#AskMikeAlex - Answer
SUSPENSION TECHNOLOGIES’ STANDARD AND HEAVYWEIGHT SPRINGS - We carry standard and heavyweight springs for the full line of Harley-Davidson Motorcycles that are selected specifically for the rider on all of the Suspension Technologies Black Hills Series shocks.
The problem with factory shocks is that one size does not fit all. The way you ride, who you ride with and the type of riding you do all determine the best shock for your motorcycle.
Determining your shock package - When you go on our website (https://suspensiontechnologies.com/collections/suspension-technologies/products/harley-davidson-touring) (Open a new tab), you will see that we ask you these questions:
- Year and Model
- Is your total load over 400lbs. 80% of the time?
- 80% of your riding is in town/highway
- 80% of my riding time is cruising/joe racer
- What is your height and weight?:
- Do you have a passenger 80% of the time?
- What is your passenger's approximate weight?
- What is your gear weight 80% of the time?
Your answer to these questions allows the engineers at Suspension Technologies to select the shock tuned for your bike and riding style.
Each Shock is DYNO Tested to Ensure Compliance on the right and Left Side of the Bike – Every shock that leaves the factory is dyno tested. They are then matched so that the damping and spring rate are the closest to identical as humanly possible.
This means that riders get identical performance on each side of the bike. That may sound obvious, but some manufacturers along with some stock shocks are not symmetric from left to right. This is either due to the design or wide variation in quality and tolerances.
The Way that Suspension Technologies Feel – Stock shocks on touring bikes from the factory often feel like riding in a 1950’s Cadillac and stock shocks on other bikes like Sportsters and Dynas they can feel like someone is pounding your lower spine. Either way, the ride can feel vague and loose or rock hard and jarring.
Our Suspension Technologies’ Black Hills Series Shocks provide more of a sportscar-style feel. Riders feel the undulations on the road but not the minor bumps.
The reason why riders and their passengers are so enthusiastic about the Black Hills Series shocks is because of the technology inside. The Black Hills Series Shocks are true monotube design and are specifically engineered to provide better handling, control, and performance.
Click this link to understand more about why the monotube design shock is the preferred shock design for racing and motorcycle applications.
Click the link for more information on the Black Hills Series Shocks.
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CARING ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE
When on your motorcycle, consider a protective clothing, lid, proper eyewear, and insist your passenger wears protective gear. Note that riding while under the influence of alcohol or drugs increases your chances of a negative outcome.
Ride within the limits of your abilities. Know your motorcycle. Read and understand your owner’s manual from cover to cover. Sign up for training like the Harley-Davidson™ Riding Academy or another riding training class. Protect your privilege to ride by joining the American Motorcyclist Association. Visit www.ama-cycle.org for more information.