Ever felt like your Harley Davidson Touring bike was bouncing around more than it should? Maybe hitting bumps feels like a jarring surprise, or you wish your ride was smoother on long trips. If so, you’re not alone! Choosing the right rear shocks for your Harley Touring bike can feel like a puzzle. There are so many brands and types, and figuring out what’s best for *your* ride can be confusing and even a little frustrating. You want to feel in control and comfortable, not fighting your bike on every corner.
But don’t worry! This guide is here to help. We’ll break down the world of Harley Davidson Touring rear shocks so you can understand what makes them tick. By the end, you’ll know what to look for, what questions to ask yourself, and how to pick shocks that will transform your riding experience. Get ready to say goodbye to that bouncy ride and hello to a smoother, more controlled, and way more enjoyable journey on your Harley.
Our Top 5 Rear Shocks For Harley Davidson Touring Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rear Shocks For Harley Davidson Touring Detailed Reviews
1. 13″ Rear Shocks for 1984-2022 Harley Electra Glide Standard
Rating: 8.8/10
Upgrade your ride with these 13″ Rear Shocks, designed specifically for 1984-2022 Harley Electra Glide Standard, Ultra Classic, and CVO models. They offer a direct fit and a sleek black powder-coated finish. These shocks measure 13 inches from eye to eye, with a spring width of 2.45 inches and a thickness of 0.28 inches. They are built to handle the demands of the road.
What We Like:
- These shocks provide a solid 13-inch length, which is a popular choice for many Harley riders.
- The black powder-coated finish looks sharp and helps protect against rust.
- They fit a wide range of Electra Glide models, covering many years.
- The spring dimensions seem robust for good performance.
What Could Be Improved:
- More detailed information about the shock’s damping or adjustability would be helpful.
- Customer reviews on ride quality and long-term durability are not yet available.
- The specific type of spring (e.g., progressive) isn’t mentioned.
These 13″ Rear Shocks offer a straightforward upgrade for your Harley. They provide a good foundation for improved handling and a custom look.
2. The ROP Shop (2) Black 13″ Rear Shocks for Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Classic FLHRC 2005
Rating: 8.9/10
Upgrade your ride with The ROP Shop’s (2) Black 13″ Rear Shocks, designed specifically for your 2005 Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Classic FLHRC. These shocks bring a sleek black look and a comfortable 13-inch length to your bike’s rear suspension. They aim to give you a smoother journey on your adventures.
What We Like:
- Direct Fit for Specific Harley Models: These shocks are made for the 2005 Harley-Davidson Touring Road King Classic FLHRC, making installation simpler if your bike matches.
- Sleek Black Appearance: The black finish adds a stylish touch to your motorcycle, giving it a custom look.
- 13-Inch Length: This common length often provides a good balance of comfort and ground clearance for touring bikes.
- Comes as Shown: You receive exactly what you see in the first image, so you know what to expect.
What Could Be Improved:
- Compatibility Verification Needed: You must confirm your exact OEM part number and unit details to ensure a perfect match. This step takes extra time.
- Reliance on Images for Specs: Detailed specifications are only available in images 2 and 3, which might be less convenient than a written list.
- Potential for Fitment Issues if Not Verified: While the product may replace multiple OEM numbers, incorrect verification could lead to a part that doesn’t fit.
If you’re looking to refresh your 2005 Road King Classic’s suspension with a clean look, these black shocks are worth considering. Just remember to double-check that they are the right fit for your specific bike.
3. Mofun Black 13″ Rear Shocks Lowering Kit Compatible with Harley Touring Street Glide Road Electra Glide Road King Tour Glide 1980-2025 Preload Adjustable
Rating: 8.6/10
Upgrade your Harley Touring motorcycle with the Mofun Black 13″ Rear Shocks Lowering Kit. This kit is designed to give your bike a smoother, more comfortable ride and a stylish, lower stance. It fits a wide range of Harley Touring models from 1980 to 2025, making it a versatile option for many riders. The black finish looks sharp and adds a custom touch to your ride.
What We Like:
- Fits many Harley Touring bikes like Street Glide, Road King, and Electra Glide from 1980-2025.
- The 13-inch length offers a lower profile, improving your riding position and bike’s look.
