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New Suspension upgrades

8K views 33 replies 21 participants last post by  diesel5 
#1 ·
Ok I know everyone has there own opinions but just wanted to get a few on what shocks are the general consensus "better" to upgrade to for the rear of my 03 RG. Been leaning towards progressive 444 or 790 even though the 790's are pricey just looking for ideas.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Well, I'm running the progressive 970's. If you're still on the original shocks on your 03 than I am pretty sure that anything will be a significant improvement. Do a search and you'll find plenty of people who like their 444's a lot. I WOULD recommend doing the monotubes in the front as well if at all possible as the combo of new front and rear on my 06 gave a stunning improvement. Really night and day from stock.

The 412's are only like $270 ( and plenty of riders love them) and if you were asking my opinion I'd get the 412's for $270 AND the front monotubes for $350 before I'd spend $550 - $900 for just the higher end rear only 444's or 970's.

Also, when I was shopping around, I found the best prices to be (at the time) on cycleplicity.com so make sure you price there as well.
Good luck!
 
#3 ·
I appreciate the info and do intend to do the front monotubes as well just was looking for some opinions as to what others have found to be good for them as well as the added info on better prices is always a plus. The 970's look like really nice upgrades just not sure want to spend that much if can get comparable satisfaction from some of the lower priced rears. i tried 412's on my old Honda Shadow but was not impressed with them that is why looking at other options
 
#6 ·
#13 ·
Dozer, yes we can do the the cartridge change out if you send them to us. Also, I can tutor you by phone and go over the process. With basic mechanical knowledge I can guide you thru and the use of the tools.
On personal experience, I was searching for a better overall suspension for my Roadglide. I raced motocross until I was in my 30's and understood how big a part suspension played into having a fast well handling bike. It's all about keeping the tires on the pavement (dirt in motocross). I had used just about every brand imaginable. That led me to the V-twin expo and the Ohlin's company. Once I talked to them, I knew they should be the suspension I was looking for. IN the process we became the Texas dealer for them and have never looked back. There is a sweeping corner on the way to our shop from my house on a Farm to Market road. Before the Ohlin's, the best I could take that corner was about 60mph (a 35mph sweeper) because of the rear end geometry trying to correct the line. Once I put the Ohlin's HD-772's on the back and the FC-102's on the front without even realizing it I was now doing that corner at 70 mph with no geometry correction at all. A marked difference in handling and when the rear is set right, the bumps disappear and the bottoming out is non existent. Anytime you want to talk, pm me for my phone number and I will be happy to guide you the direction you desire.
Thanks for the interest
Carol Burks
 
#14 ·
I encourage all to get a hold of Smarty before making a Susp Decision - It pays to shop around and talk to many and this cat knows what he is doing - He will never be your lowest cost provider and the O's may not be in the cards for everyone but the wealth of knowledge this old bastard posses is worth your time
 
#15 ·
I used to run Progressive shocks on the rear pf my 2013 and it as an improvement over the stock air shocks. But after checking out Terry Cable shocks and talking to him at Street Vibrations a year ago, I bought a set of his shocks. He mounted them and set the sag,

I couldn't be happier.

Good luck in doing your research.
 
#16 ·
Ohlins.

I'm not made of money, so I'm upgrading in steps. I just had Screamin' Eagle fork oil put in the fronts, and I'm going to Ohlins on the rear. Then, maybe next spring, Ohlins for the front.

Spread out the pain a little bit.;)
 
#17 ·
Hi all, in my mind I'm searching for shocks replace. My RG is 2015 and the dealer suggest to install Ohlins or 2017 stock as well?
my question is, somebody have 2017 new model and see a big difference from the previous stock shocks to validate the idea of the dealer?

Is this way comfortable?

Luigi
 
#21 ·
somebody have 2017 new model and see a big difference from the previous stock shocks to validate the idea of the dealer?

Is this way comfortable?

Luigi
The fronts on the 17 are Showa and are a big improvement over the 2016 and older models - The rear are the improved shocks that HD first introduced on the Sporty Roadster and Low Rider S models and they are quite nice too - I will take a Sporty Roadster in stock form and run it hard and that Susp is PLANTED - I tried and tried to get my front end to push or make the rear pogo when I had mine and it just stayed planted (I am 5'11 200 lbs) - That said, on the Big Bikes, the 2017 test rides I did, they felt pretty damn good too but HD is charging a premium price for the Showas and for that cash.....I'll go elsewhere
 
#20 ·
Hey Hudson, nothing wrong with your setup at all. Glad you are happy. Every setup is so dependent on the fine tuning, springs, weight, etc. to get a ride that is spectacular. Once you achieve that success, you will expect it on every bike you on. Alway love hearing good outcomes of engine builds, suspension, paint, etc. All of them really take planning and execution. Now lets hit the road!
 
