Shock absorbers, commonly known as Shocks, are one of the prime components of your bike they play a vital role in preventing you and your bike from shaking and bouncing.
Most people are not sure about replacing their shocks. If you are also the one, we suggest checking and replacing the shocks for Harley street Glide with one of the best shocks we have reviewed below.
Table of Contents
Best Shocks For Harley Street Glide
We have reviewed some of the best shocks for Harley Street Glide to help you make a purchase decision.
1. Progressive Suspension 944-4002UT Ultra Touring Standard Duty Harley Street Glide Shocks
The Progressive Suspension 944-4020UT is an all-touring shock that’s outfitted to be used for people that are planning on riding with a passenger. But even if that’s not the case, installing it on a bike for only yourself could be a huge benefit, especially if you weigh upwards of 250 pounds or more. Directions are easy to follow, and the shocks can be fully installed in less than three hours.
Features
- Fits select 1984-2018 Touring Bikes
- Standard Duty (Up to 250lbs)
- Standard Height
- Fits 1986-2018 Electra Glides, 1998-2018 Road Glides, 1994-2018 Road Kings, 2006-2018 Street Glides, and 2015-2018 Ultra Limiteds
Product information
- Brand Progressive Suspension
- Model 944 Series Ultra Touring Shocks – Standa
- Item Weight 6 pounds
- Product Dimensions 17 x 7 x 3 inches
Overall Review
Pros
- Follow a good set of directions, installation is quick and painless
- Little rebound is felt when the shocks release tension
- Relieves back pain that seats and aftermarket shocks cannot
- Goes over tight corners smoothly
Cons
- Rides may remain uncomfortable on very bumpy roads
- Uneven weight distribution (two riders) may reduce the effectiveness of the shocks
2. OHLINS USA HD 022 Ohlins Shocks
The HD 022 Ohlins Shocks are black and grey, having great absorption in areas that a littered with abrupt irregularities on the road. Although you should always try to avoid potholes, the impact will go over much better when these are fitted to your bike. Bottom out won’t happen, and unlike air shocks, the bumps won’t push your tire upwards to a degree that makes it come off the surface from everyday bumps.
You can also get preload settings from the company before or after buying (to ensure that the shocks fit your bike based on weight, height, etc.
Features
- Ohlins shocks are a pressurized gas and oil shock, no more air loss hassles
- Ohlins offers a 5-year warranty
- Ohlins suspension will give you the maximum handling ability of your motorcycle
- Delivers the best comfort and performance every time you ride
- Order an Ohlins suspension from Cycle Solutions Inc. and we will set the preload on the shocks for you for FREE so you can experience great riding right out of the box.
Product information
- Brand OHLINS USA
- Manufacturer Part Number HD 022 Ohlins
- Folding No
Overall Review
Pros
- Good return when going over potholes
- Large and small bumps on the road absorb well enough to not be felt to the same degree as air shocks
- Does not cause tires to leap
- Preload settings can be determined by contacting the manufacturer
Cons
- The shocks may depreciate quickly when used in regions with varied road conditions
3. XMT-MOTO – Harley Air Ride Suspension Kit
The XMT-MOTO Rear Suspension Shocks are more touring parts for your wheels. With this product, it’s all about the height. You won’t experience any significant changes to it, as the measurements are precise. That means you’ll get about two inches up or down, but no more than three. This is good at preventing your engine from touching the bottom and helps with acceleration.
The bumps won’t get stronger when you’re at high speed. And if concerned about installation, this is as easy as it gets. You could do it yourself without any help, just by looking at the manual.
Features
- This is a complete kit assembled to replace your stock touring shocks with height-adjustable air shocks.
- The air it up to stock ride height for a smooth ride in a matter of seconds.
- The system uses all nickel-plated brass high-flow high-pressure push-to-connect fittings throughout the entire system and a manifold-style dump valve block for optimum performance. This kit includes all of the components for a fully functional, fully height-adjustable rear air suspension.
- With this kit, you can ride with zero air pressure without rubbing. That means you can cruise around with your bike SLAMMED, or also if you ever lost air pressure for any reason you can still ride without rubbing your tire against your fender (on most ’09-Later models, or ’08-earlier models with the stock rear tire, contact us for details).
- With always fast and free shipping on every order, focusing on Quality and Service, so you can shop with confidence
Product information
- Brand XMT-MOTO
- Exterior Smooth
- Manufacturer Part Number XMT-BJ1643-NEW-1
Overall Review
Pros
- Shock absorption shows no drastic changes when the height is adjusted
- Does not produce hard rides, no matter how fast a rider is accelerating
- Detailed installation instructions can be done at home without issue if preferred
Cons
- May leak around the spot weld after several hundred miles of use
- A bracket is required for a pump mount
- The compressor responds slowly during adjustments
4. Gallows Factory Spec FS-04505 – Harley Lowering Kit
The Factory Spec FS-04505 is shocked for the Sportster, measuring 10.5 inches in length. You can pre-load them during adjustments, and wrenches would be all you need to get it to the desired height. It’s a good buy for shorter riders, and will greatly help with reach. No longer will you have to put up with straining yourself to put your foot down on the ground without relying on the kickstand.
And for looks, the black color looks well on most bikes but isn’t a mirror finish, meaning that they go well with bike colors that follow the same paint style. Just do your homework with the spacers, as no instructions are given with the product. If that isn’t a problem, then the Factory Spec could work out well for your Harley.
