Best Rear Shocks for Harley Davidson Touring

I have been an avid motorcycle fan for my whole life and my love for the Harley Davidson was born from growing up in a motorcycle loving home.,  The Harley Davidson has been the motorcycle of choice since 1903 and only the best rear shocks for Harley Davidson touring will suffice with all those miles you’ll be spending on the road. The question is, why wouldn’t you want the best harley touring shocks? The nice thing is that you can adjust the different parts of your Harley to enhance performance, appearance, and comfort, so why wouldn’t you want to replace the harley touring shocks to make your Harley Davidson touring more comfortable?

The main purpose of the rear shock is to carry weight and create the right damping effect for the driver and baggage. Some rear shocks are more hardtail-focused, creating a softer damping effect. With a harder damping effect, you will have more of a sporty feeling to the Harley. Being stiffer gives the driver more feeling towards the road. It is mainly used in the drag-style setup. 

Softer shocks are perfect for long-distance driving and create better comfort onbumpy roads. 

Rear shocks affect handling quite tremendously as some have the ability to lower the motorcycle. This ends up lowering your center of gravity. It plays a very big role in cornering, as with a softer setup, you have less vibration and bumpiness. With a harder setup, you enter the drag realm. This gives the advantage of less kinetic energy and absorption of the spring, which will result in a harder rear giving more straight-line handling.  

Are you interested in replacing your rear shocks and looking for the best harley touring shocks? You have come to the right place. In this article, we will be reviewing the top 10 rear shocks in the market to assist you in buying the best ones for your Harley.

Also Read: Best Brake Pads for Harley Davidson Touring Reviewed

Top 10 Rear Shocks for Harley Davidson Touring

1. Progressive Suspension 944-4020UT – Best Overall

Features 

• Brand – Progressive Suspension
• Model – 944-4020UT
• Lowered 1 inch
• Three weight options
  • Standard
  • Heavy-duty 115+ kg
  • Super heavy-duty 160+ kg
• frequency Sensing technology
• Spring adjustment by hand
• Warranty lifetime limited
• Weight – 6 lb
• Size – 3.5 x 17 x 7 inches

The 944-4020 UT is the perfect all-round rear shock for your Harley Davidson touring bike, with a key feature of FST (frequency sensitive technology). It is a damning auto technology that senses bumps and potholes and auto dampens to produce the ultimate comfort for the rider. The 944-4020 UT  has three weight options perfect for any driver, and the ease of installation makes it even better. Because of the direct fitment from the stock shock, it has a one-inch lower ride height, creating a more comfortable ride. The lower center of gravity creates an increase in handling in certain circumstances. 

Model Availability

• 86-18 Electra Glides 
• 98-18 Road Glides 
• 94-18 Road Kings 
• 06-18 Street Glides 
• 15-18 Ultra Limiteds

2. Ohlins HD 022 Shocks – Best in Performance

Features

• Brand – Ohlins
• Model – HD 022
• Fully serviceable
• CNC machined parts
• Different spring rates are available
• Designed with single tube STX
• Adjustable
• Billet tool included
• Low friction
• Anodized

One name usually stands out above all when it comes to rear shocks. That name is Ohlins. The Ohlins HD 022 Shocks are the answer to all your dreams. Theira perfected CNC cut design ensures superior quality. These rear shocks are completely adjustable to a stiffer and softer setup. The Ohlins HD 022 Shocks are finished off with a hardened anodized shock. This allows for lifelong lasting capabilities. The Ohlins HD 022 Shocks are also completely serviceable and repairable. You will never miss out on a day of riding with these bad boys. With the easy adjustment, you can take on the long haul across the country, or harden the suspension and hit the drag strip in no time. The Ohlins HD 022 Shocks come with a five-year warranty, and it covers a wide range of touring models to meet all your needs. Even though they come with a steep price tag, they are worth every penny. 

