By CHUCK Gerdes |
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PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION
FOR HD BAGGER you are like me , content to
IF stay with the factory-installed equipment on your road machine because that is the way it was designed , or simply because " if it aint broke , don ' t fix it " is easier to deal with than changing parts , I have some information for you . I have been riding a 2016 HD Road Glide Ultra since it had 8 miles on the odometer . I would always check the air pressure in the bike ' s rear suspension , mainly because it needed air before each ride . I would often need to do so if the ride was longer than a couple of hours . The air pressure always leaked out . This was frustrating for me , but remember the start of the article ? A few fellow riders told me I should invest in progressive shocks for the bike . I looked at them , but the cost seemed excessive for a comfort change . Once the bike reached 45k miles , the mechanic told me I needed to replace the rear shocks because a seal was leaking . Instead of buying the standard shock replacement from HD , I decided to try Ohlin ' s Progressives . There is a |
relatively significant difference in cost and the four pages of information I needed to fill out before the shocks were assembled and shipped . Still , I decided to give them a try anyway .
The kit came with almost everything you would need to install them , including a detailed sheet and information to make sure the shocks were mounted vertically and not leaning out or in from the bike . The steps for installation were easy to follow , and I had several conversations with the assembly tech in Florida before I received the shocks , reminding me that if I had any questions , he was available to talk me through the installation process . The installation went quickly , and I did not need the spacers they sent with the shocks . I believe it took longer to get everything together to do the work than it took to do the work .
Then came the test ride . The factory representative said I should ride the bike solo for a few miles before riding two-up because the response would be different , as well as the handling . I can say the difference was truly amazing . The bike seemed to hold the corners better than it did previously , though , to be truthful , I had been riding on worn-out shocks . The real difference came when I got home and asked my wife to go for a ride with me . I didn ' t
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need to get out the air pump and check the shock pressure . She got on and off , and we went down the road . An adjustment dial allows more or less of the hydraulic fluid to pass from the shock to the reservoir , depending on how you turn the handle . The ride is amazing , and the handling is far better than before . Though my wife says she did not notice a difference in the ride , I certainly did . I have been riding these shocks for about 10k miles , and the ride is still far better than ever . I was always skeptical about things like this , but I am glad I listened to the advice of those who are more adventurous than I am .
The Ohlin Progressive shocks that fit my bike are the Harley S36 Twin Shocks , 044 HD model , costing $ 1,585.00 for the pair . The stock HD air shock replacement available when I changed the shocks is no longer available , but they have two replacement options . First is a preset shock with one side adjustable for ride comfort priced at just under $ 600.00 , or a progressive shock similar to the Ohlin Progressive shock for about $ 40.00 less than the Ohlin shock . I am glad I spent a few more dollars and got an excellent product as a reward .
In conclusion , if you need or desire a better ride and response for your road machine , investigate the Ohlin Progressive shocks . Maybe you will be as surprised as I was at how the bike rode and handled for me . CMA
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