A question about shocks..... - Harley Forum

Robq · #1 06-05-2009, 06:51 AM

Hi all, I have a 1982 FLT that needs new rear shocks. New ones I like are a little pricey, but can the old ones be rebuilt at all? Or is there a pair I can fit that doesn't cost the earth?
Thanks,
Robq

Buzz Kanter · #2 06-05-2009, 09:51 AM

Stock Harley shocks are simply not as good as the better aftermarket ones.

You can rebuild the stock shocks, but even rebuilt they will not perform as well as a set from the preformance suspension companies.

Fitz · #3 06-05-2009, 09:53 AM

I suspect you can find some variety in pricing through after market distributors. But shocks are not just there to keep the butt from bouncing. Using the correct shocks for a particular bike are much more important that say, what shocks you buy for your car, because shocks effect handling.
Bike shocks manage the weight load transfers that occur during acceleration, braking and cornering as well as comfort the rider. Rear shocks that are too soft, squat too much in acceleration or cornering, reducing the load on the front wheel. Too stiff and they could rebound prematurely reducing load (and traction) on the rear tire.
Eight years ago I was riding my daughter on my '66 XLCH with aftermarket shocks that were worn out and therefore too soft. That and the combination of a bad corning technique (accelerating out of the corner before the apex) sent us high of the right hander and all the way through the on coming lane before I could get my front wheel to turn. Luckily, no on coming traffic. Every time I think of it, I still get the "willies". I learned about riding load and cornering through articles in American Iron. I replaced those shocks and now understand the physics behind cornering.
My advice. Buy the shocks that fit your budget, but buy ones designed to fit your FLT.

Keep the Shiny Side Up
Fitz

Robq · #4 06-05-2009, 01:50 PM

Buzz and Fitz, many thanks for your thoughts on this. I have my eye on a set of Hagon ones from the UK (I live in Ireland) that are not too expensive - around GBP200, whatever that is in US$. Any idea of the quality of these? I have a few British bikes here and Hagons are well thought of for those, but what about the much-heavier FLT?
My thoughts about rebuilding the old ones were on the lines of: "gotta be cheaper to do", as I can do the repairs myself, but I do realise that sometimes you're better off just buying the new ones...... What do you think?
RobQ