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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: DBinSD on January 02, 2019, 12:17:17 PM

Title: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 02, 2019, 12:17:17 PM
Hi all,
Has anyone used 296mm (11-⅝”) rear shocks on ‘15 RGU’s without issues like bottoming out due to reducing travel?
I am trying to lower slightly from the 12” stock.
If you have experience with these sizes please chime in good or bad.
Thank you  :drink:
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: grc on January 02, 2019, 01:11:34 PM
Hi all,
Has anyone used 296mm (11-⅝”) rear shocks on ‘15 RGU’s without issues like bottoming out due to reducing travel?
I am trying to lower slightly from the 12” stock.
If you have experience with these sizes please chime in good or bad.
Thank you  :drink:

The Road Glide Ultra came stock with the full length (13") air shocks, not the low profile 12" shocks.

Jerry
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: longlast on January 02, 2019, 04:24:49 PM
Hi all,
Has anyone used 296mm (11-⅝”) rear shocks on ‘15 RGU’s without issues like bottoming out due to reducing travel?
I am trying to lower slightly from the 12” stock.
If you have experience with these sizes please chime in good or bad.
Thank you  :drink:

Are you taking your measurements from the centre lower fastener to the upper centre fastener?
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 02, 2019, 06:30:23 PM
 :nixweiss:
 :'(
I have not taken it apart, I am going off what the dealer (service dept) said my FLTRUSE came with 12” ?
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: grc on January 02, 2019, 07:23:56 PM
:nixweiss:
 :'(
I have not taken it apart, I am going off what the dealer (service dept) said my FLTRUSE came with 12” ?

The 2015/2016 FLTRUSE Ultra version came with 13" air shocks, but the 2012/2013 FLTRXSE Custom version came with 12" low profile hand adjustable shocks.  The service department should have checked instead of just winging it.

Jerry
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: CVODON on January 02, 2019, 09:06:40 PM
I have the same bike as you and it has 13" shocks. The dealer service guy is just wrong.
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 03, 2019, 08:39:52 AM
The 2015/2016 FLTRUSE Ultra version came with 13" air shocks, but the 2012/2013 FLTRXSE Custom version came with 12" low profile hand adjustable shocks.  The service department should have checked instead of just winging it.

Jerry

Service SHOULD know  :soapbox:

Thank you Jerry and Don  :2vrolijk_21:

I am looking now at the HD 771 305mm (12”) versions so I would assume it will drop the bike enough for a solid footing w/ 30” inseam.  :nixweiss:
I read the 11-⅝” versions run a risk of scraping the fender.  :oops:
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: grc on January 03, 2019, 03:45:55 PM

The shorter the shock the less travel available, and less travel often leads to less comfort.  So besides having a possible fender (or fender wiring) rub problem, those 11.5 inch shocks may not ride very well.  IMHO it's not worth paying a high price for high end shocks that may wind up causing issues and a poor ride, unless they offer you a money back guarantee if you try them and don't like them.

If you are having issues with getting your feet flat on the ground, the 12 inch shocks will help but they will also come with a trade-off to the comfort level.  I've seen reports from several people who bought models that came stock with the 12 inch shocks, reporting that they swapped to the 13 inch shocks for better ride quality.  There are other ways to help get your feet on the ground that don't involved suspension compromises, such as seats with a lower and narrower rider section.  The Ultra models usually come with the tallest seats, and the sportier models often come with seats with deep rider pockets.  Some good riding boots with thick high traction soles are also a good idea for those of us with shorter inseams, and they have the advantage of not causing problems related to short shocks or thinner seats.

JMHO - Jerry
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: fastfreddy on January 03, 2019, 06:11:12 PM
 I used a lower shock mount kit that lowers the rear by moving the shock back, no issues with bottoming and ride is same as stock... and cost is under a  $100. (same bike as yours) 16 RGU  :2vrolijk_21:
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 03, 2019, 06:32:59 PM
I used a lower shock mount kit that lowers the rear by moving the shock back, no issues with bottoming and ride is same as stock... and cost is under a  $100. (same bike as yours) 16 RGU  :2vrolijk_21:

Most I see say they will not fit 2015 RGU cvo’s  :nixweiss:
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: fastfreddy on January 03, 2019, 06:48:01 PM
Most I see say they will not fit 2015 RGU cvo’s  :nixweiss:
they will fit … think I used BURRLY brand, they are all pretty much the same tho
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 03, 2019, 07:46:00 PM
they will fit … think I used BURRLY brand, they are all pretty much the same tho

