Thats at the top of my "must do" list. When the Mrs jumps on the back it feels like a Hard tail. lol

 

Replace the stock rear shock oil with thicker one. It will ride like a caddy... I am using the 13" touring shocks, which I bought used for under $100, for more travel. Cheap and easy upgrade that makes a big difference.

You will need to use much less shock air pressure with the thicker oil.

There are many posts in this forum on how to do the shock oil change.

P.S. I've tried the PS 440's and my bike rode like a brick and bottomed out all the time...

 

what weight oil do you suggest using?

 

10wt Amsoil Shock Therapy works great for pre '09s.

 

I hated the pogo ride on my 09 BargeGlide an I tried numerous air settings etc-- no go.
I sprung for HD replacement adjustable shocks and it's a MUCH better ride. Handling improved somewhat over stock as well when I push it though the twisties.

Not the ultimate shock but I'm happy.

 

If you buy a set of Ohlins, they will have the right weight oil in them.

 

Ride like a Caddy? Without a doubt, Ricors rode like a Caddy. It was simply weird, knowing that your tire was underneath you soaking up the road and not feeling anything but the sharpest of bumps. There was none of the chatter or sharp rapid jolts that would be transmitted by my stock SG shocks, 13" Ultra shocks, or even the 13" HD Premium Ride shocks.

If my SG was a solo-only bike I never would have gotten rid of them. Two-up they were wallowy and not confidence inspiring. Even with sag set correctly. *IF* you have like a 100-120lb significant other, the Ricors are the business. If she's kind of a Harley mama, get ready to make some compromises. I had the Ricors re-valved for my Dyna and they're great.

My problem is that you can't have a coil-over shock that rides great solo with little in the bags and also rides great two up with full bags. They can be set up one way or the other, or compromise in the middle.

I ordered some Arnott Aldan shocks today. Should give me exactly what I need. The ability to run any amount of air pressure I want (essentially spring preload) to attain proper sag, and also have 11 clicks of rebound dampening adjustment to compensate for heavier/lighter loads and sporty or relaxed riding.

My BMW K1200RS and K1200GT both had mechanical preload with rebound adjustment. The rebound adjustment is the key.

 

GREAT Sig Pic !!
Alice's. Love that place. Been there many times.

The 2 closest CADDY rides I've encountered are, my friend's
06 Ultra that I've ridden a few times. Once for a 1/2 day
(150 mi rd trip)

And 2nd best (believe this or not) was an early 90's Tour-Glide
I rode years ago. Both rode like a luxury car, and they just had
the Stock Ultra shocks.

On another note; That early Tour Glide fairing WORKS!! No buffeting
No nuthin'!! You could smoke a cee-gar at 100 mph.
Not the pertiest girl on the block . . . but really a great fairing.

 

I've never travelled in a Caddy, but do have Ohlins courtesy Howard of MM.

I have a cynical view of the popular subjects that come up on HDF, of which shocks is one. The vast majority of Harley owners on the planet are happily riding around unaware that a few of us are NOT happy with the ride we have! Only a minority of Harley owners world-wide are members of HDF and only a minority of us are not happy with our shocks.

However most of Howard's Ohlins customers (and his Penske customers, although we don't hear much from them) are over the moon with the improvement they give us. Very well worth considering. No - the only way to travel!

 

I would agree.