I recently just purchased a 2013 Roadglide Ultra. I'm looking to change out the rear shocks because of my short stature (5'6" with 29" inseam). The RGU comes stock with 13" shocks so I'm looking to change them out to Progressive 944's (-1" from stock) but I have been kicking around getting the 444's in a 11.5" shock. I just want to hear from people with these systems. I have been searching to the hilt.

Any help would be appreciated.

 

IMO dont go with 11.5 shocks you will loose too much travel and impact your ride. Im using the 940 (now replaced by the 944) and Im happy with them for the $. They do sit lower than a 13" shock (usually not quite at the 12" mark) and will give you more travel than a 12" shock. IMO they work well much better than the stock shocks.

BUT you get what you pay for If your budget allows look into JRI or Ohlins from Motor Cycle Metal, Howard custom tunes these to your needs and they are probably the best you can get but more $.

IMO better to bestmost common replacements are:
the HD Premium Ride Shocks (CVO) in 12or 13 are better than stock at $ 400
the Progressive 944 at $500
the progressive 444
Terry cable at about $600
JRI or Ohlins at $ 600 and up

 

Thanks Xaran. I was thinking no on the 11.5" also. Was enticing though. I think I'm gonna stick with 12". Maybe progressive 444/0r 944. I did put a call into JRI. Waiting on their specialist to call me.

 

Home made rear air ride w/corvette air shocks are the best bang for the buck. you can adjust your ride height as you please. The mod can be done for under 200 bucks.

 

I put a call into Terry Cable also. I have never heard of them. How do they rate? Anybody using them currently?

 

While you're waiting, phone Howard at Motorcycle Metal! He sells JRI and Ohlins and will custom build either of them for you. He also offers HDF members a decent discount.

 

BadDad. I actually thought about doing the DIY air ride but I shyed away from it because I didn't want to be away from home and blow an air line, or get a leak, or something and have to rigid ride it the whole way home. I think it would be too much hassle.

I'm still not ruling it out but even though my skills are better than average, I'm not overly confident in piecing it all together and moving forward with it unfortunately.

 

A couple shops in my area like them alot. One of the pluses with Terry Cable is they have a 90 day return policy. Try them and if you dont like them return for full refund. With USPS Flat rate shipping at under $ 10 your only out $10 if you dont like them.

As already stated if you have the budget and want the best call Howard at Motor Cycle metal and get some JRI, tell him your a forum member for a big discount.

Air ride is great for varying loads or for cosmetic use (lower the bike ect) but that is what air suspension was designed for, if you want an improvement in ride quality, handling , performance air suspension is not the best choice. if you want to be able to raise or lower the bike on command, increase preload for a change in load , air is great. You see air ride on trucks and heavy equipment not luxury or sport vehicles

 

Yeah. Totally makes sense. I talked Terry Cable and Howard both about shocks. Both gave decent descriptions onehatthey can do however both were at Sturgis so they are gonna get back to me. Both seem like knowledgable people. The Terry Cable shocks looked like a good deal. He quoted me $650 and I did enjoy the fact that if I don't like them, than I can return them.

I'm just waiting back from Howard at Motorcycle Metal to talk to him some more. He seemed very knowledgable.

 

Hi, this is Elysia from TerryCable..... were you able to talk to Terry about your suspension needs? He is at Sturgis, but will always get back to you in a couple hours.