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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: Cvostu on November 19, 2017, 08:56:20 PM

Title: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Cvostu on November 19, 2017, 08:56:20 PM
For my 16 cvo rgu.   I'm thinking of replacing the stock rear shocks.   I'm up for suggestions.  Mostly flat where I am.   I'm just trying to improve the ride.   Thanks.  Stuart.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: SDCVO on November 19, 2017, 11:43:49 PM
Stuart, you know the answer here-I know you don't want to know but you do... Ohlins-- gotta pay to play!
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Mr D on November 20, 2017, 11:25:37 AM
For my 16 cvo rgu.   I'm thinking of replacing the stock rear shocks.   I'm up for suggestions.  Mostly flat where I am.   I'm just trying to improve the ride.   Thanks.  Stuart.

Much improvement & not breaking the bank
Good company, stands behind their products 100%
Most metro Milwaukee HD dealers offer their products
http://supershox.com/
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: skratch on November 20, 2017, 02:03:43 PM
is it just me or is no one else able to find much info on the supershox website either?  i can't find anywhere where they state what lengths are available, which models, and what cost. 

if you make it too hard for me to find the info, i'm going to look elsewhere figuring that you really don't want my money.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: DesertHOG on November 20, 2017, 02:23:11 PM
is it just me or is no one else able to find much info on the supershox website either?  i can't find anywhere where they state what lengths are available, which models, and what cost. 

if you make it too hard for me to find the info, i'm going to look elsewhere figuring that you really don't want my money.

Not just you. This is the closest I found to a spec sheet and it doesn't cover size/length. They seem to have established a network of HD dealers who carry their product.

http://supershox.com/super-shox-detail/ (http://supershox.com/super-shox-detail/)
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: ultrafxr on November 20, 2017, 04:58:11 PM
My new Tri-Glide trike had those crappy H-D air shocks.  The trike rides a bit rougher than a two-wheeler anyway due to the solid rear axle I'm told but I was shocked (pun intended) at just how bad the ride was.  I recently upgraded to a new shock from Pro Action made especially for trikes.  It it a 14" shock offering an extra inch of travel.  And because the H-D trikes are a bit of tail draggers it needed to be raised anyway.  I looked at and evaluated all the major brands including Ohlins but settled on the Pro Actions because of the increased travel and most especially because they are made here in the good ole US of A and have a lifetime warranty.  After about 1,200 miles on them my wife and I simply cannot believe how much improved the ride quality is.  I highly recommend the Pro Action shocks.

They made standard 13" and even 12" shocks but the 14" shocks can be put on a two wheeler along with a 1" lowering kit to maintain stock ride height.

http://street.pro-action.com/

The 14" aren't listed on the company's website but can be bought here (and the standard length shocks also):

http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/rear-shocks-c651.htm

Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Boatman on November 20, 2017, 06:08:55 PM
Stuart-I don’t know where in Florida that Howard from motorcycle metal is but I would speak with him about onlins.
That being said I would buy Legend Revo A’s in 13” from Mark at M and M cycles in Sandusky Ohio. Good luck. 
Title: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Unbalanced on November 22, 2017, 09:31:26 AM
Howard is in the Ft. Lauderdale area
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Mr D on November 22, 2017, 03:38:33 PM
Not just you. This is the closest I found to a spec sheet and it doesn't cover size/length. They seem to have established a network of HD dealers who carry their product.

http://supershox.com/super-shox-detail/ (http://supershox.com/super-shox-detail/)

For the most part, yes
I put a set on my '14 TK after having a set of HD Premium Adjustable's on
NO comparison in ride quality between the two, SS much improved  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Cvostu on November 25, 2017, 06:21:03 PM
What do you guys think about progressive shocks.   A few I ride with a few that went with those. Front and rear. Keep in mind that is very flat where I am.  Thanks. Stuart
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: JCZ on November 25, 2017, 06:41:02 PM
I'm looking for rear shocks also.....so I'm watching this thread.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Unbalanced on November 26, 2017, 09:43:30 AM
Stu,  just get the Ohlins front and rear and move on.   Your ears got the best, your butt and safety deserves nothing less. 