#22 ·
A while ago I decided to hang on to my 2013 RG until it was paid off. Therefore I and doing upgrades a little at a time. I think the next upgrade I will do is shocks.
I do not know much about this area at all. I have read some post about brands and it seems one key factor is money.
I am 5'11', 200 pounds. The biggest issue I have is the rear bouncing when hitting minor bumps at speed.
AND the fact that the bike is 4 years old.
ANY info and help would be great.
 
#23 ·
Anything you get will be an improvement over stock. Not dissing progressive, but I believe there are better options out there. Legend, Super Shox, JRI, Penske, Ohlins and I am sure many others. Some will say that Ohlins are the only way to go, they are very good and perhaps the best, but we are riding Road Glides, unless you are entering the Isle of Man TT, do you really need the "best" remember best is subjective. There are very few people that have done honest evaluations of all the possible suspensions there are. I have legends in the front (only a few miles on them) and Super Shox in the rear. I am happy and feel no need to have the "best". Figure out a budget, read riding reviews of the shox, not sellers reviews and make an informed decision. Ohlins are not the only way to go.
 
#24 ·
Addressing "we are riding Road Glides, unless you are entering the Isle of Man TT, do you really need the "best" remember best is subjective"

I believe you should include the only purpose of suspension is to maintain traction by keeping the tire on the road. The best way is to have the fork (F&R) have the least amount of stiction as possible so the frame remains on the same plane but the wheels go up and down (in this world anyhow). The secondary advantage is the less the frame moves up and down, you receive a better ride. Better is a term that is subjective on what you are doing with the bike. Not feeling the road is bad for racing but good for a long distance touring bike. The best shock(s) can be adjusted to give you the absolute best performance no matter what you are using the bike for. The best is also determined by the rider him/herself.

The best you ever road is the only thing you know. Having the ability to understand what the bike is doing than having the ability to tune it to fix the problem is the skill most HD riders lack. If you do not have a tool that can do this than you must endure that limitation. If you have a tool that can do that adjusting than you can adjust and receive the ride you want. It is directly dependent on how much the tool cost to make than what the mark-up is. There is a reason why they sell Yugo's and a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. All roll down the road but it depends what you want. "Road Glides, unless you are entering the Isle of Man TT" is not how to judge what suspension you should get but what are you going to use the bike/tool for and how much you wish to spend balanced on what you can afford just like the car comparison.

Quality suspension is not judged on if you are going to enter the Isle of Man TT. That is a very uneducated statement to say the least. Maybe you should do your " informed decision" on the purpose of what suspension is as you have missed the point & purpose completely. I have road a lot of suspension (not all but still trying) and my needs are far different than others just like different types of bikes. I would not wish to tour on a Hayabuse but it is a damned good bike. The most important thing is to enjoy your like and what you are doing, if you are happy and enjoying yourself than that is the point.
 
#25 ·
Guess my dumbass un-educated non functioning brain, hit a nerve. I believe I have very good suspension, but I am un-educated, so maybe I don't. The above post is one the reasons I didn't look at Ohlins. I am happy with second or third or forth best. This is my last post on this matter even though I am sure there will be a long winded reply.
 
#26 ·
Been running 444 on the rear since just after Christmas. Bout 400 miles so far, and liking them a lot. I put cartridges in the front a few years ago, and it has been a little unbalanced since then. The 444's fixed that right up.

Went with the longer TRU length and the stiff spring. Made a huge difference in how the scooter corners. Instead of dragging a can soon as I throttle up, now the floor board is the first thing to hit. I thought it would be worse on frost heaves with the stiff spring, but it's a lot better there too. Not sure if its the better shock, or the additional inch of travel, but it took the punishment out of the heaves.
 
#27 ·
I could only afford a Yugo at this time..I wanted a Bentley but lmited funds..had to prioritize..went with the 2017 Model of HD premium shock, the 13" version, for my 2016 RGU. Way. way better than stock, and for the price I am very happy! So my Yugo ended up being a really nice Mustang...Im good!!
 
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#29 ·
There are many good suspension upgrades available, and for most any of the ones recommended here will work fine. After much research, I decided to go with a set of Ohlin #6's from Motorcyclemetal on the back of my 2015 RGS. I couldn't be happier with my choice and feel that these are hands down the best shocks out there for A FL. Adjustability to suit your personal riding style and conditions are endless. I understand that having the capability to fine tune your shocks isn't important to everybody, but if your into that sort of thing then these Ohlin's are the only way to go. IMHO
 
#30 ·
I installed legend axeo's . I am sure that other cartridges are similar. It could not have been easier. Use forum install posts, you tube and a service manual. It was simple to do. I ran into no issues at all. Save some money and do it yourself. I had never done anything on motorcycle forks prior to this.
 
#33 ·
Last October I went with the progressive mono's in the front and the super shox in the rear on my 2016 Solar Eclipse Road Glide. This bike came with the low profile premium single cartridge front shocks from Harley. I definitely noticed a big improvement with the upgrades . I primarily ride on Long Island roads but I also do a lot of driving in NYC with my club . One of my brothers in my MC owns a shop and he has sold and installed many sets of the super sox and has never heard nothing but great feedback ... Just a little input
 
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