You an find the questions answered on my web site here. Questions call me toll free. If not look at the women.
LINK 1
LINK 2
LINK 3
LINK 4

 

^ what a great informative site! Wouldn't mind rebuilding my front fork in time on my '08, just way too soft and dives too easily. When they put the brembo's on they didn't really adjust for the braking force on the forks. The '09 seemed slightly better, but dives too much too. I just learned not to trail brake on these things. Wondering if there's a rebuild that eliminates much of the dive without ruining the ride. Also, I guess stiffening up the front will end up exposing the rear's deficiencies, which I don't really have an issue with now.

 

No, it's not "My bike doesn't ride that bad...." what you mean is, "Can a bike ride any worse than with these stock shocks?" Take your shocks off and put a steel rod in it's place, you won't feel much of a difference.
Like I said and Howard and others that have gone with Penske have said, the difference is night and day. Like going from a Chevy Chevette into a Cadillac STS-V is the difference in ride and handling

 

With these impressive bikes: BMW R1150R, Honda Fireblade, RX8, you will know suspension. Can your HD be made to ride better than stock: Well that does not take much except for some elbow grease, a few dollars, and a little education.
*Do a search on here and there are many members who have modified their suspension to work better than stock. Just by putting in springs that actually are made for your weight is a good start (I do not use a progressively wound spring but suggest a linear wound one).
*Weld up your seat pipes and than re-drill out some for better valving. This and selecting the proper weight fork oil to go along with the new holes will be an upgrade. I am talking about a whole $7 minus the cost of the springs (about $70~$80)and some of your time.

*Throw in some some cartridge emulators and tune them. Hell, just changing out your old worn out (not the 08 bikes naturally) slider and upper bushings will make a difference.

You will get a much better ride than stock. I see these guys chroming their front forks and **** away their money to "Walk Down The Cat Walk" att he bar when they could have upgraded their ride while at it when the forks were apart.

Get off your *** and do something (last statement is meant for anyone reading for motivation & not the thread author I am quoting). You do not need alot of money! More education& more work make for your own better bike and I think, a better life experience. Bikes are made for riding & get'en em' dirty. My 2 coppers

 

What a bunch of crap that statement is, there is a world of difference between a hardtail and a stock touring suspension.

 

I know, just making a comment on how much of a difference there really is between stock shocks and Penske's. The Showa's just aren't that good

 

The stock suspension is pretty much bottom of the barrel. Now the 09's FL's have upgraded cartridge front forks and a new part number for the rear shock, as well. Big improvement in ride, but, then again, anything would have been an improvement. There is nothing like really good suspension. It totally transforms the riding experience.

 

Hey Howard I have a question for you. You are the one that would really know the answer to a subject that is raging on the forums. It is not exactly about shocks but it is something that you surely understand and have an opinion on.

What is the need or value to the rear stabilizers being sold now and that have become all the rage?

Would you put one on one of your bikes? In general what is your opinion?

I understand that this is a little off the thread but I think it's relevant for someone considering upgrading their ride. Spending $300 plus dollars on what is essentially a suspension mod or adding some additional dollars and going the shock/front end route, etc.

Your opinion on this is valuable and I'm sure would help a lot of people.

Thanks.

 

Nice tips, thanks. I'll do another year on the '08 then I'll pay you a visit.

 

I feel like a DVD.... we spend a fortune on the bike, the clothes and the bling and we forget the two most important areas of comfort... suspension and seat! Call Howard, he is no quitter, an honet guy and he has my business for years to come!