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Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Boatman on November 26, 2017, 11:05:38 AM
 Progressive not any better than stock IMO
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Unbalanced on November 26, 2017, 01:06:21 PM
944’s rode good just not as good as the Ohlins imo


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Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: KGB on November 26, 2017, 01:09:46 PM
Stu,  just get the Ohlins front and rear and move on.   Your ears got the best, your butt and safety deserves nothing less. 


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What he said!
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: BostonboyDH on November 26, 2017, 06:19:26 PM
   
   YUP!!!

What he said!
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Ironhorse on November 26, 2017, 06:57:36 PM
Rear shocks you say? I love the Ohlins on my Ultra.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Cvostu on November 26, 2017, 11:41:41 PM
Thanks guys. I'll check on the pricing for the ohlins.  Stuart  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Dan_Lockwood on November 27, 2017, 03:27:29 PM
You should get in touch with BigChuck.

Here's the link/thread in Wanted To Buy forum about shocks.

https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=112876.0 (https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=112876.0)

He ended up getting a set of Super Shox in 14" length.  The 14" comes with a 1" lowering kit so the longer stroke 14" works out very well without the added height.

He's very happy with them and apparently some dealers give 15% off.  AND they come with a "no questions asked 30 day return"...

Chuck's 2-up ride weight is just within a few pounds of my 2-up weight and he says the Super Shox are working great.  I think before spring I might get me a set and give them a try.

Good luck with all of the choices available out there.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on November 29, 2017, 07:54:20 AM
Ohlin's on the rear.   They are a big improvement and are better than Progressive 944 by a good amount.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: bigchuck on November 29, 2017, 06:37:06 PM
You should get in touch with BigChuck.

Here's the link/thread in Wanted To Buy forum about shocks.

https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=112876.0 (https://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=112876.0)

He ended up getting a set of Super Shox in 14" length.  The 14" comes with a 1" lowering kit so the longer stroke 14" works out very well without the added height.

He's very happy with them and apparently some dealers give 15% off.  AND they come with a "no questions asked 30 day return"...

Chuck's 2-up ride weight is just within a few pounds of my 2-up weight and he says the Super Shox are working great.  I think before spring I might get me a set and give them a try.

Good luck with all of the choices available out there.

Thanks Dan for sharing the link to my other post. I don't know how to do that but was going to try. It was kind of hidden where it was and now others can find it.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: ultrafxr on November 30, 2017, 04:30:56 PM
When you find a product that works even better than advertised you want to share it with all your friends.  I posted earlier about the new Pro Action shocks I put on my Tri-Glide and how it dramatically improved the ride quality and handling.  Other that as a satisfied customer I have no interest nor ties to either Pro Action or DK Custom Products where I bought my shocks.  With that being said what led me to the purchasing decision was meeting Kevin of DK, hearing and reading how thoroughly he and his crew evaluated a myriad of shcoks - and yes including Ohlins and Super Shox even though they dropped them from their final evaluation.

I would invite anyone who like me wants first hand information to contact Kevin at DK and speak to him.  He is very knowledgeable about Harleys and the products that make them work better.  Here are some links for more information:

http://street.pro-action.com/

https://www.baggersmag.com/pro-action-suspension-street-series-bagger-shocks

http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/rear-shocks-c651.htm

http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/overview-of-performance-rear-shocks-10.htm

Added:  In the interest of full disclosure I personally have never ridden with any aftermarket shock other than Legend and Legend Revo A air shcoks and now these Pro Action shocks.  I can say that the Pro Action shocks do imo provide a better ride than the Legends.  And I've not ridden with the Pro Action shocks on a two-wheeler but from my research I think the improvement would be as good and probably better than what I experienced on my Tri-Glide.

Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Cat Eye on November 30, 2017, 10:00:36 PM
Rear shocks you say? I love the Ohlins on my Ultra.

x2

Once you install them and take your first ride......they’re not expensive at all!
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: bigchuck on December 01, 2017, 12:27:21 AM
Having a retailer tell you that they tested all the major brands of shocks and the ones they sell are the best is not exactly an independent study or surprising. They have other things to consider such as profit margin for one. That being said I also considered Pro Action from DK and if they had a 30 return policy and didn't cost $200 more than Super Shox I would have tried them. In fact I was going to try them next if the SS shocks didn't perform as advertised. DK also sells a lift that makes a big difference on trikes as far as steering and handling.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: ultrafxr on December 01, 2017, 08:31:11 AM
Having a retailer tell you that they tested all the major brands of shocks and the ones they sell are the best is not exactly an independent study or surprising. They have other things to consider such as profit margin for one. That being said I also considered Pro Action from DK and if they had a 30 return policy and didn't cost $200 more than Super Shox I would have tried them. In fact I was going to try them next if the SS shocks didn't perform as advertised. DK also sells a lift that makes a big difference on trikes as far as steering and handling.
Agree Chuck. But they didn’t sell shocks until they tested to determine what they wanted to sell.  Understand we all have our favs and not knocking any of them. Like you just trying to share my personal experiences. Thanks to for starting this thread (actually thanks to CVOSTU). I hope it has been helpful to all who’ve read it.

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Added:  And they also sell Bitubos so the Pro Action is not the only choice from them.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Unbalanced on December 01, 2017, 05:02:13 PM
All this feedback is great.   I Thought SWB  - STU Who Baby   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:   aka - CVoSTU started the thread/inquiry  :nixweiss: :nixweiss: :nixweiss:
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: ultrafxr on December 01, 2017, 05:16:54 PM
All this feedback is great.   I Thought SWB  - STU Who Baby   :huepfenlol2: :huepfenlol2:   aka - CVoSTU started the thread/inquiry  :nixweiss: :nixweiss: :nixweiss:
You are correct.  Apologies to CVOSTU.  Didn't mean to diss him. 
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: KGB on December 01, 2017, 06:35:38 PM
You are correct.  Apologies to CVOSTU.  Didn't mean to diss him.
If your worried about dissing someone, check out this thread at HD forums on this same subject;
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/new-rushmore-models/1206757-front-suspension-upgrade-5.html#post16872348


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Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: drgmis16 on December 03, 2017, 10:06:46 PM
Good info here.  Doing searching for rear shocks now to replace the standard air shocks.  Had a Street Glide that started with air, went to Progressive and the Ohlins.  From what read here seems that can not go wrong with the Ohlins again other than the price.  Is it even worth considering the HD Premium shocks?  The tech that works on the bike raves about these but this might be a biased opinion also!
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on December 04, 2017, 07:57:53 AM
I have a 13 CVO king with Ohlins, and my 18 CVO road glide has HD Premium shocks.

The new Premium shocks from 17 and new are an improvement over the previous premium shocks.  That said, the Ohlin are far superior to the HD Premium shocks.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: zigzag930 on December 04, 2017, 08:17:52 AM
I'm trying to decide as well.  Was thinking SS at first, but then added Ohlin 2 Adjustable and #3-3's to the mix.

Prices I've found range from under $600 to $750 for these three shocks, so not a huge difference.

What is the time to re-build milage on average?  Anyone know about approx cost?  Not clear if SS does this at no cost, so I'll have to call them to find out.

Really wondering if the ride will be much different between the three I've listed. 

Here's my understanding of the basic differences: I think the Ohlins 2-ADJ has the most stroke length of the group.  The 3-3 has the separated oil/gas.  The SS also is separated with a 3" stroke, so would be like the 3-3?

Adjustability is also a question.  Looks like the SS requires the saddlebags to be loosened and tilted out to reach the adjuster.   On the Ohlins it looks like you can reach down under the bags and turn the adjuster.  Is that hard to do?  Do the turn easily?

