Are you looking for the best shocks for a Dyna? You’re in the right place.
Among all the major components comprising your vehicle’s suspension system, irrespective of whether it’s a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, a shock absorber is one. A shock absorber, also known as a shock in the automotive industry, chiefly shields the vehicle from knocks and bumps. On the other hand, shocks help maintain constant contact with the road surface.
Talking about Harley Davidson motorcycles, the Milwaukee-based motorcycle manufacturer proudly claims that “the pursuit of adventure begins with a ride on a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. So no matter whether you own a Harley Davidson Dyna, Sportster, Softail, Touring, Street, or a LiveWire, every ride becomes an epical expedition. Surely you’d want to ride your Harley Davidson effortlessly irrespective of whether you’re cruising on velvety highways or rugged terrains.
And that is exactly where the best motorbike shocks come in absolutely handy, enabling your motorcycle’s suspension to absorb vibrations and shocks. That said, not all aftermarket shocks go with all Harley Davidson sizes and models. In this review, we walk you through the top 7 shock absorbers that work as perfect aftermarket replacements or upgrades for your Harley Davidson Dyna.
Best Shocks for Dyna – Comparison Table
#1 Progressive Suspension 412-4045B Shocks (Editor’s Choice)
The Progressive Suspension 412-4045B are the best shocks for a Dyna.
If you’re looking for the best replacement rear suspension shock for your Harley Davidson Dyna, then don’t look any further. The 412 Series shocks from Progressive Suspension offer optimal returns on your investment, thanks to their durable design and long-term performance. You can rest assured that the 412-4045B rear suspension shock will perform as well as the stock unit it replaces.
This Progressive Suspension 412-4045B Black 11” Heavy Duty Replacement Rear Nitrogen-charged Suspension Shock featuring a double-layered steel body construction with multi-stage velocity-receptive valve ensures smooth damping. On the other hand, a five-position cam-styled preload adjuster comes in quite handy for adjusting your ride, regardless of whether you’re a city rider or prefer off-roading. This 412-Series replacement rear suspension shock by Progressive Suspension is guaranteed to last, thanks to its hardwearing construction, and sports a glossy black finish.
Features
- Rear replacement suspension stock
- Heavy-duty steel construction
- Nitrogen gas charged
- Internal design: Twin-tube
- Black powder-coated spring finish
- Multi-stage velocity-sensitive
- Five-position cam-style preload adjuster
Pros
- Superlative aftermarket rear suspension shock boosts the performance of your vehicle’s suspension system.
- Gas-charged multi-stage velocity-responsive valve for smoother rides
- Improves bike handling by lowering it somewhat
- Easily installable (takes about 15 minutes for replacement)
Cons
- No adjustment for damping
- Rides could be a bit stiffer
#2 Burly B28-1253 Black Stiletto Shock
The Burly B28-1253 Black Stiletto Shock has been designed exclusively to offer your Harley Davidson the damping effectiveness while you zoom through different terrains. The heavyweight damper comes ergonomically swathed in dual springs, enabling your bike to handle bumps and knocks on road surfaces. On the other hand, the chief coil lowers the perch by 1.5-2.0 inches (depends upon the bike model), resulting in more consistent rides.
At the same time, the primary coil spring helps in coping with aggressive hits and aids in bottoming out for smoother and more pleasurable rides. That dropped forked spring suspension shock available in 15” and 13” is compatible with Harley Davidson Sportsters (model years 2004 through 2011). While the 12.5” and 13.5” Black Stiletto Shocks work with Harley Davidson Dyna models.
Features
- Ergonomically and specially designed for compatibility with OEM mounting hardware.
- It comes integrated with different spring adjuster wrench and bushing sizes for companionability with various bike models.
- Gas-charged
- Monotube design
- Also one of the best shocks for a Harley Davidson Sportster.
Pros
- No disassembly required: can be fine-tuned and tweaked according to the rider’s heft.
- Easily upgradable and offering good value for your investment
- This slammer shock absorber is easy to install DIY
- The secondary coil helps deal with milder bumps and shocks, while the mainspring cushions the more enormous bangs.
Cons
- No adjustability for high-speed or low-speed compression
- It could be more whiny and stiff in comparison to stock shocks
#3 Progressive Suspension 412-4009B Shocks
Progressive Suspension is the leading manufacturer of top-notch motorcycle suspension equipment in the US. The 412-4009 Black 13.5” Standard Replacement Rear Suspension Shock perfectly symbolizes the high level of craftsmanship that Progressive Suspension has attained over the years. As with all other models in the 412 Series, the 412-4009B shock furnishes the maximum value in the present-day market for automotive.
This 13.5” black standard replacement rear suspension shock sports an uncomplicated yet sturdy design, thereby ensuring your Harley Davidson’s suspension performance in the long run. The USP of this 412 Series rear suspension shock is its double-walled steel frame charged with a multi-stage velocity- susceptible valve system that reduces the impact from the springs’ vibrations.
This nitrogen-gas charged Progressive Suspension shock aids in gradually slowing down the shuddering from your motorbike’s body and wheels while you change direction or ride on uneven roads.
