I can tell you I find the suspension on the 09 Ultra underwhelming for a large heavy supposedly luxury touring machine. It may be my only niggle with this otherwise fine motorcycle. In all the years they have been making these they cant get better action out of these? My Tiger 1050 had a plusher ride (less small and large bumps felt) and was more controlled (to be expected as it was a sportier bike). Of course it had almost twice the shock travel to work with as the Ultra does so the big guy starts at a disadvantage. If I keep lower air in the shocks it isnt as harsh but is too "loose" and you still dont get a feeling of riding on a smooth machine. The weight helps but, again, I have had lighter sportier bikes with better bump absorbing ability which is the big surprise on this bike. Since getting it I took a long ride with a buddy and on one stretch of road with lots of up and down rippless the bike just felt out of control...no damping really at all on those rear shocks that I can tell. Since then I put the Progressive cartridge front units in the forks...cant say they help anything other than reduce braking dive. I am contemplating the rear for next year. Too bad no one seems to really do an air shock upgrade...they all seem to be lowered (last thing I want to do is lower them and lose even more travel or ground clearance!). I really think all they need is some expert damping tuning. I suppose I will be looking around at Works, Progressive and others...I guess I really dont need the air adjustability as I dont change pressures (or need to) all that often.
FWIW I generally run mid 30's air pressure but have tried from 20 up to 40..generally ride solo, 6'2" 210 with a little stuff in the bags (rain gear, tool kit, gloves, jacket liner, etc.)
Phil
