Posted this in the suspension subforum since several suspension posts popped up here in the last day. That area doesn't seem to get much traction, or has less opinionated people browsing it.

Been reading about suspension for the last few days and I'm no clearer on what I want/need. My main requirement is that I want higher, not lower shocks. I think stock is 12", looking to go higher for more clearance and hopefully better ride. Worse case, equal, but there would have to be a specific reason. General info points to Legend, Ohlin, RWD, but no real reason as to why.

Ohlin seems to be what everyone compares to, but their online presence and info is greatly lacking. Looking at a 2019 FLHRXS on their site, seems the only shock is versions of the S36. Price was around $560 at DCP which was surprising. Unless I'm looking at the wrong shock? Front looks to run around $725, so rounding to $1300.

Legend reviews seems to place the REVO-A as the go-to. These seem to run $925. Throwing the front end in at $875, we are at a total of $1800.

RWD RS-1 runs $900. Front end isn't listed on their site, but have heard they run 1100 or 1200. Let's assume the lower, so both would be $2000.

With those prices, that's a $700 swing top to bottom or over 50% increase in cost. I can't spend $2000 right now with all the recent purchases. Unless I'm missing something, the $1300 would be the way to go.

Adding to the mix...I can get Progressive 444's for $600. Progressive is also running a promotion for free fork springs with a purchase of the 444 or 944. So for half the cost of the cheapest option above, I can get upgrades to front and back? I know they aren't top of the line, but cost per return seems pretty good? Going from 444 to S36 (and front differences), are you getting double the value? If the 444 combo gives me 80%, seems something to look into. I don't want to cheap out, but don't want to throw away money either.

 

Progressive’s are just as good as the other ones, where is that promotional deal at.

 

HD hand adjustables, best bang for the buck. Just make sure you get the 13" version

 

I think I’d limit my choices to the following (in no particular order)

Legends
RWD’s
Ohlins
Pro Action

 

When you consider that two springs out of a mattress from a motel 6 is better than what harley puts on their bikes anything is an upgrade. I bought some cheap *** progressives and i think its a huge upgrade over the 12 year old air shocks that were on the bike. Its all about perspective...just like everybody thinks there bike is fast, maybe to you it is lol. Buy the best you can afford because youll never miss wont you dont have. I'd love to spend 2k on shocks too but sometimes you gotta compromise somewhere. Pretty sure youll like the progressive shocks...just don't ever ride your buddies bike with olins or rsd's on it.

 

Bitubo is another option. They are a lot less than progressives, have adjustable damping and are built to spec. Progressives are ok but if you're spending $600 on them there are better options. I got my bitubo's for less than $500

I am not a fan of Howard's attitude but he has lots of choices in Ohlins for about the same price as your progressive's. www.motorcyclemetal.com

 

Plenty of shock info in the forums if you search, myself, I went to Pro Action based on info I read here, plus I got good customer service after the purchase. Good luck with your choice. And to add to it, my wife loves them.

 

I have had Pro-Actions for several years. They are on my SG now. The build quality is better than anything else I have run across and 100% American made.

 

I went with base Ohlins and progressive cartridges and I installed all of it myself.i have less than $1000 investment.
Howard hookedme up.
Bitibo, Pro Action, Legends , Ohlins and RWD is what I would stick with. I don’t think I would put Progressives rear shocks in the same category but that is just me.
The front cartridges are decent though.

 

Here’s a question: what’s not American made and ditch those options??!!??