Best Rear Shocks for Harley Davidson: Keep Your Harley’s Ride Smooth

As you may already know, motorcycles differ in the level of comfort based on how many passengers are on the bike. While there are usually just two, the second person could make a huge difference regarding which choices of shocks are best for you to ride. This is due to many factors, but most notably the risk of bottom-out takes place (detailed further).

Also, more weight means more strain on the shocks when they cruise over bumps of any sort on the road, so you’ll definitely feel it more if you’re riding in a place with poor road conditions. From this, you should look for shocks that have a high weight limit. To get an accurate listing of this, you could either call or refer to the manufacturer’s website. And be sure to pick up rear shocks as well, especially if you do ride with a passenger on most occasions.

Most shocks for Harleys can be adjusted a few inches, according to how high or low the user wants the bike to sit from the ground. Most people aim for a lower height than what’s given on factory shocks, but there are exceptions. If you’re planning on getting your ride installed at a shop, be sure to let them know how low. If you’re short, doing down about two inches would probably be best, as your foot would reach the pavement much easier. It could also help you gain better control and confidence in your riding since you won’t be wasting time getting your foot adjusted or pushing down the kickstand when it’s not necessary (red lights, sitting in traffic, etc.) Every brand above has the ability to be modified by height, but the length itself doesn’t change from brand to brand very much.

Shocks can be either stiff or soft. Depending on your preferences you may like softer brands over those which are stiff. But too soft can also be an annoyance. It’s best to pick one that has a feel that’s in between the two. Rear suspension springs are a toss-up as well but may perform better when a little stiff. If you’re going to be riding alone, more stiffness shouldn’t be needed in most instances.

Front shocks are best when soft, which helps absorb most impacts without it leading to a distraction from your driving. When assembled correctly, your ride should be smooth. Try them out by driving normally. If you don’t feel as much as what was given from the shocks before, then your bike’s springs are good to go.

One of the biggest complaints about Harley’s standard shocks riding with them. They can be so uncomfortable to some that just one brief ride could result in moderate to severe back pain. For the elderly, the annoyance could become debilitating to the point where the bike cannot be ridden at all. This is one of the reasons many people begin to search for new shocks in the first place.

Although every person varies, all of the shocks above will reduce pain almost immediately when you’re on the bike. Fewer bumps mean more relaxed rides, and you won’t be fixated on getting your stance right. Doing this can stiffen your back and make it difficult to go over normal road imperfections that you would have trouble with on better shocks. As such, look for those which will allow you to accelerate without moving your legs too much.

If you don’t know how to install your shocks alone, it should be easy to find a place that can do it for you. But if you’re trying to save money, using an install guide from the internet could be of great help. Not off shocks have detailed instructions, and some manuals could even be missing key areas that one should know about before install begins. You could also look on YouTube, but be aware that some videos could also have you assemble the shocks in a way to which isn’t recommended by the manufacturer. When in doubt, always contact the brand and ask them for tips.

Putting on shocks incorrectly could lead to leaks and bottom out very quickly. While buying those that are easiest to install shouldn’t be the main buying factor in the shocks listed, having something that can go on without spending a day (or an investment at a shop) setting it up is an added bonus.

Bottom out is an occurrence in both automobiles and motorcycles. It refers to when the lower part of your bike hits the asphalt during transit. This is more likely to happen when your shocks are adjusted too low for your bike. If your Harley is low and is a risk of touching the pavement when your riding, don’t make the mistake of adjusting them too much.

Furthermore, some shocks that are labeled to go down to one inch could be inaccurate by a margin of one to two inches. Other times, the margin is the opposite. After riding on your new shocks, look at the frame if you notice an awkward hit. If there’s nothing there, check out the motor gashes or cracks. This is a good sign that you’ve adjusted too low, or that you gauged the height incorrectly. To prevent further damage, bring your height up a notch. Doing this could save you lots of time (and funds) from not having to tend to later repair work.