more on shocks
#11
09-03-2011 | 09:57 AM
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 1,145
Likes: 97
From: Colorado Springs
#14
09-03-2011 | 10:33 AM
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 14
From: Pacific Northwest
I did some forum searching about shocks on the touring bikes, including a rather contentious one regarding Ohlins and it's representative. Based on Ohlins statement that if you are not looking for a performance shock and I am not a racer, I am looking at Progressives. There is a whole host of models that will fit the 2011 EG limited from 412, 440, 812, 940 and some I can't remember. I also looked in the Dennis Kirk site and they show some Drag Specialties shocks made by Progressive that sell for $200. Didn't research which Progressive model they resemble.
I don't carve canyons, race at Talledaga, haul 2 tons. I just want a rear shock that doesn't jolt me or the GF when I hit a minimal pot hole or bump. I have tried various air setting in the stock air shocks, I have the lowered version, and bumps are unpleasant. Need to stay with the lowered height since the front is lowered too. For what it's worth, the front handling is fine.
Suggestions to end my bone rattling ride without breaking the bank again??
I don't carve canyons, race at Talledaga, haul 2 tons. I just want a rear shock that doesn't jolt me or the GF when I hit a minimal pot hole or bump. I have tried various air setting in the stock air shocks, I have the lowered version, and bumps are unpleasant. Need to stay with the lowered height since the front is lowered too. For what it's worth, the front handling is fine.
Suggestions to end my bone rattling ride without breaking the bank again??
I weigh 215 so I went for the standard units (instead of HD) and have no issues riding 2-up or loaded. The preload is easy to adjust and my bike rides like a Cadillac with no bottoming. If you are a large person with a large passenger you might want the HD springs.
#15
09-03-2011 | 11:18 AM
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 4
I'm looking at upgrading too but will upgrade the front and the rear. I think the front will show its limitations with a better rear end set up.
Shocks, not unlike cams, exhausts and oils (to name a few) are very personal. I think you need to find someone you're comfortable with that will really work with you and hopefully offers a refund if your not happy (not sure it exists).
RICOR has a nice looking shock but its six bones. They have a 30 day money back guarantee though which is nice.
My view on shocks is similar to camshafts. Its easy to get caught up in the big number but the reality is its a TOURING bike. Keyword:touring. The lean angles are low, the bikes are heavy and they're slow (in comparison to what Ohlins are typically fitted to). Do you really need a remote reservoir $1K shock? I don't think so. But if I was rich, then...........
Shocks, not unlike cams, exhausts and oils (to name a few) are very personal. I think you need to find someone you're comfortable with that will really work with you and hopefully offers a refund if your not happy (not sure it exists).
RICOR has a nice looking shock but its six bones. They have a 30 day money back guarantee though which is nice.
My view on shocks is similar to camshafts. Its easy to get caught up in the big number but the reality is its a TOURING bike. Keyword:touring. The lean angles are low, the bikes are heavy and they're slow (in comparison to what Ohlins are typically fitted to). Do you really need a remote reservoir $1K shock? I don't think so. But if I was rich, then...........
#16
09-03-2011 | 11:26 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 483
From: sunny florida
I disagree totally , I ran Ricor , hated them , ran Progressive 940's and they worked good , the Ohlin's are excellent and worth the money , go to motorcycle metals web and click on the shock link and read the generic description of the different kinds of shocks and it will educate you on what best works for you , with forum discounts the #2 line start at $500 & #3 line $700 , so if you are looking for $200 shocks they would be high , but if you are looking at $400 and up shocks they are in line and far superior
I'm looking at upgrading too but will upgrade the front and the rear. I think the front will show its limitations with a better rear end set up.
Shocks, not unlike cams, exhausts and oils (to name a few) are very personal. I think you need to find someone you're comfortable with that will really work with you and hopefully offers a refund if your not happy (not sure it exists).
RICOR has a nice looking shock but its six bones. They have a 30 day money back guarantee though which is nice.
My view on shocks is similar to camshafts. Its easy to get caught up in the big number but the reality is its a TOURING bike. Keyword:touring. The lean angles are low, the bikes are heavy and they're slow (in comparison to what Ohlins are typically fitted to). Do you really need a remote reservoir $1K shock? I don't think so. But if I was rich, then...........
Shocks, not unlike cams, exhausts and oils (to name a few) are very personal. I think you need to find someone you're comfortable with that will really work with you and hopefully offers a refund if your not happy (not sure it exists).
RICOR has a nice looking shock but its six bones. They have a 30 day money back guarantee though which is nice.
My view on shocks is similar to camshafts. Its easy to get caught up in the big number but the reality is its a TOURING bike. Keyword:touring. The lean angles are low, the bikes are heavy and they're slow (in comparison to what Ohlins are typically fitted to). Do you really need a remote reservoir $1K shock? I don't think so. But if I was rich, then...........
#17
09-03-2011 | 11:33 AM
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 757
Likes: 4
#18
09-03-2011 | 11:39 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 483
From: sunny florida
the monotubes standard at $264 from phat performance are the best bang for the buck , I love them , Howard was great to me , I've read all these post on him and can't figure it out , I got better customer service from him than anyone I've dealt with , what switched me to Ohlins is me and my wife have been doing more multi state trips and when loaded down on the road we were getting beat up and we just needed a smoother ride
#19
09-03-2011 | 11:39 AM
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,512
Likes: 377
From: Lansing mi
Go back and investigate the progressive 940. From what I've read in the J&P Catalog it says this 13" shock was designed to give the lowered ride of a 12" shock and the stance of a 12" shock while the bike is on it's sidestand.
This leads me to believe the sag is preset for the weight of the bike and will maintain 12" stance with you standing over it. Apparently the only time the shocks extend to the full 13" is when riding and the suspension is unweighted by riding over low areas.
I'd check with Progressive to be sure.
This leads me to believe the sag is preset for the weight of the bike and will maintain 12" stance with you standing over it. Apparently the only time the shocks extend to the full 13" is when riding and the suspension is unweighted by riding over low areas.
I'd check with Progressive to be sure.
#20
09-03-2011 | 11:47 AM
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,116
Likes: 483
From: sunny florida
GPHDXLC , I didn't understand your comment earlier , if you buy anyone's 12" shocks they will be 12" eyebolt to eyebolt uninstalled , the weight of the bike will make them lower than that and your weight lower again , how can a 12" shock be taller than 12" when you are off the bike ? I may be missing what you are trying to say