Harley-Davidson is a renowned brand that provides a wide range of superior bikes from which to select. The brand is associated with outstanding performance, heritage styling, and an all-American charm that’s lasted for over 100 years. Regardless of the components, you choose to modify in your Harley’s system, you can still expect superior performance.
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Our Top 3 Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Touring
A component you might want to upgrade in your motorcycle is the type of shock. Shocks are an important determiner of how comfortable your ride will be. The best shocks will support your weight and that of your passenger while enhancing your comfort. Here’s a look at the best rear shocks for Harley-Davidson Touring.
1. Burly Brand Black Rear Slammer Shocks – Best Overall
Burly Brand Black Rear Slammer Shocks are best for the Harley Sportster and offer an excellent option if you’re seeking the best shocks on a budget. They’re a blend of dropped shock springs and stubby shocks; this improves a pre-load adjustment for aligning to various rider weights, making them pillion-friendly as well.
Upon loading, it’s worth noting that the shocks might go down by almost two inches maximally. Make sure you keep this in mind when carrying extra luggage or an extra passenger.
These stocks function with the stock mounting hardware and you can tune them to a rider’s weight. If you’re seeking shocks that offer a smooth ride while absorbing any tension throughout the trip, these shocks are what you’re looking for.
Affordability and Versatility
They’re available at an affordable cost, ensuring you attain performance, comfort, and quality ride at a decreased price. They’re preload-adjustable, making them versatile and flexible. You won’t even require any special tools to modify them to your height – making them great regardless of whether you’re a tall or short rider.
Safety
Motorcyclists can invest in them knowing that they improve a rider’s safety because they offer room for height adjustment, allowing riders to rest their feet on the floor naturally whenever they stop – this prevents embarrassing situations where you drop your Harley. Noone wants scratched paint and a 500-pound machine to lift, after all!
A lower ride coupled with a firm rear end translates into an enhanced, planted feel on corners. Furthermore, these shocks drop the center of gravity to make the overall turning and handling feel more responsive. Motorcyclists can enjoy simple installation with Burly shocks, which merely require you to bolt them into place – a job that shouldn’t take more than half an hour.
The product is available in chrome and black finish, so you can select the one you feel blends well with your bike for an appealing look. If you go for the chrome finish, you’ll also benefit from added rust resistance and greater durability.
Pros
- Easily adjustable
- Durability
- Ideal for riders of varying heights
- Black and chrome finish
- Safety
- Comfortable
- Rust-resistant
- Affordability
- Drops up to 2.5 inches
- Bolt-on installation
- Comprises stainless steel materials
- Fork springs provide stability and optimal shock absorption
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- Availability in a single gauge rate
- There’s no guarantee of comfort on rough roads
- They’re only compatible with Harley-Davidson Sportsters
- They’re somewhat stiffer
2. Ohlins HD 022 Shocks – Best for Increased Handling
The brand is a leader in this industry and a favorite amongst the world’s best racing teams, so you can trust their shocks to deliver stellar performance. This particular set functions with the 1998-2020 Touring bikes and is best for a smooth, easy ride. Their simple and durable design means that they’ll improve your suspension performance for years to come, and can be maintained with relative ease.
Enhanced Performance
These heavy-duty shocks undergo pressurization with gas and oil to decrease air loss which is evident in other brands.
The HD 022s come with preload adjustability and a single-tube damper. The high-pressure monotube comes with a separated fluid piston and gas pressure compartment – all of this makes for a smooth ride that also ensures maximum traction when it comes to your rear wheel.
Furthermore, the preload adjustability gives you a dynamic response, and the shocks are designed to be re-buildable. Just note that you’ll need to spend more with this set compared to a stock replacement.
Simple and Efficient Installation
While the HD 022s give truly great performance across the board, you’ll also find that they’re incredibly easy to install – with several customers wondering why they chose to use their stock suspensions for so long. With no special equipment, you can get these bolted onto your rear frame and head out for a test drive in under an hour.
Features
- Rebuildable for every 20,000-30,000 miles
- Adjustable preload with damping
Pros
- Re-buildable
- Heavy-duty
- 5-year warranty
- Gas and oil pressurized
Cons
- It’s costly
- They’re designed purposely for Harley-Davidson touring bikes
- They won’t function as well unless you include other performance upgrades
3. Progressive Suspension 412-4075 B – Best for Comfort
Designed for top-tier smoothness, 412-4075 B shocks feature a simple and durable design that conceals some very well-engineered parts. They’ll offer an improvement to your suspension performance through their double-wall steel body, which features nitrogen-charged and multi-staged valving, giving your ride smooth, constant damping.
