Best Suspension for handling performance 2009 Heritage
#1
Best Suspension for handling performance 2009 Heritage
Greetings, I ride a 2009 Heritage with stock front and rear suspension, that is pretty bouncy in the curves. I like to ride spirited in the turns and would like some suspension recommendations from those that have later model heritage softails. I'm looking for mainly a performance upgrade not concerned with lowering the bike at all.
Thank you in advance,
T
Thank you in advance,
T
#2
I spent money on my Bagger suspension, that's what I tour on...
I've left my Softails with OEM suspension.... for now....
But.... I have heard/read a lot of positive feedback on the Legends suspension for Softails (2000-2017).
https://www.legendsuspensions.com/pr...ftail-2000-17/
They have two drawbacks:
1) They are pretty expensive, but if I were going to do long, multi-day trips on my Softails, I'd spend the money...
2) They block access to the trans drain plug that is between the OEM shocks. To do a trans oil change, you need to drop a shock, or use a vacuum oil changer to remove the old trans oil out the dipstick. Again, if I really wanted performance on my softails, this wouldn't dissuade me. The trans oil stays relatively clean, so leaving a small amount in the case when using a vacuum oil changer wouldn't bother me... I changed oil in numerous boat engines over the years using a vacuum oil changer... If it didn't hurt a boat engine (they have a hard life/duty cycle) than I doubt it will hurt an HD Transmission..
My second choice would be the Progressive RAP shocks for a softail... They are a cheaper shock, yet also get a lot of positive reviews..
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...es-shocks-wrap
Good luck with your decsion
I've left my Softails with OEM suspension.... for now....
But.... I have heard/read a lot of positive feedback on the Legends suspension for Softails (2000-2017).
https://www.legendsuspensions.com/pr...ftail-2000-17/
They have two drawbacks:
1) They are pretty expensive, but if I were going to do long, multi-day trips on my Softails, I'd spend the money...
2) They block access to the trans drain plug that is between the OEM shocks. To do a trans oil change, you need to drop a shock, or use a vacuum oil changer to remove the old trans oil out the dipstick. Again, if I really wanted performance on my softails, this wouldn't dissuade me. The trans oil stays relatively clean, so leaving a small amount in the case when using a vacuum oil changer wouldn't bother me... I changed oil in numerous boat engines over the years using a vacuum oil changer... If it didn't hurt a boat engine (they have a hard life/duty cycle) than I doubt it will hurt an HD Transmission..
My second choice would be the Progressive RAP shocks for a softail... They are a cheaper shock, yet also get a lot of positive reviews..
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...es-shocks-wrap
Good luck with your decsion
#3
#4
I spent money on my Bagger suspension, that's what I tour on...
I've left my Softails with OEM suspension.... for now....
But.... I have heard/read a lot of positive feedback on the Legends suspension for Softails (2000-2017).
https://www.legendsuspensions.com/pr...ftail-2000-17/
They have two drawbacks:
1) They are pretty expensive, but if I were going to do long, multi-day trips on my Softails, I'd spend the money...
2) They block access to the trans drain plug that is between the OEM shocks. To do a trans oil change, you need to drop a shock, or use a vacuum oil changer to remove the old trans oil out the dipstick. Again, if I really wanted performance on my softails, this wouldn't dissuade me. The trans oil stays relatively clean, so leaving a small amount in the case when using a vacuum oil changer wouldn't bother me... I changed oil in numerous boat engines over the years using a vacuum oil changer... If it didn't hurt a boat engine (they have a hard life/duty cycle) than I doubt it will hurt an HD Transmission..
My second choice would be the Progressive RAP shocks for a softail... They are a cheaper shock, yet also get a lot of positive reviews..
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...es-shocks-wrap
Good luck with your decsion
I've left my Softails with OEM suspension.... for now....
But.... I have heard/read a lot of positive feedback on the Legends suspension for Softails (2000-2017).
https://www.legendsuspensions.com/pr...ftail-2000-17/
They have two drawbacks:
1) They are pretty expensive, but if I were going to do long, multi-day trips on my Softails, I'd spend the money...
2) They block access to the trans drain plug that is between the OEM shocks. To do a trans oil change, you need to drop a shock, or use a vacuum oil changer to remove the old trans oil out the dipstick. Again, if I really wanted performance on my softails, this wouldn't dissuade me. The trans oil stays relatively clean, so leaving a small amount in the case when using a vacuum oil changer wouldn't bother me... I changed oil in numerous boat engines over the years using a vacuum oil changer... If it didn't hurt a boat engine (they have a hard life/duty cycle) than I doubt it will hurt an HD Transmission..
My second choice would be the Progressive RAP shocks for a softail... They are a cheaper shock, yet also get a lot of positive reviews..
