Are you looking for the best rear shocks to get your Harley-Davidson running smoothly? Look no further! In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best rear shocks on the market for Harley-Davidson bikes. We’ll also discuss what to look for when shopping for shocks, and provide advice on how to make sure you get the best shocks for your Harley-Davidson. So, get ready to rev up your engine and read on to find out the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson!
Best Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes
For Harley-Davidson Sportster riders, upgrading the rear shocks can be a transformative experience, significantly improving the bike’s comfort, handling, and overall performance. Whether you are looking for a smooth cruise down the highway or simply craving the thrill of winding roads, the best rear shocks can make a difference. Here are some of the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson Sportster bikes, helping you choose the best upgrade to take your ride to new heights.
#1. Progressive Suspension 412 Series Shocks
The Progressive Suspension 412 Series Shocks are an extremely popular choice among Harley-Davidson Sportster owners looking for a balance between performance and affordability. These chrome-plated, nitrogen-charged rear shocks come with a progressive spring rate, providing a plush and comfortable ride over small bumps while maintaining firmness during aggressive riding.
With a durable design and easily adjustable preload settings, the Progressive Suspension 412 Series will allow you to fine-tune the shock to your desired comfort level. These rear shocks are a great choice for everyday cruising and occasional spirited riding, enhancing overall handling and minimizing rider fatigue.
#2. Ohlins HD 159 Blackline Shocks
For Sportster owners who are looking for premium performance and uncompromising quality, the Ohlins HD 159 Blackline Shocks are a top-tier option. These monotube rear shocks are meticulously engineered to deliver exceptional damping performance and superior control, ensuring optimal stability, and handling in various riding conditions.
The Ohlins HD 159 Blackline Shocks feature an impressive range of adjustable settings, including rebound and compression damping, enabling riders to customize their suspension precisely to their preferences. With a sleek black finish and high-quality construction, these rear shocks not only enhance your ride but also add a touch of sophistication to your Harley-Davidson Sportster.
#3. Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Shocks
If you demand the best in performance and adjustability, the Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Shocks are definitely worth considering. These premium rear shocks utilize Legend’s patented Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) to provide optimal damping control across all types of terrain.
With external compression adjustment knobs, riders will be able to fine-tune the rear shocks’ damping characteristics to match their riding styles and preferences. The Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Shocks deliver exceptional handling, reduced rider fatigue, and an unparalleled level of comfort. These things make them one of the best choices for Harley-Davidson Sportster enthusiasts who want the best of the best.
#4. Burly Brand Slammer Shocks
Designed specifically for bikers looking for a low and aggressive stance, the Burly Brand Slammer Shocks are an ideal option for bikers who prefer a slammed look without compromising ride quality. These rear shocks offer a lowered ride height while maintaining adequate suspension travel for a comfortable and controlled experience.
The Burly Brand Smaller Shocks feature a durable black finish and are preloaded to accommodate various rider weights. They are one of the best options for Harley-Davidson Sportster bikers who want to achieve a sleek and custom appearance without sacrificing ride comfort.
Best Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Touring bikes
Harley-Davidson Touring bikes are designed for long-distance journeys and offer the utmost comfort and luxury to riders and passengers alike. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride, upgrading the rear shocks of your Harley-Davidson Touring bike is a worthwhile investment. High-quality rear shocks will help enhance comfort, stability, and handling, making these extended rides much more memorable. Here are some of the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson Touring bikes, ensuring you have a pleasurable experience on every adventure.
#1. Ohlins S36E Shocks
The Ohlins S36E Shocks are top-of-the-line suspension components, renowned for their exceptional performance and build quality. These monotube shocks feature a state-of-the-art piston design, providing precise damping control and improved heat dissipation, even during extended rides.
These rear shocks come with adjustable preload and rebound damping, allowing riders to tailor their suspension setup to match various road conditions and riding preferences. With these rear shocks installed, your Harley-Davidson Touring bike will deliver unmatched comfort, stability, and handling, transforming your journey into an unforgettable experience.
#2. Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring Shocks
As the name suggests, the Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring Shocks are designed, specifically for Touring bikes, offering a perfect balance of performance and comfort. These rear shocks come equipped with a Frequency Sensing Technology (FST) that dynamically adjusts damping based on road conditions, ensuring a smooth and controlled ride at all times.
With the ability to fine-tune preload settings and progressive spring rates, the Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring Shocks allow Harley-Davidson riders to tailor the suspension to their specific weight and load requirements. The result is improved handling, reduced body fatigue, and a more enjoyable journey on your Harley-Davidson Touring bike.
