Who Makes the Best Shocks for V-Rod HDs

best shocks for v rod
Photo courtesy James Bachleda via flickr. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Love it or hate it, the V-Rod is a polarizing Harley Davidson motorcycle. It is a departure from the iconic HD look but that does not mean aftermarket support is lacking, especially for shocks. Who makes the best shocks for the V-Rod? Let’s find out.

A few top mentions include Progressive, Legends, Ohlins, Burly — all of which offer better performance than the stock Harley shocks.

Bestseller No. 1
The ROP Shop | (2) Black 13" Rear Suspension Shocks for 2006 Harley-Davidson Cycle V-Rod VRSCA
  • The ROP Shop replacement (2) Black 13" Rear Suspension Shocks for 2006 Harley-Davidson Cycle V-Rod VRSCA
  • Specs - Refer to images 2 & 3 for more information
  • Includes - (2) 13" Rear Suspension Shocks ; comes as shown in the first image
  • Please be sure to check your part or model number to ensure this is correct for your unit.
  • Also, please note this may replace multiple parts numbers.
Bestseller No. 2
JBSporty ♤ Harley Davidson V-Rod ♤ Half Moon License Plate Bracket ♧ 1/2" Shock Mount ♧ V Rod VROD Night Rod
  • Made in the USA License Plate bracket Harley Davidson 883 1200
  • V rod VROD Night Rod Sportster Nightster 48 72 iron bobber chopper low rider relocate relocation Black blinker dummy lights
  • Harley Davidson V-ROD VRSC 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Bestseller No. 3
Black 1" Shock Lowering Kit For Harley Davidson VRSC V-ROD VROD 2002-2017 2016
  • Color: As Picture Show; Condition: Aftermarket 100% Brand New; Placement on Vehicle: Rear; Material:CNC T6061 BILLET ALUMINUM
  • After this kit is installed it will lower the rear of your bike approximately 1 inch .
  • Lowering a bike gives nearly all riders a more comfortable stance. All bolts / hardware are included
  • Fit For 2002-2017 HARLEY VRSC V-ROD
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: 1 Set Lowering Kit (INCLUDES FREE SKULL FACE MASK)
Bestseller No. 4
SLMOTO Chrome 1" Shock Lowering Kit For Harley Davidson Vrsc V-Rod Vrod 2002-2017 2016 Night Rod Special Vrscdx Street Rod Vrscr Anniversary Vrscaw Screamin Eagle Vrscse2
  • Condition: Aftermarket 100% Brand New
  • Compatible with: Fit for 2002-2017 HARLEY VRSC V-ROD DOES NOT FIT FACTORY LOWERED MODELS OR MODELS WITH CVO/AIR SHOCKS.
  • Material:CNC T6061 BILLET ALUMINUM
  • After this kit is installed it will lower the rear of your bike approximately 1 inch  .
  • Package Contents: 1 Set Lowering Kit
Bestseller No. 5
JBSporty Harley Davidson V-Rod Half Moon License Plate Bracket and Plate Frame 1/2" Shock Mount V Rod VROD Night Rod
  • Made in the USA License Plate bracket Harley Davidson 883 1200
  • V rod VROD Night Rod Sportster Nightster 48 72 iron bobber chopper low rider relocate relocation Black blinker dummy lights
  • 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018
Bestseller No. 6
TCMT Black 1" Inch Rear Shock Lowering Kit Fits For Harley Davidson V-Rod Muscle VRSCF VRSCA VRSCAW Street Rod VRSCR Night Rod VRSCD 2002-2017
  • Condition: Aftermarket 100% Brand New
  • Placement on Vehicle: Rear ; Material:CNC T6061 BILLET ALUMINUM
  • After this kit is installed it will lower the rear of your bike approximately 1 inch . Lowering a bike gives nearly all riders a more comfortable stance. All bolts / hardware are included
