Softening up the ride 4 passinger FLSTN 07

[robertd5]

My wife is getting a sore back from the shock of road bumps in my 2007 Deluxe. As I'm told/got figured out so far is the Deluxe has low riding rear shocks - which reduce the absorption distance and are necessarily stiff to avoid bottoming. The best? solution is to replace the rear shocks with stock hydraulics from the Heritage - that will just raise the bike (being 6' tall so no problem) and give a softer & longer shock absorption. I see from other threads going air shocks would be a expensive mistake.
Iam I on the right track here? My sweat riding buddy and wife depends on a good solution. Thanks to all!!

[vlade]

Dont know the model that well but have you checked on a touring style more pasnger friendly pillon/seat.

[robertd5]

Yeah, I already have replaced the stock (brick style) pilon with the wider one. I doubt there can be much more gained by some 3rd party manufacturer.

I'm realy comming down to 2 expensive options;
1, replace rear shocks with taller shocks from a Heritage (softer with more absorption distance), or
2. Air shocks - which may be superior in some ways, but to give the bike lift, or to adjust for the added passinger wieght, you have to add pressure which is not necessarily going to translate into smother.

I need some with real experience on this subject.
Thanks!

[Driften]

Or replace the shocks with progressive ones...

[Rock Slide]

Or replace the ol' lady...

[gruss]

Originally Posted by Rock Slide

Or replace the ol' lady...

may be the best solution, however, not the least expensive!
g

[Dave63]

Depending on the weight of you and your wife combined, you may be exceeding the weight rating of the bike's shocks.

I've read of a few people on other forums that removed the air ride shocks on Ultras and went to Progressive shocks, with adjustable preload.

Shocks are sold in different lengths. Depending on your bike's shocks, as suggested, you might want to go to a (example only) 13" shock, if your's is a 12.5" shock.

As I discovered on my Dyna, despite enjoying the ride of the air shocks, the mounting points are different on a Dyna vs a RK, putting the shock more on a slant, and less of a linear position, decreasing their effectiveness.

[Nathang]

If you're trying to swap to a part that came on somebody's bike standard,
even if Harley wants a leg for 'em, somebody's trying to get rid of a set they replaced.

Dealerships used to trash that kind of stuff but it's all on Ebay now.

...My sweat riding buddy and wife...

I'd bet that you meant to say "sweet" riding partner?



.

[robertd5]

Thanks Dave63, It seems a slightly taller shock is the way to go. My riding buddy is sweet by the way (to you other guys) so I want to accomodate her. Our combined wieght is not the problem, and we are not bottoming out. Its just and issue of a jolt to a tender back. Guess I'll be looking for for a used set. Thanks to all, I really appreciate it!