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...es-shocks-wrap
Good luck with your decsion
#5
#6
Pretty sure the Progressives don't block the drain plug....
The following 2 users liked this post by hattitude:
04FXDI (07-12-2023),
kneesinthebreeze24 (07-11-2023)
#7
You can really dial in the RAP's, for solo, solo tour, 2up and 2up tour, I've got mine dialed in pretty tight to my wants and needs. I could drag the
floorboards on the stock suspension but, (to me) she always felt a lil squirrely, now I have no fears or concerns of throwing her into the twisties, I'm
not an on the edge rider or very aggressive, but she takes to the road so much better and planted than OEM, to where the Progressive actually gave
me a boost of confidence and my skill level, mind you, I've been 2 wheeling since the late 70s. Progressive transformed my Heritage.
I tour a lot, my main reason not to go air, was if you spring a leak and need parts, not every shop in town is going to carry air ride parts for your specific
set up, but you can get a set of OEM style shocks at any dealer, and back on the road in no time. Progressive is my choice.
The following users liked this post:
Clammy (07-11-2023)
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#8
I have the RAP 422's and Monotubes upfront. You won't be disappointed, and there will be more members to follow backing my statement.
You can really dial in the RAP's, for solo, solo tour, 2up and 2up tour, I've got mine dialed in pretty tight to my wants and needs. I could drag the
floorboards on the stock suspension but, (to me) she always felt a lil squirrely, now I have no fears or concerns of throwing her into the twisties, I'm
not an on the edge rider or very aggressive, but she takes to the road so much better and planted than OEM, to where the Progressive actually gave
me a boost of confidence and my skill level, mind you, I've been 2 wheeling since the late 70s. Progressive transformed my Heritage.
I tour a lot, my main reason not to go air, was if you spring a leak and need parts, not every shop in town is going to carry air ride parts for your specific
set up, but you can get a set of OEM style shocks at any dealer, and back on the road in no time. Progressive is my choice.
You can really dial in the RAP's, for solo, solo tour, 2up and 2up tour, I've got mine dialed in pretty tight to my wants and needs. I could drag the
floorboards on the stock suspension but, (to me) she always felt a lil squirrely, now I have no fears or concerns of throwing her into the twisties, I'm
not an on the edge rider or very aggressive, but she takes to the road so much better and planted than OEM, to where the Progressive actually gave
me a boost of confidence and my skill level, mind you, I've been 2 wheeling since the late 70s. Progressive transformed my Heritage.
I tour a lot, my main reason not to go air, was if you spring a leak and need parts, not every shop in town is going to carry air ride parts for your specific
set up, but you can get a set of OEM style shocks at any dealer, and back on the road in no time. Progressive is my choice.
#9
I have the RAP 422's and Monotubes upfront. You won't be disappointed, and there will be more members to follow backing my statement.
You can really dial in the RAP's, for solo, solo tour, 2up and 2up tour, I've got mine dialed in pretty tight to my wants and needs. I could drag the
floorboards on the stock suspension but, (to me) she always felt a lil squirrely, now I have no fears or concerns of throwing her into the twisties, I'm
not an on the edge rider or very aggressive, but she takes to the road so much better and planted than OEM, to where the Progressive actually gave
me a boost of confidence and my skill level, mind you, I've been 2 wheeling since the late 70s. Progressive transformed my Heritage.
I tour a lot, my main reason not to go air, was if you spring a leak and need parts, not every shop in town is going to carry air ride parts for your specific
set up, but you can get a set of OEM style shocks at any dealer, and back on the road in no time. Progressive is my choice.
You can really dial in the RAP's, for solo, solo tour, 2up and 2up tour, I've got mine dialed in pretty tight to my wants and needs. I could drag the
floorboards on the stock suspension but, (to me) she always felt a lil squirrely, now I have no fears or concerns of throwing her into the twisties, I'm
not an on the edge rider or very aggressive, but she takes to the road so much better and planted than OEM, to where the Progressive actually gave
me a boost of confidence and my skill level, mind you, I've been 2 wheeling since the late 70s. Progressive transformed my Heritage.
I tour a lot, my main reason not to go air, was if you spring a leak and need parts, not every shop in town is going to carry air ride parts for your specific
set up, but you can get a set of OEM style shocks at any dealer, and back on the road in no time. Progressive is my choice.
Cheers!
The following users liked this post:
04FXDI (07-12-2023)
#10
Thanks man! I appreciate he info. This sounds exactly what I'm looking for!!!. Agreed, my bike definitely squirrelly in the turns. Bounces more than I would like and wants to drift to the outside, than carve through the turn. I'm going to look into the mono tubes for the front and 422 in the back.
Cheers!
The following users liked this post:
04FXDI (07-12-2023)