I stand corrected.

I looked at this listing, which does not show Harley. http://www.hagonshocksusa.com/HagShocks2.htm

But, I thought that was a list of the specific bikes they made shocks for. Weird list, but ok. Did not realize this was simply a quick index for getting you into an area on a much larger list.

And...now Harley is there. Interesting dynamic listing thingie they have there. I've two pages open, the one I created the above link from, and the opening of that link after I posted so I could check it. They are not the same. The 2nd one lists Harley, the 1st does not.

 

I got the Harley Premium ride hand adjustables fitted and am really happy with the improvement in ride quality. A (relatively) not too expensive and effective upgrade.

 

Never heard of them. I'd call them and ask about Hagon Nitro Stainless Shocks. A custom built shock with preload and damping adjustment for $550. Also says they have a two year warranty. If you call. ask if they have a ride quality guarantee. In other words, if you are not satisfied how the shock rides, will the change springs and/or damping for free. And if they rebuild the shocks and the cost.

 

tj316 is 100% correct. I enjoy a good technical discussion and wanted to reread this thread today. I think what may be tripping people up is that one will typically set their preload for a specific static sag (bike sag, ride height) setting. The terminology here can get very confusing. In tj316's example, he is comparing the ride using two different static sag settings with the same spring, so yes, the ride will be either softer or harder depending upon his preload adjustment.

Using tj316's example above and if we assume a 3" stoke on his shock, by changing the preload and changing the feel (hard or soft) of the shock, he has also changed which part of the stroke is available to handle bumps and potholes. Just wanted to point this out since it might not have been obvious.
For his 1" of sag, we have 2" for bumps, 1" for potholes
For his 3/4" sag, we have 2-1/4" for bumps, 3/4" for potholes (firmer)

Another thing to keep in mind, I can have two different springs with different spring rates and each of them can be setup in the shock with the same static sag (the amount of preload for each will be different). The spring with the higher spring rate will give a firmer ride.

So how does one determine which spring to use? I believe the next step would be to measure free sag which is the amount the bike settles under its own weight. There's a typical spec given for that by a shock manufacturer to help you tune it in. When the static sag is correct and the free sag is less than the minimum recommended, you need a heavier spring rate with less preload. A lighter spring is recommended when the free sag is more than the maximum recommended.

 

3" stroke (travel)

3" - 1" sag - 2" for bumps - 1" for potholes
What did I miss 3" = 4"
Is Sag not part of the total stroke?

 

That's exactly what I did, several years ago now. Shocks are a more common subject around HDF now, but even then there were members who tried around all the common brands, wasting time and money, then had a eureka moment. Ohlins are the only way to travel!

 

Got them on my Sportster, the basic version, not Nitro. They're British old chap, Alf Hagon having been a top speedway and drag racer in his heyday, running lots of fuel in a supercharged JAP (that's J A Prestwich, not Japanese!) V-twin. He bought the suspension company Girling way back and has been making bike shocks for us ever since. I have Ohlins on my Glide and they are my preference, especially when riding with Mrs B and all our touring stuff.

 

Static sag (bike sag/ride height) is a measure of how much your bike settles on its suspension with you on board. Your static sag is the amount of travel you have to handle potholes.

Static sag is adjusted via the preload. As has been mentioned a number of times, preload does not change the spring rate, but it does change the initial spring force.

 

I understand - Springs..
Perhaps where I was confused is on potholes 1" - I was thinking compression and sounds like I should have been thinking decompression (top out).

 

I fully accept that Ohlins are great shocks and that there owners are happy with them.

With due respect, I don't buy that they are the only good or even great suspension options. Personally, I am thrilled with my choice, Legend Revo shocks and Legend AXEO front suspension. For those that care, Legend is one of the great American made options out there. They also come with a Lifetime warranty and unique features that make them easier to install. Backed by great customer service.

I am not taking my bike to the track, no longer wish to drag my floorboards in the corners. Simply wanted a great riding suspension that added to my miles per day. Backed by a great company. Legend delivered for me.