Thanks much Freddy !  :2vrolijk_21:

Never thought of lowering blocks, I can then keep the full 13" travel w/ Ohlins and be very well set. All while lowering it 1"  :bananarock:

Here is to you guys on this forum  :drink:

Dan
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: roadrunner on January 05, 2019, 07:44:43 AM
Thanks much Freddy !  :2vrolijk_21:

Never thought of lowering blocks, I can then keep the full 13" travel w/ Ohlins and be very well set. All while lowering it 1"  :bananarock:

Here is to you guys on this forum  :drink:

Dan
Not seeing a part for the cvo rgu 2015.
https://www.burlybrand.com/products/4426/2015/Harley-Davidson/FLTRUSE


Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: grc on January 05, 2019, 09:10:21 AM
Not seeing a part for the cvo rgu 2015.
https://www.burlybrand.com/products/4426/2015/Harley-Davidson/FLTRUSE


Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

I'm guessing the Burly folks don't understand that the FLTRUSE isn't the lowered version.  The FLTRUSE uses the standard length air shocks and the standard rear tire, so a kit that says it will work on other 2009 and later FLH/FLT models should also work on the FLTRUSE.  They do make note in their instructions that their kit is not intended for bikes that are already lowered and are only for bikes running the stock tires and shocks.  So the kit shouldn't be used on bikes like Street Glides that come lowered from the factory, or the FLTRXSE, or the Low version of the E-glide.

I'm not one who recommends lowering blocks, but if you want to go that way I'd recommend you buy a kit from a company that's been around a long time and is likely to be around a lot longer.  There are plenty of shade tree folks selling lowering blocks on the internet, since they are a simple item to produce cheaply.  Avoid those folks.  You will be installing a part that can cause a loss of control and a crash if it fails.  Make sure the hardware you receive is of high quality and at least equivalent to the stock hardware.  If the kit has cheap bolts, buy the proper bolts from Harley or another source.  Also, do not assume anything when modifying the suspension.  Check for adequate clearance of the tire to all other parts, clearance of the shocks to the bags and any other parts, etc., throughout the full travel of the suspension.

JMHO - Jerry
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 05, 2019, 10:08:28 PM
I have decided against lowering blocks as they weaken the Swing arm.

After long discussion w/ Howard @ Motorcycle Metal I have ordered the following:

Ohlin #2-2(B) 12-⅞” that will sit at 11-⅞” vs. the stock 13” that sit at 13”. DROP of 1-⅛ “ !
They will have a full 84mm stroke and fully preset to my specs.

Also adding a Progressive 1” lowering kit (not drop in) to the front.

This is my third set from him on my third HD. Very pleased  :bananarock:

Will update when all is in / on.
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on January 06, 2019, 08:57:56 AM
I have decided against lowering blocks as they weaken the Swing arm.

After long discussion w/ Howard @ Motorcycle Metal I have ordered the following:

Ohlin #2-2(B) 12-⅞” that will sit at 11-⅞” vs. the stock 13” that sit at 13”. DROP of 1-⅛ “ !
They will have a full 84mm stroke and fully preset to my specs.

Also adding a Progressive 1” lowering kit (not drop in) to the front.

This is my third set from him on my third HD. Very pleased  :bananarock:

Will update when all is in / on.
Don't waist all that money on a 1" progressive for the Front.  If your spending the money to do the Front, do it right with Ohlin or Legends. 

I have a bike with a 1" lower progressive front, and one with the Legends.  The legends is way better.  Install is about the same as for time and cost.  I will never own progressive anything again.
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: DBinSD on January 06, 2019, 10:09:36 AM
[quote author=FLSTFI Dave link=topic=117571.msg1483380#msg1483380 date=1546783076

I have a bike with a 1" lower progressive front, and one with the Legends.  The legends is way better.  Install is about the same as for time and cost.  I will never own progressive anything again.
[/quote]

Did you use the drop in for Progressive?
Title: Re: 296mm (11-5/8”) Ohlins or ? on 2015 RGU CVO - works or no?
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on January 07, 2019, 08:30:41 AM

I have a bike with a 1" lower progressive front, and one with the Legends.  The legends is way better.  Install is about the same as for time and cost.  I will never own progressive anything again.


Did you use the drop in for Progressive?
I used the progressive Mono Tube, which was their best front end suspension when I did it.  Not sure if it still is or not. 

I will never use any progressive suspension products again, front or rear.  There is much better out there by several companies, for not much more money.