Features
- Replacement shock position: Rear
- Preload Type: 5-position cam-style
- Damping Type: Multi-stage velocity-sensitive damping
- Double-walled damper shaped out of premium grade steel
- High-pressure nitrogen gas for minimizing vibrations
Pros
- Durable double-walled steel construction for boosting up suspension support and functional life
- The shock can be adjusted and modified in five distinct ways, thanks to the 5-position cam-style
- An ideal upgrade to your bike’s the factory air suspension setup
- The option to choose from chrome or black springs
Cons
- No adjustment for rebound and high-flow valving
#4 Burly B28-1202 Shocks
In case you’re searching for a top-quality rear shock to effectively enhance the dampening effect of your Harley Davidson Dyna’s rear, then go for these Burly Brand Rear Slammer Shocks. These 10.5” Chrome Rear Slammer Shocks B28-1202 by Burly Brand packs a punch and to good effect. The B28-1202 Burly Brand Chrome Rear Slammer Shock goes a long way in lowering most of your rides by 2.5” at the most.
Once you replace your stock rear suspension system with these Burly Brand Slammer shocks, you’re guaranteed a more relaxed lower ride. These B28-1202 rear shocks aid in bringing down the center of gravity, eventually rendering handling of your Harley Davidson pleasanter. And if you’re a biker with a smaller stature, you’ll find flat-footing more convenient.
Features
- Preload-adjustment compatible for matching biker’s weight
- Stumpy 10-1/2” matching measurement
- Seamlessly companionable with Burly Brand Lowboy front fork lowering supplies
- Shock Assembly: Key rear lowering component
Pros
- Easy installation
- Lowers the front end of your Harley Davidson motorbike by a maximum of 2 inches.
- Compatible with the majority of Harley motorbike model,s including 49mm, 41mm, and 39mm forks
- One-year limited warranty.
Cons
- Many bikers complained that suspension coil springs became stiffer following the installation of this slammer shock pair
#5 Progressive Suspension 413-4039B Shock
This 413 Series Black 15” Low Buck Standard Rear Suspension Shock provides excellent damping with minimal wear and tear. The entire 413-4039 rear suspension shock has a robust double-walled structure for facilitating fade-free shock-absorbing performance for years on end. The Progressive Suspension 413-4039 Black 15” Low Buck Standard Rear Suspension Shock comes equipped with toughened heat-treated chrome rods, failsafe sealing, and wear-and-tear lube.
Shocks from 413 Series feature a simple yet practical design that ultimately boosts up damping performance of your motorbike’s suspension. Additionally, a five-stance cam-style preload adjuster helps customize your ride irrespective of whether you’re a smooth rider or a heavy biker.
Features
- Performance-oriented Freon-charged gas
- 5-position cam-style preload adjustment
- Long-lasting sealing with heat-treated chrome rods
- Oil extremely resistant to fade
Pros
- Freon charged gas cells improve damping
- Double-walled steel construction of the body
- Hard-chrome finish of coil spring
Cons
- High likelihood of bottoming out
- Might scrape with tires or suspension system parts
#6 Progressive Suspension 412-4037B Shock
The 412-4037B Shock by Progressive Suspension are simply the best shocks you can buy. Sturdily designed and durably constructed, the 412-Series will enhance your Dyna’s suspension system’s performance. A solid steel body together with a five-position cam-styled preload adjuster and gas-charged multi-stage velocity-friendly valve offers controlled damping.
Features
- Hardwearing progressive rate chrome-finish spring coil
- Charged with high-pressure nitrogen gas for constant damping
- Double-walled damper constructed out of heavy-duty steel
Pros
- 5-position cam-style preload adjuster for adjustment in different positions
- Designed with meticulous care for boosting motorbike’s suspension mechanism’s functioning
Cons
- Not viable for off-roading or rough rides
#7 Progressive Suspension 412-4036C Shock
This Progressive Suspension Standard Replacement Rear Suspension Shock from the 412 Series will replace your factory-installed OEM shock. Rigid construction coupled with a multilevel velocity-responsive valve and 5-position cam-styled preload adjuster coordinate to make your rides more enjoyable. The spring coil featuring a chrome finish enables the shock to effectively resist shudders resulting from bumps on road surfaces.
Features
- Rear suspension shock
- Shock Type: Non-adjustable
- Body material: Steel
- Upper and Lower Mount eyelets
- Chrome-plated spring finish
- Twin-tube design
Pros
- Compatible with a variety of bike makes and models featuring twin-shocks
- It comes completely assembled for mounting instantly.
- It helps improve the shock-absorbing capacity of the bike’s suspension system.
Cons
- Hastens tire wear and tear
Best Shocks for Harley Davidson Dyna: FAQs
Are Dyna and Sportster Shocks Interchangeable?
Yes, you can swap your Dyna shocks with Sportster’s shock absorbers and vice-versa. Nevertheless, when you use Sportster’s shocks on the Harley Davidson Dyna, rides will be pretty stiffer as the former has been designed to work with heavier motorcycles. Most of the Harley Davidson Sportster owners have found and reported that Sportster shocks tend to be heftier than Dyna’s.
