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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: Dan_Lockwood on May 31, 2018, 08:21:50 AM

Title: Question About '09-Up Swingarm
Post by: Dan_Lockwood on May 31, 2018, 08:21:50 AM
I never thought about it, but in the past shocks were always matched side to side, spring rate wise.  I would imagine to keep even pressure on the swingarm.

In the past few years the HD Premium shocks, both 12" and 13" have had very low spring rate on the right side and the adjustable side has a very high spring rate.

I would assume that the swingarms are now designed to handle almost a single side shock without any twisting of the swingarm.

Are the '09 and up swingarms that strong, really?

Thanks and see some of you in a few days in ES.
Title: Re: Question About '09-Up Swingarm
Post by: FlaHeatWave on June 01, 2018, 01:17:29 AM
Dan,
I've had the Harley Premium Adjustable Shocks on my '09 for > 55k and they handled / rode great! no issues with the swingarm... I used past tense since the shocks are worn and have seen better days...

The Premium Cartridges in the front really transformed the '09!! IMO more so than the rears...

Ed 
Title: Re: Question About '09-Up Swingarm
Post by: Dan_Lockwood on June 01, 2018, 08:57:09 AM
Ed, thanks for the information.

I have an almost new pair of the 12" HD Premium shocks.  The problem was that I had them all the way to the highest setting I felt they bottomed out a LOT.  I know that 2-up that your bike and my bike see about the same load, so maybe mine are just not working correctly.

But the bottom like is this, I have a set of Progressive shocks mounted on the bike now, forget the number right now, but a popular 12" version for the FL series bikes.  These are a bit short on lift as well, as I've had to turn them all the way down to max and they still do the 

I took the left side off Wednesday and replaced it with the left adjustable side of the HD Premium shock.  So I have a mixed pair of shocks on the bike, but when I look at the right side of the HD Premium shock being almost collapsible by hand, the added stiffness of the Progressive may work to give me just that bit more lift I need.  Especially with the trailer in tow.

I'll take both other mismatched shocks with me to ES just in case I need to swap one out again.

I'm thinking with the right side on the HD Premium shocks being almost not spring rate at all, the newer swingarms could possible be used as a mono shock without twisting the swingarm.
Title: Re: Question About '09-Up Swingarm
Post by: Mikey on June 01, 2018, 01:39:09 PM
Dan,
I believe you are correct. The swing arm on my 2015 RGU is massive and almost looks cast compared to the earlier models.
I will show you mine in eureka!
Mikey
Title: Re: Question About '09-Up Swingarm
Post by: Dan_Lockwood on June 01, 2018, 02:09:37 PM
Dan,
I believe you are correct. The swing arm on my 2015 RGU is massive and almost looks cast compared to the earlier models.
I will show you mine in eureka!
Mikey

Is this a, "I'll show you mine if you show me yours?"  ;D  ;D  ;D