Topic: Shock Recommendations for Big Sexy (Read 8747 times)

DesertHOG · « **on:** August 06, 2018, 08:08:07 PM »

The performance shocks that come with the 2018 Harley Road Glide Special are much better than their air shocks. However, they still drive a shock up the spine when encountering a bump, crack, or transition drop in the road. So I am considering a new set of rear shocks and need your feedback on the following or similar.

Air Suspension like Dirty Air and JnRDesigned (both use Monroe Air Shocks)
https://dirtyworks-kc.com http://jnrdesigned.com

Progressive Suspension 944 Super Heavy (350+ lbs)
https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1438/944-Series-Ultra-Touring-and-Ultra-Low-Shocks

Super Shox Platinum Series
http://supershox.com/touring_options/

Ohlins 159, seem to be discontinued on the Ohlins Website. Now they list
Dividing piston gas pressurized system (STX36D)
Piggyback gas pressurized system (STX36P)
https://www.ohlinsusa.com/suspension-products/Motorcycle/Harley-Davidson/All/Harley-Davidson

Legends Suspension Revo-A
https://www.legendsuspensions.com/products/view/legend-revo-a-flh

Maybe you have a better/different suggestion. I'd like to keep the cost between $600-$1000 and get the best available given that price point.

Thanks in advance.

Simon

HighOnHD · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2018, 09:11:30 PM »

You should at least consider Fox Shox. They have been around a very long time. Made in USA. They make high performance shocks for off-road racing (have been for many years) and they make shocks for our bikes in the price range you have listed. I have them on my bike and they are awesome. I had Ohlins on my last bike (and others as well) and I like them better. I also had Fox shocks on dirt racing bikes as far back as the 70's. They have always been awesome shocks. Just make sure you get them sprung right for your weight, and get the rebound adjustable as well for at the low range of your price range.

JMHO

JoeVibe · « **Reply #2 on:** August 06, 2018, 09:59:06 PM »

Hi Simon,

I've had the Legends Revo-A's on my Road King for more than a year and I just put them on the Road Glide. I have nothing bad to say about them.

Joe

ultrafxr · « **Reply #3 on:** August 06, 2018, 11:18:15 PM »

Simon, not sure if your RG Custom has 12" or 13" shocks. In any case I would recommend Pro-Action shocks. I put them on my 2018 Tri-Glide and they are just fantastic. Totally transformed the ride.

Kevin at DK Custom Products: https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/ has Pro-Action and Bitubo I think. He's done quite a bit of testing on most all the major brands.

Give him a call or drop him an email. He'll be glad to consult with you.

Jerry

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2018, 08:51:01 AM »

I'm sure you bike comes with 12" shocks. So go to 13" like I did on my CVO King. I have Ohlin HD-159, and love them. Shocked Ohlin is not making the 159 any more it was a best seller. You might want to call them and find out the replacement.

KGB · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2018, 09:53:28 AM »

I have the Ohlins HD 772 Blackline on my 2016 CVO SG, they are the same as the 159's, big improvement over the stock shocks.
I'm happy with them.

https://www.computrackboston.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=OHL-HD772

I paid 765.00 shipped, was worth every penny

sadunbar · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2018, 10:46:54 AM »

I run Traxxion AK-20's up front and Legend Air Suspension in the rear, Simon. I could not ask for more. Superior ride in all conditions...

DesertHOG · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2018, 11:29:22 AM »

Quote from: FLSTFI Dave on August 07, 2018, 08:51:01 AM

I'm sure you bike comes with 12" shocks. So go to 13" like I did on my CVO King. I have Ohlin HD-159, and love them. Shocked Ohlin is not making the 159 anymore it was a best seller. You might want to call them and find out the replacement.

I guess Ohlin's model/product numbering is a bit goofy. HD 159, HD 772, and S36DRL are all the same thing.

Simon

DesertHOG · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2018, 11:32:15 AM »

Quote from: sadunbar on August 07, 2018, 10:46:54 AM

I run Traxxion AK-20's up front and Legend Air Suspension in the rear, Simon. I could not ask for more. Superior ride in all conditions...

I don't know if your Legend Air is new or old model. I have the old on my 2009. I don't care for it at all. It's a very harsh ride. If you have the newer then it might be a lot better but the price is just prohibitive. I appreciate your input.

Simon

2ROWDY · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2018, 12:49:06 PM »

I bought my Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal. He was great to deal with. I called on a Sunday and he called back in about 5 minutes.

sadunbar · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2018, 02:27:54 PM »

Quote from: DesertHOG on August 07, 2018, 11:32:15 AM

I don't know if your Legend Air is new or old model. I have the old on my 2009. I don't care for it at all. It's a very harsh ride. If you have the newer then it might be a lot better but the price is just prohibitive. I appreciate your input.

Simon

Simon,

Legend Air-A FLH I paid $1850 for them...

Scott...

Twolanerider · « **Reply #11 on:** August 07, 2018, 02:30:52 PM »

Quote from: sadunbar on August 07, 2018, 02:27:54 PM

Simon,

Legend Air-A FLH I paid $1850 for them...