#3. Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Touring Shocks
The Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Touring Shocks are engineered to provide the ultimate in suspension adjustability and comfort. These high-performance shocks feature Legend’s exclusive REVO damping technology, offering a smooth and controlled ride across various terrains.
With external compression and rebound damping adjustments, riders will be able to easily fine-tune the rear shocks to suit their riding style and preferences. The Legend Suspension REVO-A Adjustable Touring Shocks are capable of delivering exceptional stability, considerably less rider fatigue, and a plush feel during long touring adventures.
#4. Arnott Aldan 11-Series Air Suspension Kit
If you’re looking for the ultimate in customization and versatility, the Arnott Aldan 11-Series Air Suspension Kit will be the perfect choice for your Harley-Davidson Touring bike. This kit combines premium rear shock absorbers with an integrated air suspension system, allowing you to adjust the rear ride height and firmness on the fly.
With the convenience of an onboard air compressor, riders will be able to adapt the rear shocks to accommodate changing loads, passenger preferences, and road conditions. The Arnott Aldan 11-Series Air Suspension Kit will ensure a luxurious and comfortable ride for both solo and two-up riding, making it one of the best options for Harley-Davidson Touring enthusiasts.
Best Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Road Glide
The Harley-Davidson Road Glide is an iconic Touring bike designed to conquer long stretches of road with style and comfort. To maximize the Road Glide’s performance and ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride, upgrading the rear shocks is essential. There are many excellent rear shocks available in the market. Here are some of the best rear shocks for Harley-Davison Road Glide to elevate your riding experience.
#1. JRI 14” Grand Touring Shocks
The JRI 14” Grand Touring Shocks are engineered for providing superior handling and stability for Harley-Davidson Road Glide models. These high-performance shocks feature a monotube design with velocity-sensitive damping, ensuring a controlled and responsive ride.
With 14 inches of suspension travel, the JRI Grand Touring Shocks offer a plush and comfortable feel even on rough roads. The adjustable preload and rebound settings allow riders to fine-tune the suspension to their specific weight and riding style, delivering a custom-tailored experience for every journey.
#2. Legend Suspension AXEO21 Front Fork Cartridge Kit and Legends REVO-A Rear Shocks
For riders looking for a complete suspension upgrade, the Legend Suspension AXEO21 Front Fork Cartridge Kit paired with Legends REVO-A Rear Shocks is an outstanding choice. This combination offers exceptional performance, stability, and handling, transforming your Harley-Davidson Road Glide into a well-balanced touring machine.
The AXEO21 Front Fork Cartridge Kit replaces the stock fork internals, providing improved damping and control during braking and cornering. When paired with the Legends REVO-A Rear Shocks, the result is a perfectly balanced and smooth ride, reducing fatigue during long rides and enhancing overall comfort.
#3. Burly Brand Slammer Kit
If you are looking for a lower and more aggressive stance on your Harley-Davidson Road Glide, the Burly Brand Slammer Kit is one of the best options. This kit includes a pair of rear shocks designed to lower the Road King’s ride height by up to 2 inches, creating a sleek and custom look.
With the Burly Brand Slammer Kit prioritizes aesthetics and a lowered stance, it still maintains an acceptable level of comfort and performance. It is an amazing option for bikers who prefer a more aggressive appearance without compromising ride quality.
Best Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Dyna models
The Harley-Davidson Dyna lineup has definitely earned a reputation for its classic design, powerful performance, and all-around versatility. To optimize your Harley-Davidson Dyna’s handling and comfort, upgrading the rear shocks is a wise investment. There are numerous outstanding rear shocks options available in the market. Here are some of the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson Dyna models to elevate your riding experience.
#1. Burly Brand Stiletto Shocks
The Burly Brand Stiletto Shocks are designed to enhance both the performance and aesthetics of your Harley-Davidson Dyna. These high-quality rear shocks feature a slim profile and stylish appearance, giving your motorcycle a custom look while maintaining superior performance.
These rear shocks are nitrogen-charged, offering excellent damping control and a smooth ride. With a wide variety of adjustable preload settings, riders can fine-tune the suspension to their specific weight and riding style, resulting in a personalized and comfortable experience on any road surface.
#2. Fox Factory Series IFP Rear Shocks
For Harley-Davidson Dyna riders looking for a premium upgrade, the Fox Factory Series IFP Rear Shocks are an amazing option. These rear shocks are equipped with Internal Floating Piston (IFP) technology, providing precise damping control with consistent performance.
The Fox Factory Series IFP Rear Shocks offer a smooth and controlled ride, with the ability to handle various road conditions with ease. The IFL design ensures that the shock remains fade-free, providing stable performance even during prolonged rides.