  • FITMENT: Fit For 2002-2017 HARLEY VRSC V-ROD DOES NOT FIT FACTORY LOWERED MODELS OR MODELS WITH CVO/AIR SHOCKS.
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: 1 Set Lowering Kit
Bestseller No. 7
XFMT 1" inch Rear Shock Lowering Kit Compatible with Harley V-Rod VRSC 2002-2017 VRSCDX 2007-2017
  • Condition: Aftermarket 100% Brand New
  • Placement on Vehicle: Rear
  • Material:CNC T6061 BILLET ALUMINUM
  • After this kit is installed it will lower the rear of your bike approximately 1 inch .
  • Lowering a bike gives nearly all riders a more comfortable stance.
Bestseller No. 8
ECCPP 2pcs Rear Liftgate Lift Supports Struts Rods Shocks for Dodge Grand Caravan 2008-2015,for Chrysler Town Country 2008-2015,for Ram C/V 2012-2015
  • FITMENT - Lift supports struts rods gas spring for Dodge Grand Caravan Chrysler Town Country 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 Compatible with 6124 lift support strut
  • QUALITY - Rust-resistant Nitride corrosion resistant piston rod extends product life, Multi-Lobe Seal make gas springs more tolerant to vibration and extreme temperature, 100% brand new and tested to meet or exceed OEM specifications
  • FUNCTION - Use compressed gas, contained in a cylinder and compressed by a piston, to exert a force to support the weight of front hood or rear liftgate tailgate trunk hatchback doors while they are open, no need to hold the door up with your head
  • EASY INSTALLATION - Easy to install with simple hand tools in just minutes - no special tools required for installation
  • NOTICE - Please check the description and compatibility chart before your purchasing. We provide ONE YEAR WARRANTY for all our lift supports. Please contact us if you have any question
Bestseller No. 9
2Pcs Rear Back liftgate tailgate Hatch trunk Struts Lift Supports Compatible With TOYOTA 2012-2017 PRIUS V (Note: For Prius V Only, From 11/2011) Shock Gas Spring Prop Rod
  • Pls check our production description to make sure our lift support fit your vehicle
  • Replacement Lift Supports For:Trunk Caps, Camper,Marine,Toolbox & Universal Applications
  • Ext Length:24.232[Inch] Comp Length:16.378[Inch]
  • NOTICE - We provide THREE YEAR WARRANTY for all our lift supports. Please contact us if you have any question.Designed For Original Equipment Fit And Performance,replaced with these in just a couple of minutes,your vehicle fully opens by itself like it used to do when new
  • Gently reduces the opening and closing speed as the lift support reaches the end of the cycle, reducing wear on joints and hinges. Manufactured to automotive O.E. performance and quality specifications. Restores the original opening and closing speeds of your hood, hatch or trunk. No special tools required. Exact replacement, engineered for your application. Rust-resistant piston rod extends product life. Easy lifting, reduced closing effort. Consistent lifting force through 30,000 cycles.
Bestseller No. 10
XMT-MOTO 1" Shock Lowering Kit fits for Harley-Davidson VRSC V-ROD 2002-2017
  • Aftermarket Parts 100% Brand New
  • Material:CNC T6061 BILLET ALUMINUM
  • PACKAGE INCLUDED: 1 Set Lowering Kit
  • FITMENT: fits for 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 HARLEY VRSC V-ROD