Tough choice..... any input is appreciated.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: JCZ on December 04, 2017, 08:57:29 AM
A lot to consider.....but also look at SS has a 30 day complete refund to consider as well as a lifetime warranty to the original purchaser.  Those are both huge deciding factors IMO.

I have a broken foot so I'm on hold with my decision.....but at this point, I believe I'm going to go with SS.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: OBB on December 04, 2017, 09:53:19 AM
I'm trying to decide as well.  Was thinking SS at first, but then added Ohlin 2 Adjustable and #3-3's to the mix.

Prices I've found range from under $600 to $750 for these three shocks, so not a huge difference.

What is the time to re-build milage on average?  Anyone know about approx cost?  Not clear if SS does this at no cost, so I'll have to call them to find out.

Really wondering if the ride will be much different between the three I've listed. 

Here's my understanding of the basic differences: I think the Ohlins 2-ADJ has the most stroke length of the group.  The 3-3 has the separated oil/gas.  The SS also is separated with a 3" stroke, so would be like the 3-3?

Adjustability is also a question.  Looks like the SS requires the saddlebags to be loosened and tilted out to reach the adjuster.   On the Ohlins it looks like you can reach down under the bags and turn the adjuster.  Is that hard to do?  Do the turn easily?

Tough choice..... any input is appreciated.
I have the 3-3 shocks on mine. You might be able to adjust the rebound without removing the bags but no way to adjust the preload with removing them and using a tool after backing off the nylon set screw

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Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: havenolife on December 04, 2017, 11:58:11 AM
I have the 159 s you can turn the knob on the bottom but cant adjust anything else without taking the bags off first the knob is not that hard to turn
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: FlaHeatWave on December 04, 2017, 02:06:58 PM
Good info here.  Doing searching for rear shocks now to replace the standard air shocks.  Had a Street Glide that started with air, went to Progressive and the Ohlins.  From what read here seems that can not go wrong with the Ohlins again other than the price.  Is it even worth considering the HD Premium shocks?  The tech that works on the bike raves about these but this might be a biased opinion also!

"The Ball & Chain" and I really like the HD Premium stuff on the '09 SERG,,, properly adjusted, they give a good balance of handling and ride quality for over 51k  miles so far,,, When these wear out I'll probably replace with the same...
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Dan_Lockwood on December 05, 2017, 11:42:47 AM
"The Ball & Chain" and I really like the HD Premium stuff on the '09 SERG,,, properly adjusted, they give a good balance of handling and ride quality for over 51k  miles so far,,, When these wear out I'll probably replace with the same...

Ed, are you running 12" or 13" HD Premium shocks?
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: drgmis16 on December 07, 2017, 09:59:14 PM
Leaning toward getting the Ohlins since had them before but this time will install myself.  Is the setup difficult and can it be done with only one person?  Have not searched the Ohlins site yet, is there a preferred model for the Road Glide Ultra?
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: KGB on December 07, 2017, 10:19:29 PM
Leaning toward getting the Ohlins since had them before but this time will install myself.  Is the setup difficult and can it be done with only one person?  Have not searched the Ohlins site yet, is there a preferred model for the Road Glide Ultra?

You will need a helper to measure while your sitting on the back to correctly setting the sag, there are multiple videos on YouTube that should give you the general idea.
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: Unbalanced on December 08, 2017, 12:10:24 AM
Leaning toward getting the Ohlins since had them before but this time will install myself.  Is the setup difficult and can it be done with only one person?  Have not searched the Ohlins site yet, is there a preferred model for the Road Glide Ultra?

I used Howard's method with the wire tie on the piston rod.   worked just took a while to get it done
Title: Re: Im thinking about new rear shocks
Post by: bigchuck on December 08, 2017, 05:33:03 AM
Another thing to consider is your normal rider + passenger + gear weight. If it's 400 lbs or more that is the max setting for the HD premium shocks and they are effectively no longer adjustable. Not sure what the max setting is on the newest version of the HD Premium as far as weight goes.