I've got my 09 Street Bob with the factory rear shocks setup on setting 5 for 2 up riding, but sometimes when we hit bumps it feels like the shocks are bottoming out. Is there an upgrade as in rear shocks from another Dyna model or is Progressive shocks the only option?

Thanks,

Doug

 

There are many options for upgrades, and they're worth the $ and effort to educate yourself about what's out there. After a lot of soul searching I decided on Ohlins shocks from Howard Messner at MotorcycleMetal.com in Florida. He knows suspensions inside and out and can help you learn the world of shocks. I think the shock upgrade was one of the 2 best things I've done to my bike- along with installing dual Brembo brakes upfront. The difference in ride quality is worth the time and money. Good luck. Jay

 

If you're bottoming on setting 5...maybe a diet is in your future.

 

OR, maybe you have them set too stiff and the ride is too harsh? Just thinkin' out loud...

 

this place sux

 

I"ll just throw this out there, I just put on a set of FatBob shocks on, it lowered the FXDC 7/8" and the shock is set on 2 and is noticibly quite a bit firmer but not harsh than the stock shock that came on the bike. I weigh in at 240. FYI

 

Im 300lbs and I have my shocks set at 3 with one more notch to go and I never bottom out, even on really bad roads. Stock shocks should be fine. Good luck

 

I run the progressive 430s and they won't bottom out. They come in a heavy duty too.

 

I've the Pro. 412 HD's on the FXD and on set on three for 2 up, we get "porpoising' on the front end at times. Setting 3 worked good with full bags and full load maybe I'll go back to 2nd setting. Other than that, good upgrade.

 

If you do not care much about riding as much as standing around talking about riding, There is no need to read further.

1. In a good shock; there is no such thing as a heavy duty shock or spring.
2. In a good shock; the spring is neutral. The shock is only made for you. The spring only keeps the desired distance between the frame and axle.
3. In a great shock like Ohlins, Penkse, and a couple of other racing shocks you probably have not heard of, with full sag (riders weight + motorcycle), the bike compresses to allow to set the rebound (1/3 of the stroke) and the compression (2/3 of the stroke). The spring neither resists or pushes the suspension, it is calibrated for each case as neutral. No heavy duty spring, that type of setup is pure junk.
4. The shock internals control the compression or rebound. The shock must move very freely as the original purpose is to allow full tire patch contact (traction) in which translates to you experiencing a very smooth ride as well as increased safety.
5. A good shock is rebuild-able and is a "Lifetime" shock. It is an investment and not a trinket. The shock you buy now and the ride get now will always last longer than the memory of how much you did spend for it.
6. Almost everything I have read above is nothing but accepting sub performance when you do not have to and what you think your ride is worth. I guess it all comes down to what are your values and what is important to you.
7. This forum gives each member the opportunity to read and speak with other members that have already been there and done that. Do your homework and read before spending.

Is there a big difference between junk and a quality ride at the end of the day, you bet!