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What do I look for when buying V-Rod shocks?

To make the best choice when selecting shocks for your V Rod, you need to consider a few important factors. Quality and durability are top priorities, but you also want shocks that are compatible with your specific V Rod model. You’ll also want to look for adjustability and customization options to improve ride comfort and performance. Finally, sticking within your budget is a major consideration.

Quality and durability

Consider the sturdiness and resilience of your suspension’s components. Choosing high-quality, long-lasting shocks ensures reliable performance on all types of terrain. Opt for durable materials in construction with minimal wear and tear. Buy from reputable manufacturers who offer warranties and extensive testing to guarantee their products’ durability.

To assess shock durability, inspect the material quality, seal technology, piston design, and heat treatment during production. Choose shocks with proper fitment that do not require excessive modifications to your bike’s frame or shaft length adjustments.

Investing in well-made shocks pays dividends in handling clarity, fatigue-reducing comfort, and cornering confidence without sacrificing ride quality and comfort.

Pro Tip: Consider investing in adjustable shocks that let you fine-tune damping settings for a more personalized driving experience.

Your V Rod deserves the perfect shocks, not some Tinder match that’s just ‘compatible enough’.

Compatibility with your V Rod model

When selecting shocks for your V Rod, it is crucial to ensure they are compatible with your specific model. Factors such as the weight of your motorcycle and its suspension system influence which shocks will work best. Furthermore, newer V Rod models require shocks that can handle their increased horsepower and torque compared to older models.

Consider purchasing shocks that have adjustable damping capabilities so you can fine-tune the settings to match your preferences. Additionally, look for shocks made of high-quality materials such as aluminum or steel, ensuring durability and strength on tough terrains.

To obtain the perfect ride quality, many riders prefer getting their shocks custom-built to meet their specific needs. These customized shocks provide a higher level of comfort than standard factory-built ones.

It is recommended to research different brands and read reviews before making a purchase decision. Quality brands like Ohlins and Progressive Suspension offer a range of options that are designed specifically for V Rods. Customization is also possible with these brands and are known for producing reliable and high-performing products that cater towards all types of riders’ preferences.

Who says you can’t have both comfort and style? With the adjustability and customization options for V Rod shocks, you’ll be riding in luxury and looking badass while doing it.

Adjustability and customization options

Adjustment and customization capabilities are essential factors to evaluate when selecting the ideal shock absorber for your V Rod. Here are six specific considerations to guide your decision-making:

  • Preload adjustability
  • Compression damping control
  • Rebound damping control
  • Length Adjustment
  • Nitrogen-charged dampers
  • Piggyback or remote reservoirs subtypes

In addition, it is important to note that customizable shocks afford you greater flexibility in terms of adjusting each shock’to suit your individual riding style and environmental conditions.

When choosing the right shocks for your V Rod, it is also essential to take into account the primary use of your bike, including road conditions, average speeds, and terrain. Failure to do so may result in purchasing a shock absorber that does not meet the requirements of your riding.

A little-known fact about adjustable shocks is that they were initially designed for military purposes and were used primarily on tanks during World War II. However, after their successful applications in battle operations’controlling tank movements over rough terrains’temporary roads and other motor vehicles’ manufacturers adopted them as part of their production lines.

“Why break the bank when you can break your back? Budget-friendly shocks for your V Rod.”

Budget

Improving your V Rod’s performance by choosing the right shocks can be expensive, which is why taking into account your financial capacity is crucial in making a decision. Here are some factors to consider when it comes to budget:

  • Quality over Quantity: Choose shocks that offer high-quality performance with a longer lifespan even if they may be more costly upfront.
  • Brand Reputation: Trusted brands may be priced higher, but having assurance in their products’ reliability and durability may prevent future expenses.
  • Type of Shocks: Depending on your riding style and frequency, certain shock types may suit your needs better, such as piggyback or remote reservoir shocks, which can impact the price.
  • Installation Fees: Additional expenses should also be taken into account, such as professional installation fees or equipment needed for DIY installation.
  • Adjustable vs Non-adjustable: Adjustable shocks provide flexibility for customization but usually carry a higher price tag compared to non-adjustable ones.

Moreover, buying second-hand shocks may seem like an affordable option but it could also lead to unknown conditions of the product and additional maintenance costs. Invest wisely for long-term satisfaction.

Pro Tip: Consider setting aside extra funds for unexpected costs during the upgrade process.

Upgrade your V Rod’s shocks and feel the road like never before with these top-rated rides.

 

 

Find the best shocks for V-rod Harley Davidson motorcycles on Amazon.