- You can adjust the preload to match your weight, ensuring a comfortable ride.
- Progressively wound springs help absorb bumps for a smoother experience.
- Installation is straightforward, just bolt them on.
- The black plating gives your bike a sleek, custom appearance.
What Could Be Improved:
- This kit does not fit Trike models.
- While the springs are a good width and thickness, some riders might want even more customization options for spring rates.
This Mofun kit is a fantastic way to enhance your Harley’s comfort and style. It’s a solid choice for riders looking for a noticeable upgrade.
4. Mofun 13″ Rear Shocks Lowering Kit Compatible with Harley Touring Electra Glide Standard Ultra Classic CVO 1984-2023 Preload Adjustable Black
Rating: 9.4/10
Ready to give your Harley Touring bike a fresh look and a smoother ride? The Mofun 13″ Rear Shocks Lowering Kit is designed to do just that. It lowers the rear of your bike, giving it a custom stance and improving your riding comfort. This kit is made to fit a wide range of Harley Electra Glide models from 1984 all the way up to 2023, excluding trikes.
What We Like:
- Fitment: Works with many popular Harley Touring Electra Glide models, including Standard, Classic, CVO, and Ultra Classic, spanning many years.
- Adjustable Ride: Features preload adjustment. This lets you fine-tune the shocks to match your weight for a more comfortable and personalized ride.
- Improved Stance: Lowers the rear of your bike, giving it a cool, custom appearance.
- Comfortable Ride: Progressively wound springs help absorb bumps for a smoother experience.
- Easy Installation: Designed for a simple bolt-on process, making it easy to install yourself.
- Durable Finish: Comes with a sleek black plating for a stylish look that lasts.
What Could Be Improved:
- Excludes Trikes: This kit is not compatible with Harley Trike models.
- Specific Model Years: While the fitment is broad, always double-check your specific model year against the listed compatible years to be sure.
This Mofun lowering kit offers a great way to customize your Harley’s look and feel. It’s a solid choice for riders looking for a lower profile and enhanced comfort.
5. TCMT Remote Reservoir Rear Suspension Shocks Fit For Harley Touring 2014-2025 Road Glide Road King Street Glide
Rating: 9.4/10
Upgrade your Harley Touring motorcycle with the TCMT Remote Reservoir Rear Suspension Shocks. These aftermarket shocks are designed to fit 2014-2025 Road Glide, Road King, and Street Glide models, offering a significant improvement in ride quality and control.
What We Like:
- Adjustable Ride Quality: With 19 levels of compression and 12 levels of rebound damping, you can fine-tune your ride for ultimate comfort and handling.
- Personalized Preload: Adjust preload up to 50mm to perfectly match your weight, passenger, and luggage for a stable ride.
- Easy Installation: These shocks install easily without special tools. The rotating reservoir makes adjustments convenient.
- Durable and Stylish Design: The sleek black hard-coat finish and stainless steel lines look great and offer long-lasting performance.
- Precise Damping Control: Easily set your damping with clear instructions for a customized feel.
What Could Be Improved:
- Preload Adjustment Note: The preload adjustment requires the motorcycle to be suspended, meaning you need to remove the rider and passenger from the seat and potentially have a way to lift the bike.
These TCMT shocks offer a fantastic way to enhance your Harley’s performance and comfort. They provide exceptional adjustability and a stylish look for your ride.
Upgrade Your Ride: Choosing the Best Rear Shocks for Your Harley Davidson Touring Bike
Are you ready to make your Harley Davidson Touring bike feel like it’s gliding on clouds? New rear shocks can transform your ride, offering a smoother journey and better handling. This guide will help you pick the perfect shocks for your needs.
Why Upgrade Your Harley Touring Shocks?
Stock shocks are okay, but they often don’t handle well with extra weight or rough roads. Upgrading gives you a more comfortable ride, improved stability, and a better feel for the road. You’ll enjoy longer rides and less fatigue.
Key Features to Look For
When shopping for rear shocks, keep these important features in mind:
- Adjustability: This is crucial. Look for shocks that let you adjust the spring preload. This helps you fine-tune the ride for different loads, like riding solo or with a passenger and luggage. Some shocks also offer adjustable damping, which controls how quickly the shock compresses and rebounds.
