Shock comparison and guidance needed...

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Dec 29, 2012 | 07:26 AM

The Cheesehead

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Road Master

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,080

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From: Mill-e-wah-que

Shock comparison and guidance needed...

I've been looking for some sort of cross reference guide that will provide a comparison of several rear suspension option for my 2012 RKC. What is the real benefit...from your experience...in the quality of ride? I'm 6'3", 225...I ride 2 up about 40% of the time and I'm looking to improve the ride and bottoming issue when two up. Yes, I do adjust the PSI in my stock setup, but it still happens.

Dec 29, 2012 | 07:36 AM

aviscomi

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 3,683

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From: Philadelphia

IMO how much you want to spend dictates the quality of the ride. You could go with a set of Progressives on the low priced end or Olhins or the higher end.

Dec 29, 2012 | 07:55 AM

troop

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,870

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From: Stoughton, WI

I'm likely to upgrade my suspension over the winter and am trying to decide which way to go. Progressive's can be had for around $455 and the top JRI B's are running around $800. Ohlin #2's can be had for around $600. I ride solo about 95% and would like something easy to bump up for the rare 2-up ride. At this point I'm leaning toward some 13.5" PS 444's but like you, I'm in WI and have plenty of time to decide before riding season

...

Dec 29, 2012 | 08:08 AM

Fire-Medic

Road Warrior

Joined: Jun 2010

Posts: 1,960

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From: Miami, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Cheesehead

I'm 5'11" and weight the same as you and also ride two up about. 40% of the time. I have about 800 miles on my JRI B 13" shocks and its a world of difference. Two up the bike feels like a Cadillac, and the handling overall is very much improved over stock. I will be visiting Howard again some time soon for final adjustment of the shocks. I recommend you give Howard a call and tell him what you are looking for and what your budget is. He never tries to sell you anything he just gives you the facts and lets you make your own decision. I delayed my stage 1 on this bike for the shocks and do not regret it one single bit.

FM

Dec 29, 2012 | 08:24 AM

tj316

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2010

Posts: 3,121

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From: sunny florida

I have used stock , Progressive 940's , Ricor , Ohlins #3-#3 & JRI B's 12" , the 940's were a good improvement over stock and a nice ride however the JRI B's are worlds better than the 940's , look at your budget , if you spend $455 on the Progressive's the JRI's are $760 so only $300 more , if your budget will allow it they are worth the extra money , good luck

Dec 29, 2012 | 09:17 AM

7Sixpack7

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 309

Likes: 4

Waiting for my 13" JRI B's to arrive.

Dec 29, 2012 | 09:30 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

You can do as I did and spend a huge amount of time reading through HDF and other sources for helpful advice, or pick up the phone and talk to HDF sponsor Howard, at Motorcycle Metal. I eventually came to realise that most members who comment on shocks don't say if they ride 2-up, but those who do mostly mentioned Howard.

What is the benefit? Good quality shocks smooth out the ride in ways that cannot easily be described, so time in the saddle becomes more comfortable, day after day, especially for your favourite passenger. They do not bottom out! Handling and ride are greatly improved.

Before I bought my Ohlins from Howard Mrs B and I had done a 2,500 mile tour, but she was suffering during the second week. The following year we did a similar trip and reckoned after we got home we could have carried on. We are now planning a 6k trip! Does that help?!

Don't cut corners, but contact a supplier who will build shocks with springs and damping to suit YOU.