Hi Dave,
I don't want to sound like a Fox Shox salesman, but maybe try them front and back. My a$$ has not left the seat from a bump since I did.
I am not saying Harley or any other company can not improve upon their product. What has not gone up in price? I am also not saying you do this, but if you buy a dozen eggs right now do you go around complaining how awful they taste, or do you complain about how much they cost? This of course, after eating a dozen of them! I suppose currently when you go ride one of your touring bikes you have a smile on your face, right?
I am also saying the younger generation(s) that are interested in buying a motorcycle could easily land on this site in search of info. There are very few cheerleaders on this site anymore. I say they will read how all of these CVO owners hate their bike, and move on to something else even though they're a MANY who love riding their CVO! The younger generation may be a lot of things, but I would not call them ignorant. I am suggesting that this may be possibly a cause of the reduced traffic on this site, thus the "smaller audience."
When I decided to buy my 2015 CVO I came onto this site and believe me I found plenty of this same bashing then. It did not just start in 2015. I had already spent over $50K on my previous NON-CVO street glide, and decided on the CVO. My decision and glad I did.
I put Ohlin shocks front and rear on my 15 CVO RGU. Yes better than stock, not 2K better. Also not as good as a Stock BMW or Goldwing. Also not close to my Pan America. I had Ohlin on the back of my 18 CVO RG, so I could gain an inch of travel. Still not what I would call a good modern suspension.
Try this to understand my point on price. In 2014 the corvette (C7)) was completely redesigned shared almost no parts with the C6 version base price went up less then 1K. In 2020 the corvette was completely redesigned, mid engine (C8) sharing no parts with the C7. No features or standard equipment was removed, the product both times vastly improved. C7 to C8 base price went up less the 4K.
14 to now the Harley CVO has gone from 36K to 52K. That is 16K price increase. Hasn't been redesigned since 2009. Same suspension, same frame. Yes, a new engine. Some suspension improvement but nothing significant. So huge price increase, minimal improvements. No longer get a CB. No longer get XM radio. Removed the ability to close the vents in the lower fairing.
Seems, that others can improve their product and increase their price less. Harley just raises its price, more than other by a lot. In 14 it was a base corvette was 19K more than a CVO Ultra. Today a base corvette is 8K more than a CVO Limited. Yes everything has gone up. Some has gone up way more than the rest.
Yep, I love riding my CVO. My CVO Road Glide is a long way from stock. I have 61K fun filled miles on my 19. I'm sure I'll put at least 10K on it this year. I really love riding my Pan America. The Pan America is a true value in the Harley line. 24K after I added the hard aluminum boxes on the sides and back. It will out run any other Harley 0-60, 1/4 mile and top speed, its governed to 142mph. It's suspension is better than any touring bike, even if you put 2K into the suspension on the touring bike. It will run the curves faster than any touring bike. It has five ride modes. You can feel distinct changes in the suspension, the throttle response, the traction control and the power band. Yes, it's comfortable. Rode from here to Salida CO, 1400 miles in 2 days. Then I rode 4 paved mountain passes, and 4 dirt/gravel mountain passes. Then rode home in two days.
Harley can make a bike that performs and handles. They can do it at a reasonable price. BMW, Goldwing, Indian touring bikes have more power, handle better, have better suspension, and ride modes than Harley touring. I want Harley to make a touring bike with power, and handling and suspension that can compete with the other touring bikes.