The stock rear shocks on a Harley-Davidson Street Glide are one of the first things riders want to upgrade once the miles start adding up. The factory units feel firm over sharp bumps, run short on travel, and tend to bottom out hard when you load a passenger and a packed Tour-Pak. Better rear shocks transform how the bike behaves on broken pavement, in long sweepers, and during heavy two-up touring.
We looked at the rear shock options that real Street Glide owners actually buy and bolt on, focusing on ride comfort, adjustability, load support, and long-term durability. Below are seven of the best rear shocks for a Street Glide, ranked best first, with honest notes on where each one shines and where it falls short.
| Photo | Product | Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
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Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring Series Rear Shocks Best Overall Rebuildable twin-tube, threaded spring preload, 13 inch eye-to-eye, frequency-sensing damping |
9.5 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Legend Suspension REVO-A Coil Adjustable Rear Shocks Best Coil Ride Quality Coil-over with remote adjustment, multiple spring rates, 13 inch length, made in the USA |
9.3 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Legend Suspension REVO-ARC Remote Reservoir Air Shocks Best Air Adjustable Air-adjustable with remote reservoir, hand-pump preload, 13 inch eye-to-eye |
9.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Progressive Suspension 412 Series Rear Shocks Best Value Upgrade Twin-tube emulsion, progressive-rate springs, 5 position cam preload, 13 inch length |
8.9 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Burly Brand Slammer Rear Shocks Best for Lowered Look Lowered ride height design, emulsion damping, available in multiple lengths for touring models |
8.6 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Arnott Motorcycle Air Suspension Rear Shocks Best Air Ride Comfort Air-spring shocks, push-button or manual inflation, wide ride-height adjustment range |
8.4 | 🛒 Check Price |
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Harley-Davidson Premium Ride Adjustable Emulsion Rear Shocks Best OEM Plus Fitment OEM emulsion shocks, hand-adjustable hydraulic preload knob, factory touring fitment |
8.1 | 🛒 Check Price |
1. Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring Series Rear Shocks: Best Overall
The Progressive 944 Ultra Touring is the shock most experienced Street Glide owners end up recommending, and after riding on a set it is easy to see why. The frequency-sensing damping is the headline feature. It reads the speed of suspension movement and softens up for the small, high-frequency chatter of bad pavement while firming back up for the slower, larger inputs you get leaning into a sweeper. The result is a rear end that feels controlled and planted without beating you up on a long day.
The honest weakness is the setup process. Preload is set with a threaded collar rather than an on-the-fly air valve, so adjusting for a passenger means getting out a spanner instead of a hand pump at the gas station. Riders who change loads constantly may prefer an air shock for that reason. But for a rider who sets it once for their typical riding style and leaves it, the 944 delivers the most refined, best balanced ride in this group and earns the top spot.
- High-pressure gas twin-tube design with frequency-sensing technology that softens small bumps while staying firm in corners
- Threaded collar preload adjustment to dial in for solo, two-up, or fully loaded touring
- Direct bolt-on fitment for Street Glide and other Harley touring chassis with no fender or saddlebag clearance issues
Pros: Genuinely plush ride over expansion joints and rough city streets; Holds composure when loaded with a passenger and luggage; Trusted, well-supported brand with proven long-term reliability
Cons: Preload adjustment with the collar takes a spanner and a little patience; Not the cheapest option, so the value shows up over years of riding rather than day one
2. Legend Suspension REVO-A Coil Adjustable Rear Shocks: Best Coil Ride Quality
Legend Suspension built its reputation on ride quality, and the REVO-A coil shock is a clear demonstration of it. On a Street Glide the difference over stock is immediate. Sharp impacts that normally jolt straight through the seat get rounded off, and the rear stays settled when you roll over a series of bumps mid-corner. It is among the most comfortable coil shocks you can put on a touring Harley, and the construction quality matches the performance.
The catch is that you have to buy the right spring for your weight and riding style, because Legend sells the REVO-A in different rates rather than one size fits all. Order too soft and a loaded bike sags, order too stiff and a lighter solo rider loses some of the plushness. Get the spec right, though, and few shocks in this class ride better. The need to match the spring is the only real reason it sits just behind the Progressive 944.
- Coil-over construction tuned specifically for Harley touring weight and geometry
- Adjustable rebound and preload to match rider weight and luggage load
- Available in several spring rates so you can order the correct stiffness for your setup
Pros: Outstanding bump absorption that feels closer to a luxury car than a stock Harley; Premium build quality with strong fit and finish; Noticeably reduces harshness over sharp hits and railroad crossings
Cons: You must choose the right spring rate up front, which trips up some buyers; Sits at the higher end of the range, so it is an investment
3. Legend Suspension REVO-ARC Remote Reservoir Air Shocks: Best Air Adjustable
If your Street Glide regularly switches between solo commuting and two-up touring with a full load, the Legend REVO-ARC air shock is the answer to your problem. A few pumps with the supplied hand pump raises preload to handle a passenger and a packed bike, and you let pressure out when you ride alone. The remote reservoir helps keep damping consistent so the shocks do not fade on a long, hot, rough stretch of highway. For riders who hate compromising between comfort and load capacity, this flexibility is hard to beat.
