Anyone have any experience with improving the ride of their FLHRS? Mine is harsh and I'm getting tired of having my kidneys shaken out of me going over rough stretches of freeway. I've played around with the air pressure and the only thing that really helps soften the ride is riding 2-up - which I don't do a lot of.

Progressive 440s seem to be a favorite choice. And I have a suspension tuner who I'm pretty sure could dial in a set of Penskes for me if I wanted to spend the dough. I'm a lightweight - 160# (without riding gear), so that probably is working against me in terms of setup. What are you guys running that you like?

 

The progressives seem to be a favorite. If you don't mind the look you could find some standard 12" touring shocks and throw those on pretty cheaply.

 

The look??? You riding your King without the bags on or something?

I wonder what difference is between 12" touring shocks and what I've already got. I think they're 12" (which is a 1/2" or 1" lower than FLHR std) - and they're air adjustable on one side only. I've heard about getting ahold of takeoff touring shocks, though, so maybe there's something there. Don't want to raise the bike higher than it is.

Also, been reading on another board about replacing the oil in the shocks. Apparently an often overlooked maintenance procedure. I sure haven't done mine - may have to give that a try.

 

I mean raising the back of the bike an inch :P Street Glide and FLHRS shocks are 11", other touring models are 12". The 11" doesn't have as much travel, so therefore has to be stiffer.

See my first answer, if your shocks are stock they are 11". The air inlet is only on one side, but it does adjust both shocks.

Might be worth a shot!


*disclaimer - I may be wrong, it could be that stock for FLHRS is 12" and standard is 13", and aftermarket goes as low as 11".
If so, though, everything I have said is still true in theory

 

Redsled, it don't sound right that a RKC riding solo is a rough ride. I ride an 07 RKC, weigh about 270 and pressure at 17. Bud of mine on an 06 custom weighs about 170 and often rides with no air in his shocks.I went from riding dynas to the King because of the soft ride.
Are you the first owner; maybe fluid is worn and needs replaceing

 

this statement is correct.

i was running progressive 440s on my road king (11-1/2") and the ride was much harsher than the stock shocks. i needed it for the increased ground reach so i didn't mind the trade off.

 

Pretty sure the Street Glide and FLHRS has 12" shocks and Touring standard is 13" . redsled if you've got the coin do the Penske's cause there will not be anything better, as good maybe, but not better.

 

I installed Ohlins 13 1/4" and like them on my 08 FLHX

 

If it feels better two up, try running with no air in the shocks. The air in the shocks does not hold the bike up it just shortens the rebound. Try this before spending more money.

 

Thanks for the tips - I'll give it a try with no air and see how that goes. Also going to start playing around with shock oil - try replacing it first, then maybe messing around with the level.