Model Availability 

• 0 – 06 Electra Glide Classic
• 00 – 06 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 07 – 13 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 99 – 06 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
• 07 – 13 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
• 90 – 98 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide
• 14 – 19 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
• 14 – 16 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom CVO
• 11 – 13 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom
• 14 – 16 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Custom
• 99 – 06 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
• 04 – 06 Harley-Davidson Road Glide
• 11 – 14 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra
• 14 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road Glide Ultra
• 99 – 06 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 07 – 14 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 14 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 97 – 99 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 99 – 06 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 17 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road King Classic
• 07 – 14 Harley-Davidson Road King CVO
• 12 – 16 Harley-Davidson Road King CVO
• 99 – 06 Harley-Davidson Road King
• 07 – 13 Harley-Davidson Road King
• 14 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road King
• 94 – 99 Harley-Davidson Road King
• 14 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road King Police 
• 17 – 19 Harley-Davidson Road King Special
• 08 – 16 Harley-Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• 06 – 99 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic
• 99 – 07 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic 
• 08- 13 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic
• 14 – 16 Harley-Davidson Ultra Glide Classic

3. Mofun Preload adjustable 10.5

Features

• Brand – Mofun
• Model – 601673712834
• Colors – chrome, black
• Lowering available
• Adjustment tool included
• Weight – 8.13 lbs
• Dimensions – 4.5 x 13.8 x 6.75 inches

With a compact design, we present the Mofun Preload, which is as light as a feather, with a weight of 8.13 lbs. They say dynamite usually comes in small packages. This is true for the Mofun Preload, as this is one of the most affordable options on this list. It comes with various advantages, such as easy installation, and is completely adjustable to your specific needs. The Mofun Preload is a one-size-fits-all package with weight, durability, and colors. It is available in black and chrome and is not a year-specific shock. It is available for many touring bikes ranging from 1980 to 2021.

Model Availability

• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Touring
• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Tour Glide
• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Road King
• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Road Glide
• 1980-2021 Harley Davidson Street Glide

4. Factory Spec, FS-04505, Stubby Shocks

Features

• Brand – Factory Spec
• Model – FS-04505
• Available in black and chrome
• 10.5 inches
• Adjustable
• Adjusting wrench included

5. Monroe MA785 Max-Air Adjust Shock Absorber

Features

• Brand – Monroe
• Model – MA785 Max-air
• Black only
• Adjustable
• 1,200 lbs max weight
• Easy adjustment knob
• Limited lifetime warranty 
• Weight – 9.7 lbs
• Dimensions – 7.8 x 3.5 x 21 inches

If you are the type of person that loves touring, you will have to carry a lot of weight in baggage. The Monroe MA785 Max-Air Adjust Shock Absorber is the perfect stock shock setup for you. With a maximum capacity of 1,200 lbs, it is one beefy set up with ease of installation. Anyone can change out their OEM setup for these right in your garage. All you need is basic hand tools and a good understanding of them. Even though they are only available in black, don’t let that turn you away. The Monroe MA785 Max-Air Adjust Shock Absorber is made to last. You can refurbish the entire shock with ease. They are certainly the best bang for the buck. You can dial them right up for your preferred riding style: drag setup or long-distance cruising. 

6. Legends Revo-A 1310 – 09

Features

• Brand – Legends
• Model – Revo-A 1310 – 0959
• Anodized
• Colors available – Black, clear anodized, and gold
• Twin-tube
• Billet aluminium
• Weight –  8.55 lbs
• Dimensions 6 x 15 x 15 inches

We present the Legends Revo-A 1310 – 0959 as number six on this list. It is very versatile and has a stylish stock shock setup. An adjustable spring gives the rider an option of dialing in hardness to perfection. It is suitable for lightweight and heavy riders, and it comes in a variety of colors. It is made to suit any rider’s aesthetic needs. From black to gold, you can show off your perfect ride. It is extremely simple to install. Even though it does not give a large selection of models, it packs an amazing punch. If you have one on the list, I will strongly suggest getting this piece of engineering. It is most likely the best value for money. With an anodized surface, it will not age quickly and will be built to last. 