That is so because the installation angles on Dyna tend to be markedly different from working angles on Sportster.
Bear in mind that your Dyna or Sportster’s rear suspension shocks improve ride comfort while the front suspension facilitates better handling. The Sportster features an atypical setup having a unique cartridge system and three distinct adjusters. The only Dyna model that closely matches the Sportster Sport’s OEM setup is the Dyna FDFX Superglide Sport.
The Dyna FDFX’s internal springs and front suspension forks that are about a half-an-inch and 2-inches longer, respectively, than their HD XL 1200S counterparts should fit the Sportster’s OEM fork tubes. So, your Dyna’s suspension shocks will work on the Sportster XL 1200S, but it’ll take a lot of effort.
Hyperpro’s suspension solutions, including front fork and rear spring sets, and shocks work for Harley Davidson Street, XR, VRSC, Dyna, Touring, and Sportster models and interchangeable as well.
What Size is Stock Dyna Shocks?
If you visit the official sites of a few reputed aftermarket front and rear suspension shock systems’ manufacturers like Progressive Suspension, Burly Brand, and Ohlins Racing AB, you’ll find that their standardized shock sizes range from 12”-13.3”. For instance, if you log in at the website of Progressive Suspension, you’ll see that the stock shocks in sizes varying from 12” to 13.5” for 2016 Dyna FXDL.
You’ll also discover that the size(s) of almost all shocks promoted by Progressive Suspension for high-end motorbike models vary between 12-inches and 13.5 inches. To be specific, the majority of shocks that work with your Harley Davidson Dyna are 12” long except for 970 Piggyback and 490 Sports Series. Shock absorbers for the 490 Sports Series and 970 Piggyback Series are available in two different lengths or sizes-13.5” and 12.5”.
Take note of the following aspects while choosing an aftermarket front/rear suspension for your Dyna:
- Standardized stock/replacement shock length ranges in between 12”-13.3.”
- Height change at the front end of your motorcycle goes hand-in-hand with a change at the rear end.
- You should measure shock length fully extended from grommet top grommet.
- Before buying aftermarket shocks (whose dimensions vary from the stock units), ensure that the wheels’ motion that causes the suspension system’s flexing is modifiable without leading to clearance issues relating to the exhaust, chain guard and belt, fender, tire, frame, axle, and swingarm.
- A change in ride height could lead to motorized trail and trail alterations.
How to Find the Best Shocks for a Dyna?
Like any other vehicle, irrespective of whether it’s a four-wheeler or a two-wheeler, the suspension system happens to be a crucial part. Using a low-quality product that does not replace the stock equipment or fits improperly might lead to disastrous consequences. Since Harley Davidson motorbikes come in a range of sizes and models, including the Dyna, you must choose compatible shocks.
Hence it follows that while you’re shopping for shocks for your Dyna, you should pay close attention to the following factors:
Right Type and Size
That is the most crucial aspect you need to keep in mind. Ensure the size of the product you select is companionable with your motorcycle’s make and model year.
Softness/Stiffness
Whether you’ll opt for soft or stiff shock absorbers largely depends on how you use your Dyna. If you usually use the bike to haul heavy loads, you should choose firm and rigid shocks. Alternatively, soft suspension forks are more suitable if you’re a lightweight rider and installed at the front to help absorb small strains during rides.
Height Corrections
You’d want your bike to sit and ride a tad higher or lower based on your weight and height. The best shocks for Dyna allow you to raise or lower the bike by up to 2-inches.
Installation-Friendly
You can always engage a professional for installing replacement shocks but going DIY helps save a considerable sum of money. The product you purchase usually comes with a manual or guide listing the installation instructions, so it should be simple. Choose a shocking pair that does not call for arranging special installation tools instead. You should be able to install them just using your hands.
Durable Construction
To say last but not least, you’d want the shocks to withstand wear and tear without sacrificing performance. Ensure that the product you select has a body made out of industrial-grade steel.
How to Adjust the Rear Shocks on a Dyna?
Follow these steps for installing rear shocks on your Dyna:-
- Slacken the locking ring on the shock’s base
- Adjust the shock’s length by twisting the bottom-mounted U-shaped forked metal connector up or down. Stick to the dimension mentioned in the installation manual
- Following tweaking, ensure that both the shocks extend to the same length following the measurement in the chart.
- Tauten the lock ring vis-à-vis the adjustable base of the shock and turn the body to ensure that both eyelets are at the same level
- Position the motorcycle on a heavy-duty jack and keep raising till the entire weight is off of the back wheel
- Take off the stock rear shocks.
- Fix the replacement shocks with the higher mounting fasteners
- Cautiously lower or raise the motorbike and the jack to make the lower mounting nuts glide via, the lower mount’s shock.
- Screw tight both lower and upper bolts as per the torque measurements
Final Thoughts: the Best Shocks for a Dyna Bike:
We have chosen and reviewed 7 top models of shocks for the Dyna available on the market at the moment. They all are pretty decent, but our final choice is the Progressive Suspension 412-4045B Shock. It’s the best shock for a Dyna.