Adjustable and Smooth Ride
The shocks allow room for adjusting the ride depending on the weight; this is possible because of the five-position cam-style that features a preloaded adjuster. You can adjust them in five ways based on your weight. The stocks also enable simple installation without the need for special tools – you won’t need much more than a spanner to get the job done.
Great Manufacturing Values
Founded in California and churning out high-quality parts for close to 40 years, Progressive Suspension takes a no-nonsense approach when it comes to making their parts. Combining fair prices and hardcore testing for each product, you can be pretty certain that each 412-4075 B model has been passed through a solid quality control team before reaching you.
Pros
- Adjustable ride
- Simple installation
- Stylish design
- Multi-staged valve
- Superior materials
Cons
- 1-year warranty
- They might be somewhat stiffer
- They might be too small for some models
- There’s no dampening adjustment
4. WeiSen Rear Shocks Lowering Kit 10.5 Inch – Best for Enhanced Position
These shocks are compatible with the Glide Electra (1980-2021). If you’re seeking an enhanced riding position as well as a clear appearance with the lowering rear, this model is ideal. The shocks come with a preload-adjustable for tuning per the rider’s weight.
Low Touring Capabilities
Designed to appeal to those with an eye for the ‘slammed’ look on their motorcycles, these shocks allow your Electra to glide close up to the ground – giving your ride a sleek, imposing road presence.
Pros
- Preload adjustable for rider weight tuning
- Allows simple bolt-on application
- Fantastic price
Cons
- Shorter in length
5. Monroe Shocks & Struts Max-Air MA 785 – Best for Heavy Loads
The shocks are ideal for hauling heavy loads and are designed to sustain motorbike weight. You can deflate or inflate as required up to 150 PSI to sustain level height with extra weight. The shocks allow room for adjustment through unique air fitting, which resists air leakage – all of which makes for a superb double-up touring experience.
Exceptional Handling
Riders can enjoy exceptional handling through full-displaced valving on extension-compression cycles for a smoother ride.
They further come with an iron piston for extended service life and enhanced durability. You don’t have to worry about riding under extreme weather because the shocks’ weather fluid contains special compounds to handle extreme temperatures and reduce overall friction.
Increased Control
The modifiers enable increased control over bumps for a more comfortable and smoother drive. Once the shocks are in place, they can adapt easily and change depending on the terrain because of the full-displaced valving, which is tuned to handle bumpy roads and highways.
The Max-Air MA 785s also use fluent band pistons, providing enhanced durability and handling. Although struts perform the same role, they substitute part of the suspension system and need rugged construction to handle greater forces and loads.
Pros
- Lubricated air sleeve for decreased friction
- Exceptional handling
- Precision piston rod for consistency
Cons
- They’re noisy
- They make a ride somewhat stiffer
6. SMT-267 MM – Best Value
The 10.5-inch rear shock is compatible with HD touring motorcycles (1984-2013). The shock allows for adjustability to tune as per rider weight.
Outstanding Value
Coming in at barely $120, the SMT-267 MM shocks are an absolute steal, costing less than half of many other options on this list. It even comes with a handy wrench for quick and painless installation.
The downside? Customers have reported instances of dented shocks – although they work fine, there’s definitely room for improvement in the quality control department.
Pros
- Preload adjustability
- Affordability
Cons
- Low-quality control standards
Buying Guide
Looking for some guidance on how to make the right choice? Here are some of the basic features to judge before you dive in and make a purchase:
Height Adjustments
Effective motorcycle riding is a question of comfort and safety. Thankfully, shock absorbers allow you to modify the height some inches up or down. Based on your weight and height, you might want the bike lowered or raised. For instance, short people favor a size lower than the factory setting because it allows the foot to touch the ground, command superior control easily, or access the side stand.
Finish
Besides giving you a smooth and comfortable ride, having the appropriate shocks enhances your bike’s look. Most shocks come in various colors along with an anodized finish, allowing you to select your favorite.
Material
When seeking motorcycle rear shocks, you must pay attention to the material. Motorcycle shocks undergo a lot, from riding on difficult terrains to carrying heavy passengers and loads.
If you lack the right material, there’s a likelihood that the suspensions will give in when subjected to considerable stress. Therefore, the construction should comprise sturdy material, for instance, durable steel.