Product information
- Brand Gallows
- Item Weight 7.95 pounds
- Package Dimensions 13.9 x 6 x 3.1 inches
Overall Review
Pros
- The shocks are adjustable by pre-load, meaning that they can be set according to height with wrenches
- Height can be fixed to make the bike suitable for short riders to operate comfortably
- All black shocks easily blend with bikes painted with odd colors
Cons
- The shocks may cause the piston to hit the vale when riding with another passenger that weighs more than the driver (bottom out)
- No instructions are given for hooking up the spacers
5. BURLY B28-1201B
The Burly B28 shocks are black and feature a decal on the top. This is only a sticker and can be removed if you wish. Some of the products may ship with the sticker separate, however.
Height changes are good and will take it down to approximately two inches. If your bike sits low already, be careful to test drive it to ensure that nothing comes close to the concrete. And if you have someone else tagging along with you, softening is likely to occur, depending on their weight. Heavier passengers will increase these effects, but not so much if both weigh about the same.
If you’re looking for slammers that are visually appealing and fit to even out a good balance of soft and stiff absorption, this is suggested for you.
Product information
- Brand BURLY
- Model B28-1201B
- Item Weight 6 pounds
- Product Dimensions 17 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches
Overall Review
Pros
- Very fast installation; can be completed in minutes
- Lowers bikes to a height that’s easier for the rider to touch the ground (about 2 inches)
- Aesthetically appealing; gives a noticeable visual upgrade to Harleys of any color
Cons
- Soft when traveling on moderately uneven road surfaces.
6. Progressive Suspension 422-4002C – Heavy Duty Rear Suspension for Harley Street Glide
The 422-4002C by Progressive Suspension is another shock that’s pure eye candy. The chrome finish is very nice and will make any bike look like an entirely different model once installed.
There are two inches or less for the adjustment, with a wrench included that will help you get it to the right point that you want. It’s a firm ride that’ll alleviate strain from ordinary shocks but feels slightly stiff when you’re at speed close to 60 miles per hour.
Other than that, there’s not much else to complain about, so consider it if you need something that’s pretty and functions well on a Softail.
Features
- 2 inches of ride height adjustment
- Separately adjustable pre-load
- The dual coil shock system
- High-pressure gas-charged monotube for consistent damping performance
- Chrome plated finish
Product information
- Brand Progressive Suspension
- Model Progressive Suspension
- Item Weight 6 pounds
- Product Dimensions 17 x 7 x 3.5 inches
Overall Review
Pros
- Has a ride adjustment of two inches (height)
- Chrome exterior looks well on newer Harleys
- Takes out the rigidity while leaving in firmness
- Adjustment Wrench is provided with the shocks
Cons
- Stiff a medium to high speeds
7. Progressive Suspension 31-4000
The Progressive Suspension 31-2500 and 31-4000 are included together since they’re both likes, although one (the 31-2500) also features the fork cartridge included with the pack. They give good control in the front and can be installed with 2 spacers.
When you’re done, the ride will be similar to that of a sports bike, meaning that your position won’t change from movement around roads with a lot of bumps. Stability is consistent and will feel still at times, something that won’t change much no matter what height you have to set to. Regardless, use it if you think you’re adding lots of weight toward the front of your bike.
Features
- True high-performance front suspension is finally Available for the 2014+ HD Touring Line
- Stock height or lowered
- Frequency sensing technology (fast) damper
- Improved resistance to front Brake Dive
- Improved front end stability
Product information
- Brand Progressive Suspension
- Model 31-4000
- Item Weight 8 pounds
- Product Dimensions 35 x 6 x 2 inches
Overall Review
Pros
- The cartridge kit gives great control in the front
- An install with only 2 spacer clips will suffice for most riders
- Handling is identical to a sports bike (little risk of bottoming out)
- Stiff movement regardless of height
Cons
- Stiff a medium to high speeds
Things to know
If you own a Harley, chances are good that you would be better suited for a new pair of shocks, especially if you’re still relying on those that were assembled alongside the bike itself. Front and rear shocks will help you travel the road much easier. But given the variety and specifications listed that cater to specific bikes, you should do your homework. The guide below serves as a gateway to help you find out which shocks are best for your bike and style of riding.
Passenger or No Passenger?
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 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.
Height Adjustments
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 can be modified by height, but the length itself doesn’t change from brand to brand very much.
Stiff or Soft?
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.
Easing the Pain
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.
Installation of shocks
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 installation begins. You could also look on YouTube, but be aware that some videos could also have you assemble the shocks in a way that isn’t recommended by the manufacturer. When in doubt, always contact the brand and ask them for tips.
Best Shocks For Harley Street Glide
Below is the exhaustive list of the best Harley Street Glide shocks.
- Progressive Suspension 944-4002UT Ultra Touring Standard Duty Shocks for Harley
- OHLINS USA HD 022 Ohlins Shocks
- XMT-MOTO – Harley Air Ride Suspension Kit
- Gallows Factory Spec FS-04505 – Harley Lowering Kit
- BURLY B28-1201B
- Progressive Suspension 422-4002C – Heavy Duty Rear Suspension for Harley Street Glide
- Progressive Suspension 31-4000
1. What Type Of Shocks Give The Smoothest Ride?
2. Which Is Better Mono Shock Or Dual Shock?
3. Is A Longer Shock Better?
Conclusion
After going through the reviews and setting the shocks evaluated, you probably have an idea about which is best for your Harley. There are both front and rear shocks, so be sure that what you’re getting is the one you need. Additionally, know whether or not it will fit your bike. If you’re using a bike that isn’t a Harley, you may have more choices available but require extensive tuning before it is ready to go next to your wheels.
Regardless, the top two picks for the best shocks for Harley Street Glide are the Progressive Suspension 944-4020UT (rear) and 31-4000 (front), chosen from their smooth performance over rough pavement and relatively easy setup. But don’t discard your consideration for the others, which could be refined to fit your bike better. No matter which shocks you do purchase, it’s a guarantee that the product will be much more enjoyable on your bike than what’s provided by the factory brand. And with more absorption comes better or longer rides during your travels.
