Touring Harley Suspension - Upgrades

[911boost]

Thought I would post this up as I know a few folks have Harley's made for touring (Jeff, Afterburn, Hardrive...).

My previous '06 Electra Glide had a rear air suspension and I really liked that set up. I had the little pump with a gauge in one of the saddle bags and when i went 2-up it took no time to add the appropriate pressure.

Fast forward to '18 I sold my Electra Glide to a friend who was looking for a bagger and picked up a new Road Glide. With all of the wind I typically ride in here and in Wyoming I wanted to try the fixed fairing of the Road Glide.

I really like the performance and how it goes down the road. With that being said, I HATED the new rear shocks. Only one side was adjustable and to adjust it you had to turn a knob that required taking one of the hard bags loose or off completely. It was a total pain in the rear to switch from one up to two up, add the weight of the tourpak, etc.

I went with some adjustable Ohlins for the rear so both shocks were actually doing something and that were super easy to adjust for the changes in weight on the bike. I was very pleased with them but it really pointed out the limits of the front forks. Over the winter my front fork seals developed a leak, which to me is unacceptable on a bike I would still consider fairly new, so the whole while you are in there struck. I tried to get some Ohlins front shock cartridges to match, but they did not make one specifically for my Road Glide.

Based on a bunch of research I went will a small company out of Sturgis called Legend.

WOW, giant difference. You can adjust them based on rider preference and I went one up from their stock set up and while I've only ridden it a few times, it transforms the feeling of the front end.

So if you get a hankering for new front suspension, I totally recommend Legend.

[afterburn 549]

PIX!!!
and Congrats!
Good to know.
They have a great reputation.
Spendy I hear, but with it.
I bought a *lesser brand......is JUNK.
There is no end to the upgrades as you know....Harley
Is this New new or new to you?

Progressive shocks, and they do a horrible job, plus they need to be mounted upside down.
The adjustment is hard to do .I would not give them away .
To the dump.

[911boost]

Oh I bought it new in 2018, has a bit over 15,000 miles on it. So just getting broken in. I traveled pretty much 80% of the time until February 2023, so it got a lot more miles last year and will this year as well. Have the Tourpak on it as I prefer to store it on the bike over the winter so it doesn't get damaged.

From what I can tell so far the reputation is well earned for Legend but they were not cheap. About the same I paid for the rear shocks.

Not the best pictures but when I opened the garage door the sun really washed them out. I am tall at 6'4" so the taller windshield is a must for me. I am not a fan of the little tiny ones that do not do anything.

[afterburn 549]

Looks good from Here !

[Jeff Higgins]

Yup, I've heard great things about Legend (and terrible things about Progressive). So, while I'm very happy with the stock suspension on my 2013 Road King and have no plans to upgrade or replace, I think I need to start looking for something for my old Sporty. Not a lot of selection, since it's so old (and I really haven't gotten serious about looking), but I'm hoping there are options from someone other than Progressive.

My 2013 Road King is still the simple old air adjustable rear (I keep that same little pump in a saddlebag) and non adjustable front. Interestingly, my 2000 Road King had air adjustable forks. I tried airing them up per the factory recommendations one time when my wife and I were loaded up for a multi-state tour. Doing so made the thing darn near unrideable. Harley must have reached the same conclusion, or must have received substantial negative feedback, as they soon discontinued the air adjustment in the front.

So, yeah, so far I'm happy with the stock suspension on the Road King. It meets my needs very well and, so far at least, has been trouble free.

[911boost]

The ride on my 2006 Electra Glide was great and in the 12 years I had it never had a desire to change anything. For the Road Glide until I upgraded the rear the ride was fine too. I changed the back over the winter of ‘22-23 and after a full season of riding I wanted the front to be better. Harley now puts inverted front forks on them I guess.

[911boost]

Meant to add I wonder if you called Legend they would do a one off for you on the Sporty. Doubt it would be cheap but I am all about supporting US manufacturing.

[afterburn 549]

I would go right out and buy Legend,,,
But as of right now I have the crank apart and spending the money on some internal upgrades.
Trying to fit piston oil coolers in the Evo.
Ok back to your Legned shocks -Would you could you describe the difference as to what they do for you?
(Maybe I need some enticement)
I will describe progressive - Not Very adjustable. Ride comfort is not there.

[911boost]

So I put a hundred miles on it or so doing back roads on Saturday morning. I would say it feels really planted and a lot more confident. Over big bumps it smooths out very quickly. The ride was smooth.

They come with 3 adjustments and I went with the middle one. Closer to stock a bit more aggressive and then full on race. Actually I do not know the actual names, but I went with the middle one, since I do more than just cruise on long straight highways.

[afterburn 549]

Well.....I suppose it's just one more mod I will have to do......LOL
A Harley is more of a kit bike.
They are OK once one works them over.
Thanks for the info.
My Progressives work like a kite in a violent windstorm.
Rebounds with going up, and crashes with the dwns until I set the springs really really firm.
Slightly better than stock. (riding two up)