Hi All,
what is the difference between the 2 lowering shock part numbers that HD sell ?
54635-09 OR 54631-02B

It says the one is for 09+ models but why ? - the centres are the same.

asked the stealer and they didn't know......

Thanks all
Rowle - UK

 

When they changed the frame in '09 there was some change in the damping characteristics or spring stiffness of the shocks. I believe the newer shocks are stiffer. Either one will actually "fit". Be prepared for a stiff rough ride if you are switching from 13" shocks to 12" shocks. Aftermarket or the new HD Premium shocks wil make a huge difference in ride quality.

 

Hi,
yes, thats another thing, not sure whether to go HD or aftermarket ?
Want to keep the air type though.

rowle- Uk

 

Why keep the air type? That's why they ride so crappy-the only reason H-D uses the air shocks is because they're cheap. The better shocks are adjustable for load, they just don't use air.

 

I was at the stealership this afternoon getting an appointment for the brake switch recall replacement, and the guy asked me what I thought of the RK. I said, oh I love it.....but I'm not crazy about the rear shocks. what is everyone buying in place of, the HD Premium, the Progressive 440, maybe the 940? He said, if your gona replace the shocks, the 440s and 940s are the way to go especially the 940. I told him it felt like the rear bottoms out a lot, he asked how much air I've got in em? I said, ummm about 5-7lbs how much should a guy my size have in them? He said, the less air you have in them the less bounce you have. The progressives are definitely an improvement but first get the best ride you can out of what you have, put 20-25Lbs in them. Running them low makes it feel like there are no shocks back there at all....he's right there. Don't expect too much but I'm going to add more air till I decide what I'm doing.

 

I've got the 09 version--- said to be revalved for smoother ride.

they are pretty good, run 7 pounds with tourpak off and solo.

cost $125 from an "upgrading" rider, $230 at zanotti's

put the stockers back on my FLHTC for long distance touring ( about 20 pounds with full load, camping gear)

it's easy to spend alot of money on shocks and I did-once...

for what I do the air shocks work pretty good and the value is there

mike

 

Hi Mike,
i have the 2012 (same shocks i think) and the manual says even 1 up should be 15 psi+ .
Is 7 psi somethng you have found out by testing ?
I have one of those lowering blocks on to try at the minute and the height is great now (about 1" lower) but i,m not keen on leaving it like it due to the shock angle changing.

i have been looking at after market lowering shocks and there are 2 types of springs 156 lb and 176 lb - do you know what the HD lowering ones are in comparrison ??

Thanks.
Rowle - UK

 

Keep in mind the recommended pressures changed with the 09 shocks. If you upgraded your bike don't use the same pressure you used on your older one.

 

I weigh about 210 in my riding gear and I was running the stock air shocks at 38psi solo, 40psi if loaded for touring with the wife.

Now I've got the HD Premium shocks and have them at the recommended zero preload setting for my weight. Excellent damping characteristics and no chance of bottoming these out. Highly recommended for those who want to improve their suspension for a very reasonable price.