#3. Progressive Suspension 412 Series Shocks
The Progressive Suspension 412 Series Shocks are an extremely popular choice among Harley-Davidson Dyna riders due to their reliable performance and affordability. These rear shocks feature a nitrogen-charged design, delivering excellent damping and consistent control on the road.
With a classic coil-over design, the Progressive Suspension 412 Series Shocks offer a traditional appearance that complements the Dyna’s style. The rear shocks come in various lengths and spring rates, allowing riders to select the perfect fit for their specific Dyna model and riding style.
Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
The Harley-Davidson Electra Glide is the epitome of touring motorcycles, known for its comfort, long-distance capabilities, and smooth cruising. To elevate your Harley-Davidson Electra Glide’s performance and ensure an even more enjoyable ride, upgrading the rear shocks is definitely a worthwhile investment. There are several exceptional rear shocks options available in the market. Here are some of the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson Electra Glide to optimize your experience.
#1. Fox Factory Series RC2 Rear Shocks
For Harley-Davidson riders seeking top-of-the-line performance and adjustability, the Fox Factory Series RC2 Rear Shocks are an excellent option. These rear shocks feature a fully adjustable design, allowing riders to fine-tune compression rebound damping to suit their specific riding style and preferences.
The Fox Factory Series RC2 Rear Shocks provide exceptional damping control, offering a plush and comfortable ride even on rough roads. With their high-quality construction and precise engineering, these rear shocks are built to withstand the demands of long-distance touring and provide consistent performance.
#2. Progressive Suspension 944 Series Ultra Touring Shocks
The Progressive Suspension 944 Series Ultra Touring Shocks have been engineered specifically for touring bikes, making them an amazing fit for the Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. These high-performance shocks feature Progressive’s Frequency Sensing Technology, which automatically adjusts damping based on road conditions for a smooth and controlled ride.
These rear shocks offer adjustable preload settings and progressive spring rates, allowing riders to tailor the suspension to their specific weight and load requirements. With these shocks installed, your Harley-Davidson Electra Glide will handle with reduced rider fatigue, enhanced stability, and overall improvement in performance.
#3. Burly Brand B28-1206 Slammer Shocks
If you are looking for a lower and much more aggressive stance on your Harley-Davidson Electra Glide, the Burly Brand B28-1206 Slammer Shocks might be the perfect fit. This pair of rear shocks are designed to lower the bike’s ride height, creating a sleek and custom look while maintaining acceptable ride comfort.
The Burly Brand B28-1206 Slammer Shocks are nitrogen-charged, providing excellent damping control and a smooth ride. While prioritizing aesthetics and a lowered stance, these shocks still offer acceptable performance for bikers looking for a more aggressive appearance.
Benefits of rear shocks for Harley-Davidson bikes
Harley-Davidson bikes are renowned for their iconic design and powerful engines, providing riders with a sense of freedom and adventure on the open road. However, if you want to fully optimize your Harley-Davidson riding experience, an important element to consider will be the rear shock system. Rear shocks play a vital role in improving comfort, enhancing handling, and reducing rider fatigue, making them a must-have component for any Harley-Davidson enthusiast. Here are some of the benefits of rear shocks and how they can help elevate your ride to new levels of enjoyment and performance.
Improved comfort
One of the most significant benefits of installing rear shocks on your Harley-Davidson motorcycle is the enhanced comfort they provide. The rear shocks act as a suspension system, absorbing the impact of bumps, potholes, and uneven road surfaces. Without rear shocks, Harley-Davidson riders would feel every jolt and vibration transmitted directly to the seat and handlebars, resulting in a rough and uncomfortable ride.
With rear shocks in place, the suspension system effectively isolates the rider from road imperfections, providing a smoother and more comfortable journey. Whether cruising through city streets or embarking on long-distance rides, the improved comfort offered by rear shocks translates to reduced body fatigue and a more enjoyable overall experience.
Enhanced handling
Rear shocks play a key role in improving the handling characteristics of a Harley-Davidson bike. The suspension system’s ability to keep the tires in contact with the road surface is crucial for maintaining stability, traction, and control during cornering and braking maneuvers.
By effectively managing the weight transfer between the front and rear wheels, rear shocks ensure that your motorcycle remains balanced and responsive to rider input. This translates to better cornering capabilities, increased maneuverability, and a heightened sense of confidence, especially when navigating winding roads or challenging terrains.
For Harley-Davidson riders who seek precision and control during their rides, rear shocks significantly contribute to a more engaging and satisfying handling experience.
Reduced fatigue
Long rides on a Harley-Davidson bike can be physically demanding and rider fatigue is a common concern for enthusiasts. Rear shocks help alleviate this issue by minimizing the impact of road vibrations and bumps that can lead to muscle fatigue and discomfort.
