suspension road king
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,190
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
It's an almost impossible question to answer, unless one has vast experience with the different systems on the different bikes. Personally, I do not.
I can tell you that currently I have the stock 13" shocks and forks well set up on my 04 RK. It does not bottom out when riding off-road in rocky rutted conditions. It is extremely plush and smooth on asphalt. I am sufficiently happy with it that I plan no further modifications to it.
I am using no air in either my shocks or forks (the forks were modified for air pressure).
I have 12" shocks as well. While the 12" shocks do place me closer to the ground (I'm very short inseamed), the ride quality difference due to the different spring rates is enough that I normally chose to run the 13" shocks. It's not that the 12" shocks are bad, just that the 13" shocks are that good.
Drag Specialty 20 fork oil up front, Maxima 15 in the rear.
I can tell you that currently I have the stock 13" shocks and forks well set up on my 04 RK. It does not bottom out when riding off-road in rocky rutted conditions. It is extremely plush and smooth on asphalt. I am sufficiently happy with it that I plan no further modifications to it.
I am using no air in either my shocks or forks (the forks were modified for air pressure).
I have 12" shocks as well. While the 12" shocks do place me closer to the ground (I'm very short inseamed), the ride quality difference due to the different spring rates is enough that I normally chose to run the 13" shocks. It's not that the 12" shocks are bad, just that the 13" shocks are that good.
Drag Specialty 20 fork oil up front, Maxima 15 in the rear.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
The stock suspension sucks. Progressive and the SE stuff is a big step up. Ya start to get a proper ride with Ohlins/JRI Racetech/Ricor. My RK has Progressive 940s on the rear and Racetech springs and gold valves in the front. EG has Ohlins 3-3s on rear and Racetech springs and modded Ricor intimadators in the front. Both at stock height. Harleys have little suspension travel or lean angle stock and lowering just makes it worse/terrible.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Apr 24, 2014 at 09:38 AM.
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 3
From:
I put the Progressive 430's on my RKCustom this winter and have noticed a great change in how the bike rides. I struggled with the air in the stock shocks for nearly 3 years, and could never find the "sweet" spot. Money well spent.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Your question isn't clear! What sort of 'air' are you referring to? The stock air shocks are very poor, especially for riding 2-up and good quality conventional shocks will knock spots off them.
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1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: california
The stock suspension sucks. Progressive and the SE stuff is a big step up. Ya start to get a proper ride with Ohlins/JRI Racetech/Ricor. My RK has Progressive 940s on the rear and Racetech springs and gold valves in the front. EG has Ohlins 3-3s on rear and Racetech springs and modded Ricor intimadators in the front. Both at stock height. Harleys have little suspension travel or lean angle stock and lowering just makes it worse/terrible.
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