Worth upgrading rear shock on 2014 rts

[Brentc]

We have a 2014 rts completely stock setup for suspension. Compressor quit at end of fall, and I’m fine with filling manually. This has me questioning if there is any merit to upgrading the rear shock for improved comfort for my passenger? Not looking for any real performance gains, we do all touring style riding. Would most likely have dealer do upgrade, if we decided to do it, unless it’s pretty straight forward of an install?
Would be interested in feedback from anyone who has upgraded and also any recommendations on shock brand?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

 

[BlueRibbon]

Hey Brent,
I don't think i've ever seen a posting here with which I could confuse with my own plight as much as yours.
Me: 2014 RT-S, rear shock bottoms often, can only manually pump the " whatever is under there" and it leaks right back down. And I even know where Brockport is!
I graduated from SUNY BP in 1968.

I'm looking at new shocks, either rear only or all 3, but $700 to $1400 leaves me pretty SHOCKED!!! I'm hoping our friends here on SL can point me toward more affordable, but serviceable alternatives to Elka.
Ryde on and be safe,
Brian 'Blue Ribbon' Pabst

 

[DougE]

I vote for M2 shocks. www.m2shocks.com. Call Marcus Mcbain (573)308-0336. He will answer any questions you have. I bought a set of his refurbished shocks. They are truly amazing. He built the shocks for my weight so I never need to worry about an airbag or compressor failure again. They are expensive, but worth every penny.

 

[Brentc]

I vote for M2 shocks. www.m2shocks.com. Call Marcus Mcbain (573)308-0336. He will answer any questions you have. I bought a set of his refurbished shocks. They are truly amazing. He built the shocks for my weight so I never need to worry about an airbag or compressor failure again. They are expensive, but worth every penny.

How difficult is install Doug? Thank you for the info!

 

[Brentc]

Hey Brent,
I don't think i've ever seen a posting here with which I could confuse with my own plight as much as yours.
Me: 2014 RT-S, rear shock bottoms often, can only manually pump the " whatever is under there" and it leaks right back down. And I even know where Brockport is!
I graduated from SUNY BP in 1968.

I'm looking at new shocks, either rear only or all 3, but $700 to $1400 leaves me pretty SHOCKED!!! I'm hoping our friends here on SL can point me toward more affordable, but serviceable alternatives to Elka.
Ryde on and be safe,
Brian 'Blue Ribbon' Pabst

Nice to hear from a fellow BP’er Brian. Let’s hope we get some info from others on this!

 

[DougE]

The fronts were easy. The rear is a little more difficult. I took the rear tire off when I did mine. I changed the tire at the same time. Gave me lots off room to work.

 

[Bob L]

I changed to the Elka shock in the rear. No more bottom-out, very pleased. Good stiff ride. Here is a video someone did on the install: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7O0Xf9eVpTc

I would not have tried it on my own, but working with a buddy who wrenches a lot and we had it done in a few hours.

 

[P.W.]

I have a set of M2 shocks on order that I'm going to tackle putting in myself....will be here in a few weeks.
Do you HAVE to remove the Tupperware to install the rear shock....or can it be done all from below?

P.S.
In fear of hijacking this thread with my question.....I started my own thread about the shock replacement.


P.W.