I've owned and ridden on all kinds of shocks. From stock SHOWA, to Progressive, owned a few Penskes and a beautiful set of Ohlins shocks, with matching forks. For me, most were part of an elaborate suspension set up to go fast or to at least handle, and never for comfort......Until now.
I recently aquired a set of 13" air-shocks off a 2008 FLHP, belonging to a friend of mine. I took them when he wasn't loo........he gave them to me out of the generosity and kindness of his heart, as he's fortunate enough to be able to afford not one but three custom bikes, ALL with air-ride and onboard compressors.
Mounting was straight forward. Off with the seat and the airlines are run with a 2 into 1 set up, making the shocks equal and balanced. HD has very nice easy-install hoses that can be reused and seal pretty well.
I believe these shocks have 3" of travel, which is great. Considering I'm hanging them on a lighter bike, I was worried that the length would be an issue. Mounted, the bike sits up at almost stock height, with the rear fender tip at 17.75". I originally had 12" shocks on the bike, and was worried about ride height. I hate nose bleeds.... I wanted the bike lowered again.
With me on it, (240lbs and some seriously sexy man-legs
) it drops to about 16.25", with 12 lbs of air in the shocks. It's also back to the original height it was lowered.
The ride is unbelievable. No spine jolting and at 10-12lbs, I've yet to bottom them out. Max air is 34 lbs. I no longer fear road seams, or railroad tracks.
I've seen these on Ebay for $125-$250. The pump runs $39.95-44.95 depending on where you get it. At the most, it's a well worthy mod for not only comfort, but survivability on long hauls, not to mention the easy of adjustment, even on the road.
Chrome covers are available for the shocks, at $60 a pair, but I'll be keeping the black for now....
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HERD meber #10
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