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CVO Technical => Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes => Topic started by: Timinfla2 on October 19, 2020, 10:14:48 PM

Title: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: Timinfla2 on October 19, 2020, 10:14:48 PM
Hey folks!

So I am coming from a 2011 Road Glide Ultra.  It was the best bike I ever owned, but I totaled it.  With the insurance money and a little more, I picked up my dream bike - a CVO road glide. 

This one is a stage IV in Gunship Gray and I fell in love with the looks of it before I even saw it in person. 

The thing runs like a raped ape.  The color is amazing, the mods for the most part are awesome.  But the ride... Jesus Jumped Up Christ, that is a harsh ride. 

My 2011 stock RGU was like riding a lazy boy down the street.  I mistakenly assumed that the ride on a bike that was roughly twice as expensive would have an even more comfortable ride.  But I was wrong. 

I was researching on here and I’ve seen many of you have had luck with the Legends suspensions.  I went on their website and I see that they come in 2 sizes - 13 and 14 inch.  Will both fit on our bikes?  If so, if I’m looking for the most plush ride possible, should I go with a 14 or 13? 

Thanks for any advice! 
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: X-Man on October 19, 2020, 10:38:26 PM
I put Ohlins 13" on mine and the axle nut is almost touching the RH muffler due to the longer extended length of the shock. I think the 14" Legend shock will only work with a short exhaust for the same reason. I found the 13" to be a good improvement over the stock 12" shocks.
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: Timinfla2 on October 19, 2020, 10:46:47 PM
Good call, thank you very much!
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: FLSTFI Dave on October 20, 2020, 07:08:34 AM
Bike rides firmer for several reason.  12" rear shocks vs 13" on the Ultra.  Also very very low profile tire up front so tire does not absorb any of the bumps.  Lower profile tire on the rear, again not absorbing bumps.

Legends rear 13" inch will help the ride as will Ohlin HD-259 of the same length.  Still won't be quite as plus as the Ultra ride.  Front fork cartridges will also help, Legends makes on specifically for the 21 front wheel you have.

When I went to an CVO RGU in 2014, I hated the rear air shocks, felt like the bike wallowed in the corners.  Switched to Ohiln in the rear right away for more control in the corners.  All depends on where and how you ride. I prefer a firmer suspension for improved handling and performance.  Onlin or Legends you can adjust compression to adjust for your riding style
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: Timinfla2 on October 20, 2020, 12:49:09 PM
Thanks for the feedback.  I think it's just because the fella I bought it from was about 5'5 and weighed 140lbs where I'm 6'3" and tip the scales at 280 so I just have to get it a bit more dialed in :-)

Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: rayson56 on October 20, 2020, 01:27:42 PM
How many miles are on you new bike? I noticed that the suspension was extremely harsh on mine (same bike) as well but at around 3000 miles it mellowed a bit, front and rear. I still changed the rears to Legends (and would do it again) but the fronts are working just fine.
The front tire is the same width and sidewall height as the 19" on previous years and the Street Glides, so compared to that it will be similar but compared to what you had, Dave is right on, but you'll get used to it and your BSR will not feel anything but what the rear suspension/tire setup is doing.

Congrats on the new bike!!
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: Timinfla2 on October 20, 2020, 01:55:38 PM
Thanks Rayson!  There are 12K on the clock - I don't have any issue so far as I can tell with the front.  But man the rear could use some work after what it did to my rear on my trip from NC to FL, haha. 
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: rayson56 on October 20, 2020, 02:17:10 PM
I also found that the adjustment settings that Harley has in the manual are waaay too stiff. For me and my BSR it said to set at 18. After playing with the setting we ended up at 13! So after you order your Legend Revo A's from Horny Toad  :2vrolijk_21: (Brian will give you 10% off and free shipping if you mention this site) go bring your adjustment all the way to zero and work your way up. You'll probably be around a 2 or 3.
Title: Re: Advice needed on the ride quality of 2018 CVO RG
Post by: Timinfla2 on October 20, 2020, 02:19:30 PM
Dude that is SOLID advice, and thanks for the tip on the discount!