For me motorcycle suspension is a buy once, cry once purchase. It, along with brakes, is not an area I choose to be cheap on or compromise. With the exception of my softail all my touring bikes I have had have always had the Howard (Öhlins reworked by Motorcycle Metal) treatment done to them. As a matter of fact I just picked up a Road King and I have a set of #3-3 in the mail and will get the front cartridges here in a week or two. I've been a believer in Öhlins suspension back to my track days and have tried several other manufactures in the past. They are the gold standard.

 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
This

In as few words as possible..."you get what you pay for."

 

The suspension is probably the single most noticeable improvement that I have made on my bikes. I have had JRi shocks on my last two bikes and logged over 200K miles on them. Granted I don't have experience with the other shocks mentioned, but I feel no need to buy them when the shocks I have now are just fine.

I did fall into the Legends trap for a bit but those shocks were blown in just a few thousand miles, so I went back to my JRi's and couldn't be happier with them.

Side Note: I have a pair of factory rebuilt Legend Revo-A's for sale. PM me for details.

 

Look into Suspension Technologies. Made in the USA and they have a very strong customer service.

Give Mile a call and he will set you straight.

 

These list at $1400 for front and rear. Unless they give a major discount, I can't pay that right now.

 

So with this logic, you are saying Legends are 40% better than Ohlin because they cost 40% more? RWD is 54% better due to cost?

 

I just installed Legend Revo-A's on my Road Glide Special. I bought them from Parts Giant and got $200 off for being a forum member here.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/parts...uspension.html

 

Just checked that out
Lifetime Warranty
30 day money back trial

 

After reading this and cost being a factor, I picked up a set of Bitubo 13" twin adjustables from DK Customs. I do not have any experience with the other major brand name shocks listed above but these Bitubos are MUCH better than stock. Assuming they last a while, value wise, I would think these are hard to beat. Just my 2c..

 

I posted this response on another forum as well.
I purchased a set of 2019 CVO Ultra Limited
take -off oem shocks from another forum.(part # 54000093 and 54000094) for $250. The shocks had 256 miles on them. Last weekend was the first chance the wife and I were able to try them out. ****HUGE IMPROVEMENT over the 12 " version of these shocks that come on the RGS. I set the adjustment at 12; per the owners manual for 180 lb rider and 130 lb passenger.(I have a detachable tour pak and used the chart that included the Tour Pak plus estimated weight for the little bit of gear onboard). I know these are not Ohlins or Legends or...insert your favorite aftermarket shock absorber here, but for two hundred and fifty bucks it literally felt like a different bike. The shocks handled all the bumps, railroad crossings and dips that I threw at them without issue. COMFORT GREATLY IMPROVED!
We ride fairly aggressively in the twisties. These shocks also made the rear tire feel much better planted in the curves. HANDLING ALSO IMPROVED! No bounce or rebound or washing out in the middle of the curve at speed.
When these wear out, will I spend the money on a better quality, more adjustable shock, most likely. But the extra 1" of travel makes all the difference. Whatever you decide, you will be happier but I can't recommend this low budget solution any more highly. Ride Safe!!!