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[RayK]

For those who have the Harley hand adjustable shocks installed how do you like them, I'm looking to upgrade the rear suspension and don't want to spend thousands on shocks. Thanks Ray

[moscooter]

 
I have owned multiple (Tour models)Road Kings and SE Ultra with the air shocks.  My latest ride is a 2014 Street Glide Special with the (hand adjustable) as you call it.

I was skeptical about how well they would work as they are about an inch shorter (to give that lower look to the Street Glide) thus limiting available "travel".

I'm pleased to report that in my opinion,  they are far superior to the old "air" system for shocks.  I was especially concerned about how it would be with my wife on board (she only adds about 130 pounds)...........No problem, no bottoming out and takes the bumps much better than my older rides.

It's an unusual arrangement,  as the right hand rear shock handles (rebound) and the left rear shock (adjustable) handles the compression (I think...........could be the other way around)  The right side rear shock is (non adjustable).

I had been considering after market shocks,  but these are more than satisfactory for me.    

[red ben59]

The hand adjustable premium ride shocks came standard on the 13 CVO Road kings. My buddy has one and he likes the handling the way it came.

[fastfreddy]

for me, i had 2011 RGC with air shocks on the rear and could never find a happy spot when two up, now on a 2013 RGCSE ride is sooo much better, even with tour pac on and loaded for long road trip, just dial shocks up a few clicks. never bottoms & my girl says it is way better and she is never wrong, just ask her. also no tools needed to make a change,

[FLHTCUSE7]

Don't spend money on these.  They are crap just like the air suspension crap.

Go with Ohlins. Nothing else compares

[moscooter]

Don't spend money on these.  They are crap just like the air suspension crap.

Go with Ohlins. Nothing else compares

 
Rotary.......Did ya get those new shocks on your latest ride and found them not as good as Ohlins.............How about some dialog as to why you said what you said.

 

[FLSTFI Dave]

Don't spend money on these.  They are crap just like the air suspension crap.

Go with Ohlins. Nothing else compares

The Hand adjustable premium shocks are much better than the POS air shocks.  Air shocks are so bad I thought something was wrong with my 15 CVO RG Ultra compared to my 12 CVO RG or 13 CVO RK. 

Well I at around 1K miles on the 15 SERGU put Ohlin HD-159 on.  Suddenly the worst handling bike I had ever owned was now the best!

If the hand adjustable premium HD shock are twice as good or 3x as good as the POS air shocks, I would say the Ohlins are 3x or 4x as good as the hand adjustable premium HD shocks

[Puma]

I like the Premium Ride shocks, but if I was buying shocks as an upgrade I'd spend a little more for Race Tech or a lot more for Ohlins.

[FLHTCUSE7]

A few years of racing, on two factory teams, not sponsored by Öhlins but hade them built shocks for all my race bikes. Nothing like it.

If you like to ride and take a turn now and then the HD front and rear suspension got to go. And don't replace really bad shocks with poor shocks. By the way the forks are no good either.

Suspension upgrade is the best money you can spend on a HD. Forget chrome, engine work, and other crap that does nothing to improve the ride.

[lowflight]

I wouldn't say they are the worst shock, but I have them and they are coming off. I'm not 100% on what the replacement is going to be  but there are better shocks out there. Review some of the posts on here and you will find that a lot of folks have replaced them and have had some very positive reviews on the replacement providing better handling and a better ride.

[grc]

As usual on these forums Ray, you will get flooded with answers trying to convince you to spend vast amounts even if you state up front you aren't interested in spending a fortune.  Yes, there are better suspension components on the market, just like there are better or just more expensive parts for the rest of the bike.  Those who don't have unlimited budgets will need to ignore those who either do or want you to think they do, and go with a cost/benefit answer.  If you can get a decent price for the H-D "Premium" hand adjustable shocks (look for take-offs from the guys bashing them, since they are no good they should be willing to give them to you), they will be an improvement over the stock air shocks.  Not the best out there, just better than what you have now.  There are other choices that also fit into that area between the H-D "Premiums" and the ultra high priced stuff.  Works Performance is one name that comes to mind, you could also talk to Jim (hd-dude) about the Suspension Technologies shocks that have gotten good reviews around here.

Jerry

[Ironhorse]

I will have a set of Suspension Technology shocks for sale soon. I'm having them reworked by the manufacturer.

[08glide]

I will have a set of Suspension Technology shocks for sale soon. I'm having them reworked by the manufacturer.

so how did you like the suspension tech? why are you replacing them & with what. just curios

[FlaHeatWave]

As usual on these forums Ray, you will get flooded with answers trying to convince you to spend vast amounts even if you state up front you aren't interested in spending a fortune.  Yes, there are better suspension components on the market, just like there are better or just more expensive parts for the rest of the bike.  Those who don't have unlimited budgets will need to ignore those who either do or want you to think they do, and go with a cost/benefit answer.  If you can get a decent price for the H-D "Premium" hand adjustable shocks (look for take-offs from the guys bashing them, since they are no good they should be willing to give them to you), they will be an improvement over the stock air shocks.  Not the best out there, just better than what you have now.  There are other choices that also fit into that area between the H-D "Premiums" and the ultra high priced stuff.  Works Performance is one name that comes to mind, you could also talk to Jim (hd-dude) about the Suspension Technologies shocks that have gotten good reviews around here.

Jerry

I'm with Jerry here.

'Have the HD Premium stuff (F&R) on the '09SERG, very happy with all characteristics.

Remember; for any motorcycle to have good / great suspension, the Front and Rear have to play well together...

[Puma]

As usual on these forums Ray, you will get flooded with answers trying to convince you to spend vast amounts even if you state up front you aren't interested in spending a fortune.  Yes, there are better suspension components on the market, just like there are better or just more expensive parts for the rest of the bike.  Those who don't have unlimited budgets will need to ignore those who either do or want you to think they do, and go with a cost/benefit answer.  If you can get a decent price for the H-D "Premium" hand adjustable shocks (look for take-offs from the guys bashing them, since they are no good they should be willing to give them to you), they will be an improvement over the stock air shocks.  Not the best out there, just better than what you have now.  There are other choices that also fit into that area between the H-D "Premiums" and the ultra high priced stuff.  Works Performance is one name that comes to mind, you could also talk to Jim (hd-dude) about the Suspension Technologies shocks that have gotten good reviews around here.

Jerry

This is the best advice you've gotten Ray.