Lots of threads on this subject. Most here will direct you to Howard at Motorcyclemetal.com for Ohlins shocks. Smarty on here is another great resource. I've read good things about Supershox as well.
I have the HD premiums on my 2011 FLTRX and am more than happy, also bought them of another member for a good deal, sold my progressives and my wife liked them way better when riding two up because i can dial in the correct adjustment for our combined wieght, best shock i have ever ran to be honest. But it all comes down to how much you want to spend, im sure olins are great but there out of my budget.
I've used Works Shocks on all my Harleys. My 2011 has Steel Trackers DRS/ARS. Most shock builder will make them for your weight, 2up/solo & riding style. Good luck in your search. Street Bike Shocks
The 16 has the premium shocks and they're night and day better than the stock air shocks I had on my 11 and my 08. I can't see dropping 700+ on a shock that's likely only marginally better than one you can get for a couple hundred on here or ebay. I'd buy the take offs from a guy who drank the kool-aid. Lol.
No offense to you gus who spent that money. More power to ya.
IMO figure out your budget first..If no limit then go for it..BUT IMO plan to do the front and rear into the plan...you really have to upgrade the forks to realize what a Harley can (should) be like..I spent around $725 shipped on my suspension parts..Ordered the 2017 13 inch (by individual parts not the kit) and progressive monotubes...from Jon at Horny toad HD for the shocks, eastern performance price matched amazon for the front. Also did chrome fork legs while it was apart...dfference is rediculous...totally different bike...Really wish I would have done it to my last 2010...wasted alot of miles that could have been way more fun!!would recommend for anyone, regardless of year, after seat and shield, even before stage 1...good luck!!!
Well it all comes down to budget IMO, i cant afford to pay 600 to 800 clams for shocks nor would i , im sure they are slightly better but not a nite to day difference, the premiums are adjustable to specific wieght, me and a few other members really like them over progressives and some other brands, and if you can buy take offs thats a deal right there.
Anything aftermarket will be an improvement over stock. Figure out your budget and go from there. Do yourself a favor and do the front suspension too, you won't regret it.
I just ordered a set of super Shox for my 2016 RGU. I ordered them because of reviews and ease to setup. I like being able to adjust with my hand when my wife wants to go for a ride. I ride this thing like I stole it with crap shocks. I just need to be easier on the back.
I am definitely not saying ohlins are not the best. They rocked on my R1.
But I'm not taking this to the track and I think my choice is great for the application. We will see when I get some miles on them.
Now for the front end I am definitely thinking about the ohlins. Especially on a ABS bike. A good front end can really reduce that emergency stop distance and handling of course.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/products/harley I used the 944 series awesome. Will not break the bank either. Chose the ones for your bike and you like. Copy and paste the part number in Amazon big price difference for the same product. Low speed handling is night and day.
I have the Progressive suspension 970's with remote reservoirs and the PS monotubes up front. I also did there tour link at the same time. Them being only 20 miles away from me didn't hurt either. They offered to have me come over and let them "set up" my rears. I haven't taken them up on it but I intend to.
It all boils down to your budget. I did all of the above for the price of Ohlins #6. It absolutely transformed my ride. Night and day.
If you can afford it? By all means go with the Ohlins. I've had em on two sport bikes and they are amazing.
But for me, I just don't think the ROI was there. I don't canyon carve on my RG and the corners I do take? I feel planted and confident with my set up.
I believe that just about any shock upgrade is gonna feel better than the old factory shocks.....but the front needs to be addressed as well.
I am in complete agreement with doing both. I put Super Shox on the rear, loved them, but instantly began looking into the front. The drastic improvement exposes the front for what it is "garbage". I ended up with legends in the front. I am very happy with the setup. I hear the 17 suspension is much improved, but refuse to find out first hand, the M8 could sway me. I have a set of take off "premium ride" shocks for anyone local that can pick them up for $200. about 4,000 miles on them.
I don't know if you have already found shocks brotha, but I just took off some progressive's I would be willing to make a deal, they are the rear and I have a 2013 glide as well.
Howard is known on Our Forum as FastHarley.
He's very knowledgeable when it comes to motorcycle suspension work.
He has a website under motorcycle metal. Index
He's also a Brother Marine and gives great discounts to Our Forum Members.
Be ready to get an earful when you speak with him.
Don't take that the wrong way either, Howard is the man!
Hope this helps.
Mike U.
Just installed some Super Shox on my 2016 Ultra. Initial ride a little odd, not bad just a different bike. It felt way different especially in a corner with a few bumps. Better than stock but still have to dial in. Close. Easiest adjustments ever.
Already had a conversation with Smarty about the front. Great conversation and very informative. The O's seem like the only option for the front so far.
Beware of strangers willing to hold your hand and to guide you down the scary SCARY road of shock selection OMG... If they are not gold and shinny and used in MotoG.P. racing they will NEVER work properly on your bagger.... These kind people could be sales agents... this has been debunked a long time ago... The only thing that's changed is the screen names... imagine that.
JRI recently lowered the price of there shocks, excellent... and have added cartridges for the front, excellent... The have an address, a place of business, a published warranty, and a website that well FUNCTIONS... oh oh oh they also accept master card and visa unlike super secret backyard garage smoke another one shinny gold shock builders inc. Yes THAT company actually takes Moto Grand Prix racing shocks... tears them down... and customizes them to your VERY personal specification, riding style custom, custom, custom super custom EVERYTHING and you my friend will be rubbing fairings with Valentino Rossi #46 this weekend at the Cathedral in Assen BECAUSE we will drop ship immediately to your location! ORDER NOW AND YOU WILL GET A VERY VERY SPECIAL PRICE FOR BEING A MEMBER OF THAT MICKY MOUSE CLUB! All you need to do in pledge your allegence to this club with review and WE WILL GIVE YOU ANOTHER VERY SPECIAL DISCOUNT!!!! hahahahahahaha
SlowGuy, i test rode JRI's front and rears on a SG at Bike Week. I have yet to see a price on the fronts or the ability to choose them to order them on their website. Are they available to the public yet?
Wasn't he the guy that got into a pissing match with Howard from Motorcycle Metal?
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