With the improved suspension provided by rear shocks, riders can maintain a more relaxed and upright posture, reducing the strain on their muscles and joints. This translates to longer, more enjoyable rides with reduced rider fatigue, allowing Harley-Davidson enthusiasts to explore new destinations without the fear of physical exhaustion.
Reduced fatigue isn’t only beneficial for the rider’s well-being but also enhances overall safety by promoting alertness and concentration on the road.
Factors to consider when selecting rear shocks
When it comes to optimizing your Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s performance and overall riding experience, rear shocks play an important role. Whether you are an off-road biker, a Harley-Davidson biker gang member, a casual rider, or any other type of rider, choosing the right rear shocks can significantly impact your bike’s handling, comfort, and control. To ensure that you make a well-informed decision, it is important to consider different factors. Here are some of the different factors that you need to consider when selecting rear shocks for your Harley-Davidson bike, helping you make a smarter decision that delivers the best ride quality.
Weight capacity
One of the primary considerations when choosing rear shocks is their weight capacity. Different riders have varying weights and the rear shocks should be able to accommodate these differences to provide optimal performance. Most rear shocks come with a weight range specification, indicating the minimum and maximum weight the shock can support effectively.
If a rider’s weight exceeds the recommended limit, the rear shocks might not perform as intended, leading to reduced responsiveness, bottoming out, or even damage to the shock over time. On the other hand, if a rider’s weight is significantly below the recommended usage, the shock might feel too stiff, resulting in a harsh and uncomfortable ride.
Spring rate
The spring rate is another important factor that determines how the rear shock responds to rider input and terrain conditions. It is a measure of how much force is needed to compress the shock over a given distance. Rear shocks typically come in three primary spring rate options – linear, progressive, and digressive.
A linear spring rate means that the shock compresses at a consistent rate throughout its travel. This type of shock is ideal for riders who prefer a predictable and smooth suspension response.
In a progressive spring rate, the resistance to compression increases as the shock travels further. This allows for a more plush and supple ride over small bumps, with added support and resistance when dealing with larger impacts. Progressive shocks are popular among trail and endure riders seeking a balance between comfort and performance.
Digressive shocks have a decreasing resistance to compression as they travel through their stroke. They offer excellent sensitivity to small bumps while maintaining firmness on bigger hits. These shocks are often preferred by downhill and aggressive trail riders.
Adjustment options
To cater to different riding styles and preferences, many rear shocks come with various adjustment options. These adjustments allow riders to fine-tune the shock’s performance according to the specific terrain and their individual needs. The most common adjustment options include – rebound, compression, and lockout.
Rebound controls how fast the rear shocks extend after compressing. Faster rebound settings give a lively feel while slower settings provide traction and control.
Adjusting the compression settings allows riders to control how the shock responds to impacts. More compression damping provides a firmer ride, preventing excessive movement while less compression damping will allow for a more active and plush suspension.
Some shocks feature a lockout mechanism, which essentially disables the shock’s movement, converting it into a rigid platform. This is useful for climbing or smooth terrain, where suspension movement might not be required.
Compatibility
Before buying new rear shocks, it is important to ensure that it is compatible with your motorcycle’s frame and suspension design. Rear shocks come in different sizes and mounting standards and not all shocks will fit all frames. Some of the common mounting options include eyelet-to-eyelet length, stroke length, and mounting hardware diameter.
You must research your Harley-Davidson motorcycle’s specifications and consult with a knowledgeable mechanic or manufacturer to find rear shocks that match your Harley’s requirements. An incompatible shock can result in a compromised fit, reduced performance, or potential damage to your frame.
FAQ
What are the different types of rear shocks for Harley Davidson?
There are several types of rear shocks available for Harley Davidson motorcycles, including air shocks, coil-over shocks, hydraulic shocks, and progressive shocks. Each type of shock offers different levels of comfort, performance, and adjustability, so it’s important to consider which type of shock is best for your needs.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of each type of shock for Harley Davidson?
Air shocks are lighter and more adjustable than other types of shocks, but they may not provide the same level of comfort and performance. Coil-over shocks are more affordable and offer better ride quality, but may not be as adjustable. Hydraulic shocks offer the best balance of comfort and performance, but can be expensive. Progressive shocks offer adjustable dampening and increased ride comfort, but may not be suitable for all Harley Davidson models.
What should I consider when choosing a rear shock for my Harley Davidson?
When choosing a rear shock for your Harley Davidson, you should consider the type of riding you do, your budget, the bike’s suspension setup, the available space for installation, and the bike’s weight and power. It’s important to find the right balance of these factors to ensure you get the best possible shock
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