This is my 2003 Screaming Eagle Softail Duece (FXSTDSE):




I ride and its paid for. I am not interrested in trading or substituting for any other ride (Ulysses, K1200GS, KTM950, adnauseam).

The bike came factory lowered by an inch or so and the roads in Mexico have destroyed the faring. The factory shocks have been damaged by rocks that looked smaller than they actually were. The shocks still work although they are on maximum stiff adjustment. My problem is lack of suspension travel. The frost heaves in Alaska, the topes, rocks and washboards in Mexico are all terrain that I like to traverse at a brisk pace. Before I adjust my riding habits, I want to try modifying the suspension to fit the roads I travel.

The Progressives come recommended, but I don't think suspension travel will be improved.

I found that Ohlins makes a pair of shocks, but I can't find any performance or price information for delivery in Southern California. http://www.damper.se/Motorcycle/Hidd...0/Default.aspx

Will the Ohlins give me that extra inch of suspension travel to justify the pricetag?

And who sells them?

Best price?

 

Sorry, can't help you with the Ohlins but I've got Progressives on 2 of my bikes and I really like them. They are available in several lengths (in 1/2" increments) and also have heavy duty springs available. Use the longest ones that will fit and the hd springs and you should have pretty good suspension travel. You probably should stay away from the "bottom of the line" 412 model. They're cheaper but it sounds like you need something better.

 

Check with Race Tech for their Caddies suspension system , front and rear.

 

Thanks, neither Ohlins, Progressive, nor Race Tech claim to provide more suspension travel. Ohlins and Progressive claim to provide two inch lowering capability which is opposite of what I want.

I want my rear suspension travel maximized subject to the limitations of the Softail Duece frame.

I want spring control adequate for the 20% rough terrain I encounter.

My tire of choice (difficult to see in the picture) is Metzeler Karoo (T).

And, an extra inch or two of ride height is acceptable.

I'll send an email off to these companies and see what comes back and I'll keep watching here.

 

Just checked, Progressive makes a 15"er to increase ride height for rough terrian HD's.

 

Part#, Link?

 

C'mon! not all the roads in Mexico are bad, just the 75% of them... the rest are terrible!!! No seriously speaking, I can only imagine until now how would it be to ride my bike on your roads, let's say take the PCH up to Frisco from L.A. or ride to Vegas ...

Regarding your "issue" have you tried Air-ride suspensions, have you checked their products?

Regards from Guadalajara, Mexico.

 

Here is an update, anyone familiar with a decision matrix?

Harley Davidson factory Profile Rear Suspension Chrome 54648-00A $698
Fits '00-later Softail models (except FXSTD)
page 311 2004 Accessory Catalogue

1. Looks like the one on my bike

2. Available


Race Tech RSSP HSTT $699.99

http://www.racetech.com/shopping/sho...ofttail+Shocks

1. Will restore ride height

2. Available

CADDIES™ are Nitrogen pressurized and completely serviceable. Race Tech Gold Valves® are the heart of the damping system and may be custom valved. The spring preload can be quickly adjusted to accommodate those extra-load journeys

Provide an excellent progressive ride that you've got to try!
Compact shock body of only 2.5 inches in diameter so there are no clearance issues!
Innovative internal cartridge which eliminates cavitation
Race Tech Gold Valves at the heart of the damping system
Come with High Performance Chrome Silicon Springs
Constructed of the highest quality materials
Rebuildable and servicable
Fits stock Harley Softail swingarm assembly


Progressive 413-4037G/C $414-05/$474.95

http://www.powersportrider.com/CGI-B...5C&catpage=303

Adjustable goes stock to 2" drop
Fully Assemnled with internal springs, adjustable for pre-load
Double walled construction for extra durability
Improved multi-stage, velocity sensitive internal valving with hydraulic anti-bottoming for a comfortable jolt free ride
Freon-gas cell used for fade free shock operation.

The first shocks for Softail assembled with the correct rates and damping.
Internal Components are the highest quality for extended service life.

Features freon cells for fade free operation, imporved multi-state damping and a hydraulic anti-bottoming ring.
Available in gold cadmium plating or high luster chrome.
Matching spring rates and improved damping mean consistent ride quality.
Sold in pairs. Made in the U.S.A.

Available


Ohlins OHHD203 W/ gold-anodized spring covers $1,456.95

http://www.dragspecialties.com/fatbook/1734/459/2393646

Feature superior engineering, construction and materials to produce the best-quality shock absorber available for your Softail
Shock bodies are precision-drawn steel for strength
Springs are chrome silicone construction
Completely re-buildable for years of peak suspension performance
Softail shock length is adjustable – shocks may be lengthened up to 12mm (approximately 1/2”) to lower the height of the bike 1 3/4”
OEM-style spring preload adjustment
External adjusters for compression and rebound damping allow a wide range of settings for optimal suspension performance

1 month back-order

 

I need to get a set soon, so I emailed the three companies and these are abreviated responses:

Ohlins: $1457; "As far as the performance that is where these shocks will show true worth. Hard to put into words but nobody is calling back unhappy." I don't know of anybody that has a set! So, who is there to call back?

Progressive: $475; " Our shocks only raise the bike to stock height not higher sorry, you will be looking for a coustom shock biluder like works performance. 818-701-1010."

Race Tech: $700; No reply, but I went to the factory and got the tour. They would not admit that their product was significantly better than the HD standard ride height shock set.

Eeny Meeny Miney Mo,
Pull my finger and hear it go,
If you holler while it blow,
Eeny Meeny Miney Mo ................ ?