Models

• 99 – 22 Harley Davidson Hydra-Glide
• 99 – 22 Harley Davidson Duo Glide
• 99 – 22 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 99 – 22 Harley Davidson Tour Glide

7. PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION 412-4077B

Features

• Brand – Progressive Suspension
• Model – 412-2077B
• Non-adjustable 
• Five preset heights
• It comes in black and silver
• 150 lbs max weight
• Velocity-sensitive damping
• 1-year warranty
• Weight – 2 lbs
• Dimensions – 3.5 x 17 x 6.5 inches

The PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION 412-4077B comes with a lightweight design. The 412-4077 B’s have something for everyone. You have two color options which are black and chrome. They can also be interchanged with black or chrome housings, and you can also change the spring to black or chrome. They are lightweight but still pack a punch. They can be dialed into your preferred setup. With five preset adjustments, there is one set up for everyone. Unfortunately, it is not designed for a very large weight capacity. It can be fitted easily with common hand tools and an understanding of how to use them. It is a more stiffer style of shocks, making it perfect for a drag setup. Being lightweight saves a lot of overall weight and better gas mileage. The progressive suspension only offers a one-year warranty. With the five preset adjustments and basic design, few can go wrong. This will give you the ease of mind for a long-lasting stock shock setup.

8. XKH 10.5″ Rear Shock Absorber

Features

• Brand – XKH motor
• The colors are black and chrome
• Adjustable
• Wrench included
• 10.5 inches

 The XKH 10.5″ Rear Shock Absorber covers a wide variety of models. Finished in either black or chrome, this rear shock suspension has easy adjustability with the wrench included,  ensuring you can set it up to how you want in minutes. It is perfect for the canyon roads or straight-line speed. Not only is it stylish but functional also. It comes with a very affordable price tag which gives you the perfect ability to upgrade your rear suspension on a budget. The XKH 10.5″ Rear Shock Absorber has a very low ride height and have been dubbed stubby. Therefore, you must ensure that your rear end will not scrape before buying them.

Models

• 84 – 13 Harley Davidson Touring
• 84 – 85 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 94 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Road King 
• 94 – 13 Harley Davidson Road King
• 07 – 13 Harley Davidson Road King Classic
• 98 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King Classic
• 96 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King
• 04 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King Custom
• 84 – 93 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Sport
• 84 – 88 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 95 – 09Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
• 84 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 86 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic Liberty
• 96 – 06Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 89 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic
• 89 – 13 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• 95 – 06 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• 03 – 06 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
• 10 – 13Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
• 84 – 85 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Special
• 06 – 13 Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 06 Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 84 – 91 Harley Davidson Tour Glide Classic
• 89 – 96 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Tour Glide
• 98 – 06 Harley Davidson Road Glide
• 11 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra
• 98 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide
• 10 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide Custom

9. Kcint Lowering Air Shocks

Features

• Brand – Kcint
• Adjustable ride height
• Air technology
• Pumped by hand 
• Available in chrome
• Weight – 13 lbs
• 1 year limited warranty 

Don’t be fooled by the weight of the Kcint Lowering Air Shocks, as it has a feature that makes it definitely worth the weight. Boasting a complete air suspension, the Kcint Lowering Air Shocks are one of a kind. By simply pumping it by hand, you can either stiffen the suspense or soften it. It has since hit the harley davidson motorcycles fans by storm. Even though it is only available in chrome, it will turn heads as you can simply release air resulting in better corner handling for canyon roads—no need to struggle with a wrench. Being in the mid-price range, they are worth every penny. Although you cannot pump them with a normal air compressor as it will wear out the seals, it is easy to regain a stiffer rear with a simple hand or foot pump.