The downside is inherent to any air shock. The system can slowly lose pressure, so you need to check it now and then and carry the pump if you plan to change loads on the road. There is also slightly more to go wrong than with a sealed coil unit. None of that is a dealbreaker, but it is why the air shock lands just behind Legend’s own coil version for riders who never change their load.
- Air-adjustable preload so you can change the ride for solo or two-up in seconds with a hand pump
- Remote reservoir design for consistent damping on long rides and rough roads
- Tuned damping that balances comfort with control under varying loads
Pros: On-the-fly load adjustment is incredibly convenient for touring riders; Smooth, well-controlled ride across many conditions; No spanner needed to adapt to a passenger or extra luggage
Cons: Air systems need occasional pressure checks and can lose air over time; The included pump and lines add a small amount of complexity
4. Progressive Suspension 412 Series Rear Shocks: Best Value Upgrade
The Progressive 412 is the shock to reach for when you want a real, noticeable upgrade over stock without stepping into the premium tier. The progressive-rate springs do the heavy lifting here, staying compliant over small bumps but ramping up firmness as they compress so the bike resists harsh bottoming when you load it up. The five-position cam preload adjuster is a smart touch, letting you click between settings quickly without digging out a spanner or a pump.
What you give up at this level is the last bit of refinement. The 412 does not read suspension speed like the 944, and it cannot match the small-bump absorption of a tuned coil-over, so very sharp hits still come through more than they would on the pricier shocks. For most riders, though, the jump in comfort and control over the factory units is dramatic, and the value on offer makes this the smart pick for a budget-conscious upgrade.
- Progressive-rate coil springs that ramp up resistance to resist bottoming under load
- Five-position cam preload adjuster for quick stiffness changes without tools
- Classic, clean chrome or black finish that suits the Street Glide look
Pros: Big comfort improvement over stock at a sensible price point; Five-position cam adjuster is easy and quick to use; Reliable, simple design with a long track record
Cons: Not as plush as the high-end frequency-sensing or coil-over shocks; Limited rebound tuning compared to premium units
5. Burly Brand Slammer Rear Shocks: Best for Lowered Look
The Burly Slammer exists for a specific rider, the one who wants their Street Glide sitting lower with a meaner stance, or who simply needs a shorter reach to the ground. Plenty of lowering kits achieve a slammed look by gutting suspension travel and leaving you with a punishing ride, but the Slammer is engineered as a proper shock first. It drops the rear a useful amount while still trying to manage bumps rather than just collapsing the travel, which puts it ahead of the bargain lowering blocks people regret buying.
You do have to be honest about the trade-off. Lowering the bike means less suspension travel, and there is no way around the fact that a shorter shock has less room to soak up a big hit. On smooth roads it feels great and looks even better, but ride a battered backroad two-up and you will feel more of the road than you would on a full-travel touring shock. Buy it for the stance and the lowered seat height, not for plushness, and it delivers exactly what it promises.
- Lowers the rear of the bike for an aggressive slammed stance and easier reach to the ground
- Built specifically as a height-reducing shock without simply cutting travel to nothing
- Straightforward bolt-on installation on the Street Glide and other touring chassis
Pros: Drops seat height for shorter riders and the custom look many owners want; Better engineered than cheap lowering kits that wreck the ride; Clean styling that matches blacked-out builds
Cons: Lower ride height means reduced travel, so very rough roads feel firmer; Comfort is a clear secondary priority behind the stance
6. Arnott Motorcycle Air Suspension Rear Shocks: Best Air Ride Comfort
Arnott comes from the world of car and motorcycle air suspension, and its air-spring rear shocks bring that adjustability to the Street Glide. The big draw is the range of motion. You can run a comfortable cushioned ride on the highway, and with a compatible inflation setup you can lower the bike at a stop so shorter riders can plant both feet, then bring it back up to roll. The air spring naturally takes the sting out of rough pavement, which makes for a relaxed touring feel.
The compromise is that air-spring shocks ask more of you in upkeep. There are seals, lines, and air components that can need attention over time, and the damping is not as tightly controlled as a dedicated coil-over when you push hard through a corner. For a rider who values adjustable height and a soft air-cushioned ride more than razor-sharp handling, Arnott is a compelling and distinctive choice, but it sits below the focused coil and emulsion touring shocks for outright control.
