Wondering about putting rear shocks on my RK.. I'm 155 lbs. I don't carry a ton in my bags.. Wondering if it's pointless to get rear shocks, or if it would be highly noticeable. Anyone with similar weight have thoughts, reviews, experience, opinions?

Thx..

 

If you get a set made to match your weight and riding style, then yes.

 

What are you trying to do? Change the height, the ride?

 

I'm fine with the stock height, just looking maybe at changing the ride. Maybe a more performance orientated ride. I don't know because I've had no other, but people say the stock shocks are junk.

 

+1 Totally agree. Seems like you've done some nice stuff to the bike! Upgrading the suspension makes sense.

Contact Howard at motorcyclemetal.com (he's a forum sponsor) and you'll learn a lot about what some custom shocks can do for your ride.

 

I keep hearing the shocks are junk but have not found that to be true for me. I weigh about the same and don't usually carry tonnage either. I'm short on top of that so I have the SG shocks on the rear. Found the air shocks change enough to cover me. I run about 20 normally but can set them anywhere from zero to 40 depending on what I'm doing.

Just free $0.02

 

I am within a couple of pounds of you, same height. I don't run any air in my shocks and the ride suits me fine. It's a Road King not a sport bike.

 

Have you looked at the shock relocation parts to lower it with the stock shocks? It gives u new holes for the bottom of the shock to relocate it which gives u a hole that is farther away from the top than the stock position. I have lowered mine by 1" which is actually 3/4" at the seat. I have yet to drag anything much differently than I did before hand. Nothing, hard riding it really only showed the running boards rubbing just like before, but I don't run 10/10's except on rare occasions and then I should be backing off instead of trying to fly....

 

There are tons of shock threads on here. What comes out of them is that many riders are happy with the stock shocks, especially solo. For those who want a better ride with improved comfort there is a trap! There are many alternative shocks out there and it is tempting to buy cheaper ones in the expectation of getting a better ride, but that doesn't always happen.

If you want to improve your comfort and handling, get good quality shocks, custom built for you and your weight. bigdaddy33 and I have both gone down the Ohlins route, courtesy of Howard at Motorcycle Metal. If you want to learn more, simply search the touring forum for 'shocks', but get a long drink first!

 

Not for me! The stock air suspensions are complete junk front and rear. I have changed the front to RaceTech and I'm waiting on the rear from Howard (motorcyclemetals). I have tried every adjustment in the air pressures I can and they still suck and I feel every bump in the road. I guess they are fine for some, but I ride a lot and I just have to have better and I'm half way there on my FLHT, hurry Howard!