Models 

1980-2017 Harley Davidson Touring

10. HTTMT LS003 – Best in Affordability

Features

• Brand – HTTMT
• Model – LS003
• The colors available are chrome and black
• Weight – 7.5 lbs
• Dimensions – 3.3 x 13.4 x 5.45 inches
• Adjustable
• Wrench included

The HTTMT LS003 fits any rider’s bill with a very large model availability. It has a lightweight design finished in either black or chrome. The black couplings are powder coated and come with an adjustable spring. You can set up your rear suspension to the preferred soft or hard setup. The soft setup is more for canyons and cross-country driving, while the harder setup results in a drag setup with a stiff rear. The HTTMT LS003 is an affordable package that can fit anyone’s budget. It is the perfect starter setup. The HTTMT LS003  has a very easy installation and has a wide variety of plastic bushings to fit any listed model. It has a short body eye to eye of only 13.4 inches, which will lower your rear end. 

Models

• 84 – 13 Harley Davidson Touring
• 84 – 85 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 94 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Road King
• 94 – 13 Harley Davidson Road King
• 07 – 13 Harley Davidson Road King Classic
• 98 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King Classic
• 96 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King
• 04 – 06 Harley Davidson Road King Custom
• 84 – 93 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Sport
• 84 – 88 Harley Davidson Electra Glide
• 95 – 09 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
• 84 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 86 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic Liberty
• 96 – 06 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic
• 89 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Classic
• 89 – 13 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• 95 – 06 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Electra Glide
• 03 – 06 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Standard
• 10 – 13 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Ultra Limited
• 84 – 85 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Special
• 06 – 13Harley Davidson Street Glide 
• 06 Harley Davidson Street Glide
• 89 – 96 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic Tour Glide
• 98 – 06 Harley Davidson Road Glide
• 11 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide Ultra
• 98 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide
• 10 – 13 Harley Davidson Road Glide Custom

Benefits of Using a Good Rear Shock for Harley Davidson Touring

When choosing a rear shock setup, you must consider a few factors. You cannot just buy any rear shock. You need to know what you want to achieve. A big deciding factor is what type of rider you are. What type of riding you will be doing. What are the road conditions? The benefits of changing out your OEM rear shock are limitless. Here are a few beneficial factors listed below:

Increased handling

For a Harley, a rear shock is an important part of the bike. It helps with increased handling and makes the ride quality more comfortable. A good rear shock can make a big difference in how your Harley handles rough roads or at high speeds. The best harley touring shocks will help you control the bike when you’re going fast and make it easier to stop or turn quickly. They also help keep things smooth when you hit bumps in the road, making the ride quality much more comfortable.

More weight capacity

Rear shocks are designed to absorb bumps in the road, which reduces fatigue on your arms, wrists, hands, and shoulders. You’ll feel less tired after riding long distances or doing long riding sessions. They also help maintain tire pressure, so you get even traction on the road surface with no flats or blowouts during your trip! If you want to enjoy riding your Davidson more than ever before by improving its performance, add a new rear shock today!

Lowering the rear end

A good rear shock for Harley’s helps lower the rear end and make the ride more comfortable. It also lets you lean into turns, making it easier to maneuver through traffic. The rear shock on your Harley Davidson is an important part of the suspension system and helps keep your bike stable at high speeds. If your rear shock is not working properly, you will notice that your bike feels unstable when riding. This can be dangerous because it will be harder to control your bike while driving down the highway or around corners.

Adjustability of height

A good rear shock helps with height adjustment, which means that you’ll be able to raise or lower your bike to fit the terrain and make sure that your ride is as smooth as possible. It also helps with rider comfort and control. When properly adjusted, your rear end should feel great! So don’t let your bike down! Get some new rear shocks today!

Better absorption on rough roads

Riding a motorcycle in snowy or icy conditions requires a different set of tires than riding one in the desert or on smooth highways. If you’re planning to ride your Harley Touring on rough roads, you must make sure your bike has a good rear shock. A good rear shock helps absorb bumps in the road so that they don’t transfer to the rider through the seat and handlebars. It also makes driving more comfortable since vibrations aren’t transferred into your hands as much when there is less bouncing.

