Sub $500 shock options
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 435
Likes: 1
From: Aurora, IL
Sub $500 shock options
As much as I want to get a new Limited, I think I'm going to keep my Street Glide and upgrade it.
That being said, I'm on a semi tight budget for awhile. I would love Ohlins, but they're expensive. What's the best shock sets for under $500?
That being said, I'm on a semi tight budget for awhile. I would love Ohlins, but they're expensive. What's the best shock sets for under $500?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
have you considered just swapping to stock 13" ?
I have had good results with the stock shocks on a couple of touring models.
I use 12's in town, swap to 13's when I tour ( 2009 FLHTC)
a 13 will give 50% MORE travel than you have now, and the suspension has more time to dampen and rebound. I tune mine for a floaty Cadillac ride. How both of these shocks respond is air pressure dependent
cheap and easy, buy take offs from another rider. just make sure that they are new-ish and that the oil hasn't leaked out ( in which case you'd have to drain and refill- but you get to choose the grade of oil going in).
I'd guess under $150...I pd $125 for my 12's
IF your front end has been lowered from stock, you shouldn't swap to 13's, the rake and trail would be off. If you are not sure about the front end, on a stock front end, the bottoms of the cowbells is just below the top of the fender.
the pic below shows a lowered '11 FLHTK on the left and a stock 09 FLHTC on the rt.
Mike
I have had good results with the stock shocks on a couple of touring models.
I use 12's in town, swap to 13's when I tour ( 2009 FLHTC)
a 13 will give 50% MORE travel than you have now, and the suspension has more time to dampen and rebound. I tune mine for a floaty Cadillac ride. How both of these shocks respond is air pressure dependent
cheap and easy, buy take offs from another rider. just make sure that they are new-ish and that the oil hasn't leaked out ( in which case you'd have to drain and refill- but you get to choose the grade of oil going in).
I'd guess under $150...I pd $125 for my 12's
IF your front end has been lowered from stock, you shouldn't swap to 13's, the rake and trail would be off. If you are not sure about the front end, on a stock front end, the bottoms of the cowbells is just below the top of the fender.
the pic below shows a lowered '11 FLHTK on the left and a stock 09 FLHTC on the rt.
Mike
Last edited by mkguitar; Nov 18, 2013 at 01:25 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 166
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Have you tried contacting forum sponsor Motorcycle Metal? From memory I think you may be able to get a set of Ohlins for around $600 with HDF discount? That would be my advice. Buy the best you can possibly afford the first time round. Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 385
Likes: 4
From: Ontario Canada
My 2011 Limited had the 12" rears on it from the PO, and the ride was rough. I went with the 13" HD Premium Adjustables and couldn't be happier. Easy to adjust, no air, & they should fit into your budget.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Washington st
I have a 07 Road King, changed the oil in shocks that made a slight difference. Kept reading on this forum how good Progrossive shocks are. I ended up putting Progressive 940's on. The ride is 100% better.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
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I have a set of Works Performance 12.5" shocks for sale for a bagger. Less than $500 but not much if you are interested. i avhe an ad somewhere in the classifieds. They retail for about $700.
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 388
Likes: 3
I bought a set of progressive 940s a few yrs back and am glad i did. A few of my friends also bought them and are also pleased. If you buy say Ohlins ,after say 30,000 miles you will have to spend money to recharge /retune them.Progressives come with a LIFEtime warranty.When they are worn,I send them to progressive for a free replacement /rebuild.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
Ya can try thicker oil, but they are still terrible shocks. Progressive has has made a good business selling cheap upgrades that work better (anything would/does). Harley has gotten on that wagon with SE adjustables. Ohlins has been around and made there name in the performance/racing world. I think this really is a place where ya get what ya pay for. I just picked up a set of 3-3s for $500 off a forum member...