Internal Piston
Gas-filled shocks typically come with an interior floating piston that divides the shock oil and gas. The separation helps sustain stability when making your turns, twists, and going over bumps.
Length
Rear shocks come in various sizes. As you select the suspension to use, make sure it’s the appropriate size. The right size will enable proper road clearance. Moreover, it should help you sustain stability and enjoy a quality ride.
Buying Considerations for Harley Shocks
Compatibility and Fitment
Harley motorcycles come in various models, so you must consider compatibility. The best shocks for Road Glide, for instance, might not be the best shocks for a Harley Dyna. Make sure to inquire about model years and specifications to ensure that you won’t get a shock that doesn’t fit right.
Weight Capacity
Determine whether the shock you want to purchase will support your weight and the passenger comfortably. You want to make sure that it can carry the maximum load you want it to. Remember, different shocks are meant to carry different weight capacities. Before you buy a shock, ensure it can handle the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating.
Softness or Stiffness
Depending on your preference and riding style, you might want to consider these two aspects when looking for shock suspenders.
Stiff stocks are suitable for motorbikes that carry heavy passengers and loads. However, they can become uncomfortable over long trips. Their installation takes place at the rear side to maintain the heavyweight.
Soft shocks however are at the front to absorb minor tensions while on the move. They further comprise steady materials to prevent accidents and distractions.
Comfort
If you obtain the wrong shocks for your Harley, you’ll probably end up with a sore back after numerous miles. The best shocks should be comfortable, whether you’re riding over bumps or long distances. If you obtain comfortable shocks, you won’t dread bumps.
Value for Money
As you shop for the best shocks, you should seek the best quality at a decreased cost. This way, you’ll save some extra money, which you could use for other purposes. Although, you should strive to save, make sure you obtain value for your cash.
Ideally, you should buy from a reputable company. Also, examine the warranty and make sure you understand it to verify whether you’re covered in case of defects.
Ease of Installation
If you want to save on costs, you’ll want to install shocks yourself. Most manufacturers offer a free manual describing how to adjust and install the shocks. You must recognize your Harley’s components before you start the installation. Opt for shock absorbers that don’t need additional tools.
Spring Type
There are two types of rear shocks based on the type of spring mechanism-coil or air.
- Air-spring: These comprise a compressed air spring in the shock’s body.
- Coil-spring: They use a huge metal spring-typically steel-located outside the telescopic tubes that constitute the shock body.
The decision to decide whether to select a coil or air shock will depend largely on the kind of riding you’re doing along with the budget. Coil-sprung shocks are more affordable than air units are, so you’ll normally find them on budget bikes.
Air shocks, however, are much lighter and more versatile than coil springs. Modifying a coil shock for various rider weights or preferences might frequently entail changing the whole spring for one comprising a different rate of compression. You can easily adjust air shocks by simply decreasing or increasing the shock’s air pressure with a shock pump.
Bottom Out
You wouldn’t want the bottom of your motorcycle to scrape or touch the road. Otherwise, it could imply needless and costly repairs. You can counteract the issue by including shocks with extra height. There’s also the likelihood of simply modifying your existing shocks to increase the level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you purchase a used or new motorcycle, you must adjust the suspension depending on your riding style and weight. If the motorcycle squats or glides on hard acceleration, or you can’t sense changes in the road surface, it’s time you consider new shocks.
You should also watch out for any deformities. Broken constituents, bottoming out, or low-quality rides are a sure sign that your shocks need to be replaced or adjusted – most shocks last between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, so expect them to last fairly long.
When replacing your shocks, it’s ideal to examine the entire suspension to make sure there’s no damage. It’s also the best time to modify the air shock pressure height for your Harley-Davidson.
Aftermarket shocks frequently provide a longer travel distance, implying the bike won’t bottom out as fast. Additionally, the bike will turn more smoothly with the wheels gaining enhanced traction, resulting in a safer ride.
A motorbike suspension comprises mainly of two telescopic tubes at the front side along with a mounted swingarm with a single or twin shock absorber at the rear. These days, people prefer a single absorber at the rear in most motorbikes because of enhanced performance and sporty-looking traits.
Conclusion
A rear shock plays a huge role in how your bike rides, however; selecting the right one can be daunting. After all, a range of designs exists from various companies. This guide offers some of the best shocks for your Harley – we hope that this helps you get the perfect ride, making for some great memories with your machine.
I have a 2022 Road Glide Special with real luggage added. I am 5’6. I would like to lower the seat a bit and get a comfortable ride with two passengers. My seat is the hamak harley seat.