Upgrade Your Harley-Davidson Suspension
- Motorcycle Gear Reviews
- Sep 6, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Feb 9, 2024
If you are reading this, odds are you are thinking of upgrading the suspension on your Harley-Davidson. You may be looking for better handling characteristics or a more comfortable ride. With the Legend REVO Arc Reservoir Rear Coil Shocks, you can have both!
If you aren't familiar with Legend Suspension, they are an American company based in Sturgis, South Dakota. Which, lets face it, if you are in the motorcycle business, it is kind of the place to be! They have been in business since 1998 and started by making air ride suspensions, which they still offer. All of their shocks are made from US Parts from US Suppliers. Quality is their top priority and they deliver.
The REVO-ARC Reservoir Shocks are the top of the line in their offering. In our opinion, what makes this such a great rear shock is the versatility. They are adjustable for Pre-load, compression and rebound. The stock suspension is adjustable for pre-load only. By allowing you to adjust all aspects of your shocks, you can completely change the ride of your motorcycle. So, if you are are on the track, stunt riding, or heading cross country, there is a setting that is right for you!
When you set up your suspension, the distance between the top and bottom shock bolt should always stay within a measured range, regardless of how much weight is on the motorcycle. This is the pre-load adjustment. Adjusting your pre-load allows you to set up the suspension for the amount of weight being carried on the motorcycle. It is the first and most important part in setting up your suspension. With the REVO-ARC, you do not need any tools. In the installation guide, there is a measurement range for the top and bottom mounting bolt based on which shock you choose. When under load, the measurement should stay within the range provided. To adjust this, simply turn the coil by hand until within the desired range.
Compression is the shock compressing during a bump and Rebound is the shock returning to full extension. There are 7 adjustments available for both. The design and placement of the reservoir allows you to easily adjust the compression setting without having to remove the bags. Simply adjust the turn knob on the back of the reservoir. The reservoir, can be mounted in a few different places, but the most common is just with an optional mount that mounts up with the docking hardware on a touring bike. There is plenty of clearance for the saddle bag lids to open and they fit fine with a tour pack or luggage rack as well. For Dyna's and XL Sportsters, it is a piggy back system. That means the reservoir is actually attached to the top of the shock. If you are not familiar with a reservoir shock, we have to get one thing out of the way. It is not air ride! We get asked that one a lot. The reservoir on the REVO-ARC simply allows for the fine tuning the compression adjustment of the shock.
Rebound adjustments are made with a tool free dial adjustment on the bottom of the shock. Like the compression adjustment, this dial is for fine tuning the suspension for the ride you prefer. Usually, if a rider says the ride is too firm or too soft, it has to do with rebound. This adjuster dial changes how quickly the shock returns to a fully extended position. There are 7 adjustments available. It is recommended that you start on a 3 and adjust there from based on your preferences and riding style. The higher the number, the firmer the ride.
The REVO-ARC is a coil over shock design, which is the same concept of the stock shocks. The coil, or spring, on the Legend is quite a bit larger, encompassing most of the shock. The stock shock has a much shorter spring. This longer spring design allows for more travel in the shock, which results in a smoother ride, especially over rougher terrain. That's why dirt bikes have so much travel in the suspension. According to Legend, the extended coil length provides a larger "sweet spot" without having to increase the overall length of the shock.
The REVO-ARC uses spherical bearings on both the top and bottom mounts for the shock. This allows for some movement in the suspension in a smooth and controlled manner. There are two big advantages here. First, and probably the most important is that it limits suspension binding. This results in a smooth ride and predictable suspension feel. Second, it makes installation much easier. Full installation instructions are available. If you are mechanically inclined and have the proper tools, this is not a very difficult install. Obviously, the suspension is a critical safety component of your motorcycle, so if you are not confident, seek out a professional.
The Legend REVO-ARC Reservoir Shock is available in several options. First, you can choose between a 13" or 14" shock. Not sure? Let's talk comparison. If you have a Road Glide, Street Glide or Road King, the stock shock is 12". If you ride a Ultra Limited, Road Glide Ultra, Road Glide Limited, Electra Glide Limited or Electra Glide Classic, the stock shock is 13". To be clear, an inch longer shock does not mean your bike is going to sit an inch higher, because the shock is mounted at an angle. It would result in about a half inch higher seat height. The benefits to a longer shock are increased travel (smoother ride), and greater lean angle. The latter is why the new ST models run a 13" shock as well. Both length shocks are available in standard or heavy duty. The heavy duty is for you if the combined weight of the rider, the passenger, and cargo will weigh over 500lbs. Finally, you have the choice of color. You can choose between Black, Clear, or Gold. This all comes to preferences, but to be honest, you can't go wrong with any choice.
If you are looking to make a big upgrade to the performance and comfort of your Harley-Davidson, the Legend REVO-ARC Reservoir Shock, could be the answer!