Exactly what I have as well, great results

 

I went with Race Tech front and rear. The shocks were pricey (G3S separated non-piggyback), but I really like them. And I got custom length 12.5". The gold valves and straight rate springs in front definitely helped brake diving and overall ride quality as well. As far as bang for the buck, the gold valves and springs are probably right up there for fork options which I didn't see mentioned yet.

 

Referring to the original question, best bang for the buck would be a hardly used set of the OEM hand adjustable shocks. I put a pair of new take-offs on my 2011 RK for a $150 and it never bottomed out again and didn't ride like a floor jack. Hard to beat that but not saying more expensive wouldn't offer an improvement, just not the same bang for the buck. I may do the same on my 08.

 

I'm on a 2019 if that wasn't mentioned in my original post, so I already have the hand adjustable shocks. They were a step up going from a bike with the air shock to those, but it's been 2 years and you tend to forget. Would I pay $500 for them instead of others for $600, I doubt it. It's all I know, but like I said, there has to be better.

 

Just to put it out there, Super Shox are built in the USA. I put them on my 16 Ultra and love them. I know they just do the rears, but the difference is incredible. Amazing customer service and they tailor the shocks to you and your riding style.

 

I went with Bitubos and Progressive mono tubes from DK Customs. After a little playing around I found the sweet spot for 2-up on the Bitibos. Soaks up bumps nicely, maybe not Cadillac smooth but not harsh at all. The mono tubes don’t dive like the stock springs and feel more stable cornering.

All in I have about $900 and I’m happy with the results. Spending more would have gotten better results, but there is the law of diminishing returns. I only spend so much on my toys and this setup works for me. Of course, you bike has a different frame so YMMV.

 

In the past I've always run Progressives on my bikes. They were slightly better than stock but not a lot. So after 3 sets of Progressives on 3 different bikes, I decided to got another route. Talked with Bob at FM great guy, great info on all the shocks they carry. Ohlins and RWD were the two I narrowed it down to. Went with RWD and spent the extra money. Still dialing them in a little cause I haven't ridden much since the install. So far they seem like night and day compared to Progressives.

 

Another vote for Super Shox, I got the 14” shocks with relocation mount and very satisfied and easy to adjust. Call and talk to Brian and they built the shock for you with lifetime warranty and made in the USA

 

I loved my progressives. Had them on my Dynas. Great shocks for the price.

 

Super shock pix.
I like the scale with #`s
Good idea