Scott...

You've had some experience with both Scott. Even if not back to back on the same bike do you prefer the Legend's air suspension over the Bitubo?

sadunbar · « **Reply #12 on:** August 07, 2018, 09:48:33 PM »

Quote from: Twolanerider on August 07, 2018, 02:30:52 PM

You've had some experience with both Scott. Even if not back to back on the same bike do you prefer the Legend's air suspension over the Bitubo?

I greatly prefer the Legends on the SEUC, especially when towing the Bushtec...

I have the Bitubo shocks on the FXR, and they are much improved over the previous Fox shocks.

I have a touchy lower back, so a smooth ride is essential for me... I'm very pleased with both the Legends and Bitubo's in each application...

Rooster · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2018, 10:29:49 AM »

I have Traxions in front and old Legends in back with Dirty Air fast up added. Got rid of the slowwww Legend compressor. May change over to Dirty Air's shocks down the road as Puzzled says they ride really good. You can order them different lengths.$699-$729.

Ghost__Rider · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2018, 04:33:23 PM »

I bought ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metals. Daylight and dark differnce in ride from stock pos shocks. Howard is little arrogant to deal with but knows his stuff. You won't be disappointed.

Unbalanced · « **Reply #15 on:** August 08, 2018, 05:37:22 PM »

I bought my last set of Ohlins from Carol. For a first time dealing with him it was a small leap of faith, but couldn’t be happier with the service or the price.

Highly recommend giving him a call and a shot at your business.

‭+1 (469) 268-4232‬

DesertHOG · « **Reply #16 on:** August 09, 2018, 05:29:15 PM »

Alright, I labored long and hard on this decision. I called and talked to the folks at DK, Pro-Action, and SuperShox. I also took into account the input here on CVOHarley.com and some Youtube reviews. Ohlins were definitely in the running.

The folks at Pro-Action felt they had a better shock than the Ohlin 159 but they relented that the Ohlin Reservoir shock outperformed them by a bit (5-10%, however that would be measured). They had no opinion on the SuperShox line. The folks at DK, who use Pro-Action 14", thought the SuperShox was a fine product line.

All said and done, I decided upon the SuperShox Platinum Series LT 14" that has an MSRP of $1300. JCZ and BigChuck got me considering that mfg seriously and then talking to Brian G at SuperShox put me over the top. This is the top of the line Super Shox offers and it's similar to the Ohlin's HD852.

I tried to stay in my $600-$1000 target. I exceeded it by just a bit. $1075 including shipping from Horny Toad HD after talking to Reginald Harris.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #17 on:** August 09, 2018, 05:33:53 PM »

Here's more attachments about the SuperShox Platinum.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #18 on:** August 09, 2018, 05:34:29 PM »

Here's more attachments about the SuperShox Platinum.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #19 on:** August 09, 2018, 05:35:31 PM »

Here's more attachments about the SuperShox lowering/reloction kit.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #20 on:** August 09, 2018, 05:36:54 PM »

Here's a link for their Harley lineup - Premier, Premium, and Platinum.

http://supershox.com/touring_options/

OBB · « **Reply #21 on:** August 09, 2018, 08:58:39 PM »

Quote from: Unbalanced on August 08, 2018, 05:37:22 PM

I bought my last set of Ohlins from Carol. For a first time dealing with him it was a small leap of faith, but couldn’t be happier with the service or the price.

Highly recommend giving him a call and a shot at your business.

‭+1 (469) 268-4232‬

He was at Shark Week last week. Goes by the name of Smarty on the boards.

Hey Harry, Ask Carol what he did to his bike on the way to Durango and what he did to be able to ride the rest of the trip.

Unbalanced · « **Reply #22 on:** August 09, 2018, 09:01:16 PM »

Quote from: OBB on August 09, 2018, 08:58:39 PM

He was at Shark Week last week. Goes by the name of Smarty on the boards.

Hey Harry, Ask Carol what he did to his bike on the way to Durango and what he did to be able to ride the rest of the trip.

Ask Carol or Ed? Ed hit the deer and pulled a Rolling Stones Lips Ducktape job as I hear it will ask Carol as well in the mean time

Unbalanced · « **Reply #23 on:** August 09, 2018, 09:30:04 PM »

Ouch just SMS’d him. That sucks, but congrats on his new M8.

Beehive spring failures poor Carol

1roadking · « **Reply #24 on:** August 10, 2018, 10:04:12 PM »

I’m running legends Revo A HD because I’m heavy lol. I am really liking them, I had Proaction 12 inch shocks custom made for my wife and I and they bottomed our all the time. My new shocks are 13 inch and that alone helps a lot. I would buy Revo a again in a heart beat. I also have there Axeo fork inserts and like them a lot as well. It feels very balanced now and my wife is much happier on the bumps😄

SteveVO · « **Reply #25 on:** August 11, 2018, 02:47:11 AM »

Desert and others with the Super Shox, when using that relocation mount, are there any clearance issues with the Saddle bags installed? Looking at the pictures the shocks are 2" further back on the swing arm.

