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Rear shock help.

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  #21  
Old 03-30-2018 | 07:43 AM
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todd-67
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Decent coil over aftermarket shocks will come set up for you so the final tweaks are minor. You just need to be accurate on your passengers true weight. Sometimes that is not an easy subject to get an honest answer on but required to get you in the spring rate you need to be in.

The dual shock arrangement on the touring bikes is way outdated. If you look at other manufacturers arrangement most use a progressive linkage that alters the the stiffness the deeper into the travel that you get. There are no miracles on getting the thing to ride like a luxury car but the aftermarket shocks are your best bet for making the best out of it.
 
  #22  
Old 08-11-2018 | 02:21 PM
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I'm in the hunt for new shocks. My dilemma...go air or coilover? The loads on the Glide vary, a lot. From a solo ride (210lb) to a long roadtrip with the wife (she's skinny, 100lbs) and a full load, see pic.
I like the idea of the air shock, more air in, more load, as the stock ones (changed over twice) have served me well, I don't like how they fade over time. Front end has PS Monotube cartridges.
Been reading about coilovers, specifically PS 444s. Do you think any of the coilover's spring preload when set at max can consistently handle the loads I carry, and still have enough spring adjustment at minimum to give a supple ride on everyday loads? Are there better air systems than the stock shocks? Budget is firm at$700US or better.
Thanks for any info


 
  #23  
Old 08-11-2018 | 02:39 PM
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I wouldn’t want an airshock ever again, I never had a nice ride with them to begin with. The new adjustable shocks from Harley would be an economical choice for you as there are used sets popping up for sale all the time here.

The Pro Action shocks are $795.00, and you can adjust preload quickly and easily for all your weight configurations. These shocks are proving themselves to be the best on the market....”bar none”....and it’s easy to see why
 
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  #24  
Old 08-11-2018 | 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by PeterV
I'm in the hunt for new shocks. My dilemma...go air or coilover? The loads on the Glide vary, a lot. From a solo ride (210lb) to a long roadtrip with the wife (she's skinny, 100lbs) and a full load, see pic.
I like the idea of the air shock, more air in, more load, as the stock ones (changed over twice) have served me well, I don't like how they fade over time. Front end has PS Monotube cartridges.
Been reading about coilovers, specifically PS 444s. Do you think any of the coilover's spring preload when set at max can consistently handle the loads I carry, and still have enough spring adjustment at minimum to give a supple ride on everyday loads? Are there better air systems than the stock shocks? Budget is firm at$700US or better.
Thanks for any info
Air is no more than a spring, so is simply an alternative to a coil-over shock. What makes the BIG difference with any suspension is the quality of the design of the damper inside the shock. The prize for the best dampers lies very much at present IMHO with the top-shelf coil-over brands. Your budget will properly stretch to Ohlins from HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal - he gives us decent discounts. Give him a call, for customised shocks matched to your weight.
 
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  #25  
Old 08-11-2018 | 06:02 PM
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I'm reading up on coilovers. Getting the impression I shouldn't be worried about springs ability to carry heavy loads, while still having adequate preload room to give a smooth ride in town on a Saturday night with the Queen of everything. Damping properties, resistance to internal heat buildup (remote reservoir?) and ability to rebuild, yes very important.
Ya, I think it's time to abandon the air cans.
 

Last edited by PeterV; 08-11-2018 at 06:07 PM.
  #26  
Old 08-12-2018 | 05:37 AM
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I've only used stock air shocks and an aftermarket high-pressure aftermarket one. Both had poor damping and neither could deal very well with two of us plus touring luggage. Wire springs are fine - they are after all installed in the majority of vehicles world-wide! It's getting decent damping that costs, but is also so worthwhile.
 
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  #27  
Old 08-12-2018 | 11:44 AM
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When on a roadtrip, we'll sometimes ride 10-12 hrs, so shock fluid and gas get a real workout. Am I right to assume in a nitrogen emulsified shock, the oil does not get hot cause it's mixed with nitrogen? Is this why they use this specific gas?(nitrogen properties). One of the issues I've always had with air shocks was damping fade... the shock starts to bottom out, have to put more air in, doesn't bottom out any more but ride gets harsh on most roads expansion joints, pothole fills.
I read somewhere 540lbs is maximum load on a bagger. Me and the wife combined with leathers, boots etc come in at 350lbs maybe less. I've maybe come close to max load, but I don't thing I've ever had 200lbs of gear on the back...
 
  #28  
Old 08-12-2018 | 12:22 PM
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If you want to stay with the air shocks try changing the dampening oil in the shock from the 5 weight to 10 weight. This is fork oil, not motor oil. There a couple of videos on the net. that addresses this.
 
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  #29  
Old 08-12-2018 | 01:16 PM
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Originally Posted by seniorsuperglideE8
If you want to stay with the air shocks try changing the dampening oil in the shock from the 5 weight to 10 weight. This is fork oil, not motor oil. There a couple of videos on the net. that addresses this.
I've seen the videos on Youtube. Hot compressed air mixed with oil and messing up damping is enough to make me walk away from air shocks. My main concern of coilovers was spring's ability to handle a big load. From what I've read there's no issue there.

Btw, I see on your sig you have PS 944 on your bagger. What type of riding do you do and how do you like them?
 

Last edited by PeterV; 08-12-2018 at 01:18 PM.
  #30  
Old 08-12-2018 | 01:41 PM
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I think peter v needs 2 look @ gettin a trailer , I'm running revo from legend coilovers omg best thing I EVER did to that bike The stock Spring shocks on that bike are super stupid ridiculously built junk, They're not even the same shock from one side to the other what a joke
 


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