Rear Shocks
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 506
Likes: 7
From: Charlotte, NC
Thanks for the input, that is what makes this site so cool. I sent an email to Howard, but don't know if he got it, so I'm going to do it again.....No response. Went to his website and saw the 7 gallon gas tanks, which I'm interested in that too! Iron Butt rider here, so more gas means more go and less stop, I like that. Again thanks for all the info/input into this choice............Cos
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 706
Likes: 32
From: Cypress,Tx
Thanks for the input, that is what makes this site so cool. I sent an email to Howard, but don't know if he got it, so I'm going to do it again.....No response. Went to his website and saw the 7 gallon gas tanks, which I'm interested in that too! Iron Butt rider here, so more gas means more go and less stop, I like that. Again thanks for all the info/input into this choice............Cos
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
I can tell you from experience that shocks built for your weight and riding style will suck when loaded with tour pack and wife. And shocks built for touring with a tour pack and your wife will suck when riding solo. Shocks built for both are a compromise.
I think the only two options that could work well in this situation would be an air shock with rebound adjustment.
I've been told a metal spring is only good for about a 100lb range. Air springs can compensate for any weight, more than the bike can carry.
I think the only two options that could work well in this situation would be an air shock with rebound adjustment.
I've been told a metal spring is only good for about a 100lb range. Air springs can compensate for any weight, more than the bike can carry.
While I appreciate the one-touch, all on-board control of air springs, they are a compromise in performance and weight and electronics.
And be patient with his colloquialisms. Also I didn't have any luck with a bank transfer of funds, ended up paying more with Paypal.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: MD
I'd like to hear more opinions from owners of JRI/Ohlins about the dual load issue. One of the main reasons I am buying shocks at this time is being able to carry my wife and luggage. I have no doubt after riding the 440s for a number of years that there is room for improvement, but it would kill me to buy nice shocks like this and not have the ability to move between loads.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Disclaimer: I haven't experimented FULLY with the adjustments.
That being said: I have to say my Ohlins 3-4s are great for riding 2-up, but to take the amount of pre-load out to make it better for solo is a pain in the ***. It takes a LOT of rotations.
When solo, the bumps don't bother me like they do my fiancé, so I don't mind.
They are fantastic shocks in terms of quality, they are lightweight, and look sharp as well.
That being said: I have to say my Ohlins 3-4s are great for riding 2-up, but to take the amount of pre-load out to make it better for solo is a pain in the ***. It takes a LOT of rotations.
When solo, the bumps don't bother me like they do my fiancé, so I don't mind.
They are fantastic shocks in terms of quality, they are lightweight, and look sharp as well.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,932
Likes: 882
From: SOON TO BE A SAFE AMERICA
I upgraded my stock HD 12" air shocks to Progressive 940's and
they were a night and day difference.
I upgraded again, this time my Progressive 940's to a set of Ohlin's 2-2a's
and they were also a HUGH night and day difference!
Go with Howard!
Ride On!
YB
they were a night and day difference.
I upgraded again, this time my Progressive 940's to a set of Ohlin's 2-2a's
and they were also a HUGH night and day difference!
Go with Howard!
Ride On!
YB
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
The stock air shocks are garbage. Progressives are better, but still garbage. Air suspension looks cool but can't do dampening like a conventional shock, no matter what the vendor tells you. A custom built shock (Ricor/Ohlins/JRI/etc.) can be adjusted for passengers and luggage beautifully. I had Ohlins #3-4s on my Limited and they were amazing. I've got JRIs coming for the CVO tomorrow, and I can't wait.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 997
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte, N.C.
Have a 2009 Road King weigh 180lbs most of my riding is solo with a little gear in the bags. The shocks are 13" stock, I first emptied the stock oil and refilled with 7w bel-ray, I ran this with 1" lowering blocks and the ride was ok with 5psi. I was not happy with the setup as it was rubbing on my saddle bags in a few places, I then ordered the Progressive 940's. I put them on and hated them as they were much stiffer then stock. Sent them to Progressive and they changed out the two piece spring for a softer one piece spring, which I think is the same one for the 440's, the ride was better but still too stiff and it also bottomed out easier. I then had to add like four more turns to the adjustment and now they are right back stiff. I rode them for a year hoping they would loosen up a bit and they haven't. I just took them off and put stock back on now back at square one.
I do not recommend Progressive 940's for a Road King with a medium sized rider, total waste of money!!!
I do not recommend Progressive 940's for a Road King with a medium sized rider, total waste of money!!!
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Stage II
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Louisville
http://www.bikerparts-superstore.com/ part number 28-0535
I found these for $28 pair for my 09 Ultra Classic -both were split
Go to the web site and enter the part number...........
I found these for $28 pair for my 09 Ultra Classic -both were split
Go to the web site and enter the part number...........
Stage II
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Louisville
**Split Air Shook Boots**
http://www.bikerparts-superstore.com/ part number 28-0535
I found these for $28 pair for my 09 Ultra Classic -both were split
Go to the web site and enter the part number...........
"Screw It - Lets Ride"
http://www.bikerparts-superstore.com/ part number 28-0535
I found these for $28 pair for my 09 Ultra Classic -both were split
Go to the web site and enter the part number...........
"Screw It - Lets Ride"
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post