Less fatigue

A motorcycle’s rear suspension absorbs bumps in the road and keeps the bike stable while cornering. A new rear shock can help you ride longer without feeling fatigued. You may even find that your bike has a smooth ride overall when equipped with a quality replacement stock shocks. It’s important to keep your shocks in good working order so that they’ll perform at their best when you need them most. You should check them regularly and ensure they’re secure, functional, and properly lubricated, so they last longer than expected.

Drag setup

A good rear shock should handle all the extra weight put on it with drag racing. There are many different types of shocks that can be used for drag racing, and each one is designed specifically for certain types of bikes. The type of shock you choose will depend on what type of bike you have and what kind of suspension you have. The main purpose of a rear shock is to keep the bike stable while you’re racing or going over bumps at high speeds.

Long-range setup

It is very important to have a good rear shock for your Harley-Davidson. The rear shock helps you to get good control over your bike. It also helps you to ride on the highway or rough terrain. You can use it to keep your balance while riding on bumpy roads. The main purpose of this type of shock is to absorb bumps and vibrations, and it also helps you maintain traction between tires and the road.

What to Look for While Buying a Rear Shock for Your Harley Davidson Touring

Buying a new set of rear shocks can be overwhelming, but it does not have to be. You will need to know what you want to achieve when deciding to replace or buy new rear shocks for your Harley. Warranty plays a big role as you want to make them last as long as possible. A few sets offer a limited lifetime warranty, which means, if they are properly serviced and looked after, they will last you a lifetime. 

The materials used to coat the shocks also differ. Some rear shocks are chromed, while others are anodized. Chroming is a very hard surface but can scratch easily. It is a high-maintenance item as you need to polish it frequently. A lot of the newer shocks are anodized. It is a hard coating that is more resistant to scratches and chips. Anodizing also creates a shiny and clear finish on the product.

Adjustability is a key factor in rear shocks since they hold most of the rider’s and baggage’s weight. If you are a heavier rider, you need to look at a set that can hold weight. Or, if you are a rider that travels longer distances with more baggage, you need to consider that too.

If you have a simple drag setup bike, you will need to invest in a stiffer set. It needs to be able to give less flex at the back resulting in minimum power loss to the wheel. A Sunday canyon road rider will look at the opposite and choose a softer setup. That gives the ability of more flex and absorption of bumps and potholes, which results in a smoother ride. It gives a lot more handling in the corners and takes off a lot of load from the frame and rider.

Everyone would rather go for the known brand when it comes to branding. It is a human instinct and, in this case, it is proven that well-known brands offer the best service. Taking Ohlins as an example, they offer you years of experience and manufacturing. They make sure that all their models are perfect before being released. The shocks they produce are easily repairable and serviceable, which gives you peace of mind. You will not be left stranded by the side of the road calling AAA.

Even though we cannot all afford the best, there are other options. If you do not have the largest budget, do not be alarmed; you have options on this list. Even though they do not offer a lifetime warranty, some cheaper options even include larger advantages and features. Choosing the right shock for you is very dependent on what you are willing to pay.

If money is not a factor, but you prefer style, you have come to the right place. Listed above is a wide variety of different styles. Anything from CNC’s shocks to air-driven shocks. It all comes down to what you prefer aesthetically and color-wise. The main colors to choose from are black and chrome; some also include gold. 

With all that said, this does not always mean that more expensive is better. Sometimes, the expensive item does not fit your certain model. Compatibility is your priority. Some rear shocks are bike-specific, and some offer a wide variety. Make sure you choose the right one to fit your year and model Harley-Davidson.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

As this article proves the best rear shocks for Harley Davidson touring allround is the Progressive Suspension 944-4020UT.  Suspensions are an important part of your motorcycle, and choosing the right one will give you a better ride quality. There are a lot of key factors to consider when buying new shocks, such as pricing, brand, performance, and style. Therefore, it is important to know why you are buying them as this will help you make an informed decision.