5lb's, going from 0 pounds & full bottoming out to my butt flying off the seat. I'm only 185 lbs, and occasionally ride double.
Anyone else have similar reaction? How about fixes? Progressive, Olins?