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[NYSport]

I"ll start off by qualifying my impression by admitting that I have had only 1 Harley before the Road Glide SE and that was an 08 Nightster.  I've been riding Ducatis on the street and on the track either stock with Ohlins or Ohlins as replacement of oem parts.  I love the Road Glide!

The ride quality of the frame seems very nice and the brakes are up to the task, although I didn't push them too far.  The TBW is really nice, super smooth and very easy to control the right amount throttle.

Now for the suspension.  The forks feel like they are filled with rocks.  On smooth surfaces they are ok but any bumps especially in a turn and man they are bad.  So bad in fact I can't beleive they are on any bike let alone a 30k machine.  The feedback is poor and they clatter like crazy.  I thought maybe there was something loose or broken but I can find any evidence of either.  I'll check the fluid later, maybe it's very low or something.  Now to be sure they are rideable for in-town rides but otherwise not very confidence inspiring.

I had Ohlins cartridges installed on my Ducati Hypermotard and the change was beyond great, it was a new bike, especially on the track.  Ohlins are great products.  I'm hoping for similar results for the Road Glide.  I can only imagine how nice this bike will be with a quality fork cartridge. I'll work on the shocks after the forks are working like they should.

I'm reading about Traxxion and Ohlins to see what might be available, looks like Traxxion has something for the RG but no Ohlins.  I don't have any experience with Traxxion but everything I've read is very good.

[B.A.]

I put Progressive monotubes up front and Progressive 440s on the rear.  I can't speak to the "Os" or the "Ts" but I've heard good things.  Expensive, like most good things!

You're right.  I've ridden Harleys for a very long time.  I have a 2011 CVO Road Glide Ultra.  The suspension is an abject joke!  Damn shame!

[Fired00d]

Welcome to the world of Harley where (OEM) suspension's are lacking.

As was stated in the previous post Progressive Monotubes are another (less expensive) option along with the MoCo just came out with a new replacement/upgrade front suspension. Several options for the back as you and previous poster stated... myself I went w/Progressive Monotubes & Progressive Ultra 940 Touring shocks. Feels like a brand new bike now... let me correct that it's better than new... bike never handled as good as it does now!!!!

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[NYSport]

Thanks, I'll look at Progressive.  I'm not trying to turn the RG into a track machine, Traxxion and Ohlins might be over-kill.  There is a lot of room for improvement.

[110tHunDer]

 
I put the new Harley Premium Ride Double Cartridge Fork Kit and a pair of Bitubo rear shocks (from Traxxion Dynamics) on my '12 SEUC.  After riding 1,000 miles on the stock suspension and coming from an '04 SEEG that had Traxxion AK-20 cartridges and Bitubos, I couldn't wait to get away from the crappy factory stuff.  At "only" $400 (plus installation), the Harley cartridges are a very, very close second to the AK-20s in feel and performance, similar to what folks say about the Progressive Monotubes.  I and my BSR absolutely love the ride from the Bitubo rear shocks, and at $750 for the pair (talk to Dan about being a member here), they're actually pretty reasonably priced for a fully-adjustable shock compared to Ohlins, Penske and a few others.  Traxxion also sells Ohlins and I'm pretty sure they have an application for the Harley baggers.

Like you say, you'll never turn it into a Ducati, but you can transform the bike into something better than you ever thought possible with the right components.

Good luck and let us know what you go with.

[SDCVO]

I put the Ohlin 6's in the rear and the HD premium cartridges in the front and though it is not a Ducati, the difference is amazing

[Pete7539]

I put the Ohlin 6's in the rear and the HD premium cartridges in the front and though it is not a Ducati, the difference is amazing

Did almost the same except Progressive mono tubes  in the front, and agree the difference is amazing. My BSR especially loves the 6's.

If you're looking towards Ohlins talk to Howard at http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage32.html

[Sklywag]

Drain & refill both forks & shocks.

Harley puts black water in them both, ok, so maybe it's black 1w oil, you think I am kidding, drain them & tell me what you think.

Front forks get 30w Redline Suspension fluid
Rear shocks get 10w Amsoil Suspension fluid, then run the rear air at 15lbs solo & 25lbs 2 up tweek to the right feel for you.  Add more when loaded with luggage.  2up, fully loade & with the trailer I only run 35lbs.

This is a cheap fix & make a huge difference.

[NYSport]

Well that's good to know.  I'm a believer that good fluid makes a difference.  The bike goes in for the 1k service tomorrow and I think a Redline transfusion is in order at least while I decide on a cartridge kit.

I'd really like to believe that the HD performance kit works well enough, I think I'm leaning that way.  But I really don't want to do this upgrade twice.

Thanks again for all the knowledge exchange.  I'm really looking forward to making this bike work the way I know it can.

[HOGMIKE]

I'm using the Progressive tubes, and Works shocks.
It's set up for rider and passenger, heavy load, and so far, so good.
Got to put about 200 miles on today over some pretty rough roads, I'll give them a 
JMHO

[steve047]

Ive got the Traxxion AK-20 and Ohlin 3-1's to keep the stock height and love the ride, the bike rides like its on rails. I've ride a SERK3

[NYSport]

I've been doing a little research to see what's available for your bikes.  Race Tech makes a valving kit, I've heard good things about RT but I don't have any experience with htere products.  Anyone know what their valve kit feels like on the road?

http://racetech.com/page/title/H-D%20Gold%20Valve%20Cartridge%20Emulator%20Kits

[Banana man]

I have gone with Progressive Monotube cartridges in the front and the 940 ultra
touring shocks also and this is the best bang for the buck.

This is a vast improvement over the stock showa crap that comes on these bikes.

Obviously you have ridden bikes with REAL suspension on them. You will never be
happy with the stock suspension.

I used to race dirt bikes with many different suspension setups, but my favorites
were Progressive and Ohlins. Showa was the worst in stock form.

Bottom Line.......... This is the best suspension setup for the amount of dollars spent.
You can spend a lot more but you will not get a lot more in improvement over this
setup.

[GregKhougaz]

After reading many threads here on upgraded suspensions, I went with the Progressive Monotubes and Suspension Technologies rear 12" shocks for my '09 SERG.  Only regret was that it was not my first mod!  Can't think of a better upgrade that gives instant enjoyment and better riding experience.... 

[NYSport]

Well after some research and a few phone calls I've come up with a plan.  I'm going to buy the HD performance fork kit as a temporary "fix".  I talked to Ohlins today and they are trying to put togethrer a fork package for our touring bikes.  The success I had with Ohlins on my Hypermotard has me hooked on them.  It was mentioned here, if you settle then you will second-guess your decision and that's not for me.  The Ohlins guys will be out in SD near Sturgis during the meet, if you're interested they will have a bike configured with test suspension stuff to give you an idea about the level of ride improvement (I might have missed a little of the detail but that's the idea). 

I know it will be relatively expensive but if it turns out anything like my Ducati then there will be a big smile on my face and I'll forget about the money after a mile or two.