- Air-spring design gives many ride height and preload adjustment
- Can lower the bike at a stop and raise it for travel with the right kit
- Smooth air-cushioned ride that takes the edge off rough surfaces
Pros: Excellent adjustability for riders who want to drop height at stops; Air cushioning soaks up road harshness nicely; Lets shorter riders flat-foot then raise for cruising
Cons: Air-spring systems require more maintenance and occasional service; Damping control is not as sharp as a tuned coil shock in hard cornering
7. Harley-Davidson Premium Ride Adjustable Emulsion Rear Shocks: Best OEM Plus Fitment
For riders who want a meaningful step up from the basic stock shocks but prefer to stay with genuine Harley parts, the Premium Ride adjustable emulsion shocks are the natural choice. They use an emulsion damper and add a hand-adjustable hydraulic preload knob, so you can firm the rear up for a passenger or luggage without any tools, right at the roadside. Fitment is flawless because they are designed for the touring chassis, and the dealer network stands behind them, which gives some buyers real confidence on the road.
The honest assessment is that these are a good upgrade, not a great one. The emulsion damping and preload knob improve comfort and convenience over the entry-level stock units, but they do not match the small-bump compliance of a frequency-sensing Progressive or a tuned Legend coil-over. If guaranteed factory fit and dealer support matter most to you, they are a safe and tidy upgrade. Riders chasing the absolute best ride quality will get more from the top picks in this guide.
- Genuine Harley emulsion shocks with a hand-adjustable hydraulic preload knob
- Guaranteed perfect factory fitment and finish on the Street Glide
- Tool-free preload knob makes load changes simple at the roadside
Pros: Bolt-on factory fit with no guesswork or compatibility worries; Convenient hand-knob preload adjustment without tools; Backed by the Harley dealer network for service and support
Cons: Less plush than the best aftermarket frequency-sensing or coil-over shocks; Performance is solid rather than class-leading for the outlay
Frequently Asked Questions
Are aftermarket rear shocks worth it on a Street Glide?
For most riders, yes. The stock rear shocks on a Street Glide have limited travel and tend to feel harsh over sharp bumps and bottom out under heavy loads. A quality aftermarket set with better damping and adjustable preload dramatically improves comfort on long rides, keeps the bike composed when you add a passenger and luggage, and reduces the jarring you feel over rough pavement. If you ride often, ride two-up, or cover a lot of broken roads, the upgrade pays you back in comfort and control on every ride.
Should I choose air shocks or coil shocks for my Street Glide?
It comes down to how often your load changes. Air shocks like the Legend REVO-ARC or Arnott units let you adjust preload in seconds with a hand pump, which is ideal if you switch between solo and two-up touring frequently. Coil shocks such as the Progressive 944 or Legend REVO-A set their preload once and tend to need fewer checks, plus they have no air system that can slowly lose pressure. If you want maximum convenience and constantly change loads, go air. If you set your ride and forget it, a coil shock is simpler and usually a touch more refined.
What length rear shock fits a Street Glide?
Most Harley touring models including the Street Glide use a 13 inch eye-to-eye rear shock as the standard stock length, and the touring-specific shocks in this guide are sold to match that. Shorter shocks in the 11 to 12 inch range are sold as lowering options for a slammed look or easier reach to the ground, but they reduce suspension travel and ride comfort. Always confirm the listed length and fitment for your exact year and model before buying, since the right length keeps the geometry, clearance, and ride height correct.
Can I install Street Glide rear shocks myself?
Yes, rear shock replacement is one of the more approachable jobs on a touring Harley and many owners do it at home. You support the bike securely, remove the lower then the upper shock bolts one shock at a time so the swingarm stays supported, and bolt the new shocks in to the correct torque values. Basic hand tools, a torque wrench, and a way to support the rear of the bike are the main requirements. If you are not comfortable working around the suspension or torque specs, a dealer or independent shop can do it quickly.
How do I adjust rear shock preload for a passenger?
The method depends on the shock. Air-adjustable shocks use a hand pump to add pressure, so you simply pump them up to a higher preload before a passenger or heavy load gets on and let air out when you ride solo. Threaded collar shocks need a spanner to turn the collar and compress the spring. Cam-style adjusters like those on the Progressive 412 click between numbered positions by hand or with a simple tool. Harley’s Premium Ride knob turns by hand with no tools at all. Raising preload for extra weight keeps the bike from sagging and bottoming out.
Our Verdict
For the best all-round ride on a Street Glide, the Progressive Suspension 944 Ultra Touring is our top pick. Its frequency-sensing damping delivers the most refined balance of plush comfort and cornering control, and the brand’s reliability is hard to fault. If you regularly change loads or want the ultimate coil ride quality, the Legend Suspension REVO-A is the runner up and a superb choice, just be sure to order the spring rate that matches your weight and riding style. Whichever you choose, moving on from the stock shocks is a very satisfying upgrades you can make to a Street Glide.
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