DesertHOG · « **Reply #26 on:** August 11, 2018, 11:10:19 AM »

Quote from: SteveVO on August 11, 2018, 02:47:11 AM

Desert and others with the Super Shox, when using that relocation mount, are there any clearance issues with the Saddle bags installed? Looking at the pictures the shocks are 2" further back on the swing arm.

.
Not supposed to be an issue. I don't see how it would get in the way of anything. Plus I know JCZ would have said something if it wasn't a straight up perfect fit.

JCZ · « **Reply #27 on:** August 11, 2018, 01:12:43 PM »

Quote from: SteveVO on August 11, 2018, 02:47:11 AM

Desert and others with the Super Shox, when using that relocation mount, are there any clearance issues with the Saddle bags installed? Looking at the pictures the shocks are 2" further back on the swing arm.

No, no clearance problem. Nothing on the back side of my saddle bags.....I check every time I wash it.

Realred04 · « **Reply #28 on:** August 22, 2018, 09:25:54 PM »

Quote from: ultrafxr on August 06, 2018, 11:18:15 PM

Simon, not sure if your RG Custom has 12" or 13" shocks. In any case I would recommend Pro-Action shocks. I put them on my 2018 Tri-Glide and they are just fantastic. Totally transformed the ride.

Kevin at DK Custom Products: https://www.dkcustomproducts.com/ has Pro-Action and Bitubo I think. He's done quite a bit of testing on most all the major brands.

Give him a call or drop him an email. He'll be glad to consult with you.

Jerry
I agree with ultrafxr. After reading the report on DK custom's webite about suspension that they tested I decided to go with the Bitubo shocks for my limited. SHould be here Tuesday $552. delivered.

Gandrtravis · « **Reply #29 on:** January 01, 2019, 06:52:37 PM »

Quote from: DesertHOG on August 09, 2018, 05:29:15 PM

Alright, I labored long and hard on this decision. I called and talked to the folks at DK, Pro-Action, and SuperShox. I also took into account the input here on CVOHarley.com and some Youtube reviews. Ohlins were definitely in the running.

The folks at Pro-Action felt they had a better shock than the Ohlin 159 but they relented that the Ohlin Reservoir shock outperformed them by a bit (5-10%, however that would be measured). They had no opinion on the SuperShox line. The folks at DK, who use Pro-Action 14", thought the SuperShox was a fine product line.

All said and done, I decided upon the SuperShox Platinum Series LT 14" that has an MSRP of $1300. JCZ and BigChuck got me considering that mfg seriously and then talking to Brian G at SuperShox put me over the top. This is the top of the line Super Shox offers and it's similar to the Ohlin's HD852.

I tried to stay in my $600-$1000 target. I exceeded it by just a bit. $1075 including shipping from Horny Toad HD after talking to Reginald Harris.

I’m also thinking about getting shocks on my 18 cvo rg was wondering what sight you ordered off of? Also do you know who sells Öhlins shocks was looking at the blackline piggies back shocks they look nice I’d like to talk to someone about them that knows about shocks.

Unbalanced · « **Reply #30 on:** January 01, 2019, 10:44:10 PM »

Quote from: Gandrtravis on January 01, 2019, 06:52:37 PM

I’m also thinking about getting shocks on my 18 cvo rg was wondering what sight you ordered off of? Also do you know who sells Öhlins shocks was looking at the blackline piggies back shocks they look nice I’d like to talk to someone about them that knows about shocks.

Try Smarty - Carol - for the Ohlins. He is a dealer - will walk you through the install, no bull, no lies just a great guy. He is located in Texas, have purchased from him several times. Many on the site have used him.

+1 (469) 268-4232

Gandrtravis · « **Reply #31 on:** January 02, 2019, 09:39:45 AM »

Quote from: Unbalanced on January 01, 2019, 10:44:10 PM

Try Smarty - Carol - for the Ohlins. He is a dealer - will walk you through the install, no bull, no lies just a great guy. He is located in Texas, have purchased from him several times. Many on the site have used him.

+1 (469) 268-4232

Any web page or just call for info and pricing ?

Unbalanced · « **Reply #32 on:** January 02, 2019, 08:38:06 PM »

Give Carol - (Smarty) a call.

Yellow09SERG · « **Reply #33 on:** January 02, 2019, 09:43:40 PM »

Quote from: Gandrtravis on January 02, 2019, 09:39:45 AM

Any web page or just call for info and pricing ?

Just to repeat what Harry has already said. Give Carol a call. Stand up guy and was a great source for help both while looking at shocks and after the purchase during setup.

fastfreddy · « **Reply #34 on:** January 03, 2019, 06:41:16 PM »

I ran into Smarty in Cody WY, he was changing oil in the parking lot of our hotel last august, told me if needed shocks, give him a call

small world

Author Topic: Shock Recommendations for Big Sexy (Read 8747 times)