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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: Trans am on July 27, 2014, 10:31:32 PM

Title: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: Trans am on July 27, 2014, 10:31:32 PM
I asked sometime back about what one would do to their new cvo.   Got lots of replies and one was install new ohlins rear shocks.      Well after 1100 miles. I know why that was said.   The stock rears sucks.  No matter what pressure is in them.   Anyone else change them out and have better ride without the bottoming out.   Our roads sucks around here.
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: charles05663 on July 29, 2014, 12:06:22 PM
I replaced my front and rear shocks (Traxxions & Bitubos) after 17,000 miles.  I wish I had done it at the time of purchase.  One of the best upgrades I have done.  I really think any shocks are better then the pieces of poop they ship on their "top of the line" bikes.

 :oops: :nixweiss:
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: Dr.D on July 29, 2014, 12:32:03 PM
I replaced my front and rear shocks (Traxxions & Bitubos) after 17,000 miles.  I wish I had done it at the time of purchase.  One of the best upgrades I have done.  I really think any shocks are better then the pieces of poop they ship on their "top of the line" bikes.

 :oops: :nixweiss:

How much does it cost to do a job like that, parts and labour at a shop?
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: charles05663 on July 29, 2014, 12:41:11 PM
The cost of the shocks was around (off the top of my head) $2000 last year.  I removed my front forks and stopped by their shop and let them upgrade front tubes.  I did the removal and install of the front forks and rear shocks myself.

 :oops: :nixweiss:
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: NYSport on July 29, 2014, 01:49:56 PM
I asked sometime back about what one would do to their new cvo.   Got lots of replies and one was install new ohlins rear shocks.      Well after 1100 miles. I know why that was said.   The stock rears sucks.  No matter what pressure is in them.   Anyone else change them out and have better ride without the bottoming out.   Our roads sucks around here.

I used the Ohlins model 159.  It is a 13" shock but has adjustable ends.  Net/net the with the adjustment made to the short length the ride height on my 2012 FLTRXSE is the same as it was with the stock 12" shock.  Needless to say the ride is substantially better but at $800 it's not cheap.   The pain of the price tag goes away pretty quickly after the install:)
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: kmh364 on August 01, 2014, 06:24:21 PM
One would think that "premium" CVO models would come with "premium" suspension, but they don't. If they did, the dealers wouldn't be happy as that's a major FLH weakness and moneymaker for them if you opt for the dealer-installed H-D P&A "premium" suspension. Personally, I'd trade all the CVO pack-in extra crap that filled my tour pack and bags for the upgraded suspension. I went with the HD-357 "motor officer special" shocks on my non-CVO R/K. Pricy, but worth every penny, IMHO.
Title: Re: 14, rear shocks.
Post by: kiro on August 02, 2014, 11:51:44 AM
After quite a bit of research I had the Traxxion AK-20 Cartridge Kit installed last winter and ordered a pair of Bitubo WME 330mm rear shocks at the same time. Had my dealer pull and forward the front end to Traxxion for the install - I wasn't even in the same state as the bike when this was done. Cost was around $2,500 overall, but I view the upgrade as significant. Traxxion provides a discount to forum members so ask about it if you go this route.