I am not sure if my kidneys and back can handle another year of the air shocks on my 09 road king. all stock.
The forks work well but the shocks are either too hard or they bottom out. I have adjusted the air from 8 to 20lbs. No middle ground to speak of. No cushion when riding over one of those heaved joints in the road.
I weigh 200lbs, is there an after market shock that can give me the ride like it should? My Valkrie and gold wings ride so much nicer. and no air shocks.
Oh! When I speak to anyone at the HD dealers about a solution they scratch their heads in amazment like they never ever heard a complaint about rough ride.

 

My 09 RKC rides great IMO and I adjust the shocks air pressure according to the owners manual. Unless Im loaded with tourpak and I have two up, I go about 2-4 psi less than whats stated in the manual.

A friend of mine has an 02 RKC that we just put a new set of progressive 440 shocks on and I think mine still rides way better than his and he agrees.

 

Agree with you , ran 5-10 psi in mine , bottomed out, 15-20 psi, bouncy bouncy, ordered Ohlins from Motorcycle Metal should be here Thursday. I know they aren't cheap but before you try another brand check out the Ohlins.

 

If I have the wife on the bike, which is rare, it will handle the bumps a bit better.
Air shocks are better for semi-trucks and dump trucks- they work best when maxed out with weight. And they work better if they are seperate from the shocks- just plain air bags.

 

Check your tire pressure too. For me, to ride 2-up and having bottomed out a few times, I pumped up the tires AND the shocks. So then I leave it at that, ride by myself and the ride is really much rougher. Some road bumps send me right off the seat. Now I adjusted both back down for one-up and it is OK again

 

Oh yeah another 09 ride discontented soul, Knew I wasn't the only one.

 

Yep i've been thrown "out of the seat" on my 09 also. I've lost weight and am down to 215 lbs now and as i continue to loose it will only get worse I guess....

 

On the '09s I believe the pressure should be much more. I ride mine about 40-45 and the ride is great. Try much more pressure. Look in your manual and see what it recommends.

 

You're not the first to comment on 09 ride quality (or lack of it!), so it is worth looking back through previous posts. Some owners seem quite happy, but others have replaced the rear shocks, but all this is covered. Get yourself a long drink first!

 

What is your tire pressure at? I had the same issue and I adjusted the rear tire to 38 psi and now it ride great. I know I will loose some tire life but it is worth it to me.