- Travel Length: This is how much the shock can compress. Longer travel can absorb bumps better, offering a softer ride. Shorter travel might give a sportier feel.
- Spring Rate: This is how stiff the spring is. A higher spring rate supports more weight. Make sure the spring rate matches your typical riding weight.
- Ride Height Adjustment: Some shocks allow you to slightly raise or lower your bike. This can change the bike’s stance and handling.
- Piggyback Reservoir: These shocks have a separate oil reservoir. This keeps the oil cooler under hard use, preventing the shocks from getting too hot and losing effectiveness. This leads to more consistent performance.
Important Materials
The materials used in shocks affect their durability and performance.
- Steel: Many shocks use steel for their bodies and springs. It’s strong and affordable.
- Aluminum: High-end shocks often use aluminum for their bodies. It’s lighter than steel and helps dissipate heat better.
- High-Quality Seals: Good seals prevent oil leaks and keep dirt out. This ensures the shocks work well for a long time.
- Durable Spring Material: The springs are usually made of strong steel. They need to withstand constant compression and expansion.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make shocks better or worse.
- Build Quality: Look for shocks with precise machining and tight tolerances. This means better performance and fewer issues. Shocks with good welds and smooth finishes are usually a sign of quality.
- Brand Reputation: Established brands often have a track record of making reliable and high-performing parts. They invest in research and development.
- Internal Components: The quality of the pistons, valves, and oil inside the shock matters. Better internal parts provide smoother damping and more consistent control.
- Assembly: How well the shock is put together is important. Poor assembly can lead to leaks or premature wear.
- Cost vs. Value: While expensive shocks aren’t always the best, very cheap ones often lack the features and durability you need. Find a balance that offers good performance for the price.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you use your Harley.
- Daily Commuting: If you ride your bike every day, comfort is key. Shocks with good damping and adjustable preload will smooth out rough city streets.
- Long-Distance Touring: For cross-country trips, you need shocks that handle weight and provide comfort over many miles. Adjustable shocks are a must for carrying luggage and a passenger.
- Aggressive Riding: If you enjoy carving corners, you’ll want shocks that offer good support and control. Shocks with adjustable damping and a firmer spring rate can improve handling.
- Two-Up Riding: Always carry a passenger? You need shocks that can handle the extra weight without bottoming out. Look for shocks with higher spring rates and easy preload adjustment.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the most important feature when buying rear shocks for my Harley Touring bike?
A: The most important feature is adjustability, especially preload adjustment. It lets you customize your ride for different weights and road conditions.
Q: Can I install Harley Touring rear shocks myself?
A: Yes, many riders can install them at home with basic tools. However, if you’re not comfortable, a professional mechanic can do it.
Q: How often should I replace my rear shocks?
A: Rear shocks can last for many years, but they do wear out. If you notice a rougher ride, leaks, or poor handling, it’s time to consider replacing them.
Q: Will new shocks change the look of my Harley?
A: Yes, some aftermarket shocks have a different look. Many come in various finishes like chrome or black to match your bike’s style.
Q: Are expensive rear shocks always better?
A: Not always. While premium shocks offer advanced features and materials, good quality mid-range shocks can provide excellent performance and comfort for most riders.
Q: What does “damping” mean on a shock absorber?
A: Damping controls how quickly the shock moves. It helps absorb bumps and prevent the bike from bouncing too much.
Q: Can I use shocks designed for a different Harley model?
A: It’s best to buy shocks specifically made for your Harley Davidson Touring model. Fitment is important for proper function and safety.
Q: How do I know if my current shocks are worn out?
A: Signs include a bouncy ride, the bike sagging, leaks from the shock body, or a feeling of less control, especially over bumps.
Q: What is preload adjustment?
A: Preload adjustment changes how much the spring is compressed before it starts working. This allows you to set the initial ride height and support for different loads.
Q: Will upgrading my shocks improve my bike’s braking?
A: Better shocks improve stability, which can indirectly help your braking. A more stable bike allows you to brake more effectively, especially on uneven surfaces.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
I’m the recipe developer and food photographer behind Air Fryer at Tiffany’s. I’m also a wife, mom to two adventurous little boys, registered nurse, and live in the great Midwest. Join me as I show you new ways to use your air fryer that you never knew possible.