Harley-Davidson’s New Dyna Premium Ride Suspension

 

 

In early December, yours truly was invited to test a new suspension upgrade now available on Harley-Davidson’s Dyna line. Designed and developed on the Harley-Davidson Arizona Proving Grounds test track, new Premium Ride suspension components for Harley-Davidson Dyna motorcycle models work together to deliver enhanced handling performance and comfort.

Did Harley-Davidson deliver the goods with these kits? Before we find out, let’s learn more about what makes the Premium Ride so special.

 

 

Premium Ride Emulsion Shocks (P/N 54000066, $599.95) are nitrogen gas-charged to resist oil aeration and work with the internal valve stack to provide imcreased compression and rebound damping control.

The 36mm pistons and low-viscosity high-performance oil allow these shocks to react quickly to small bumps and keep the tires in contact with the road surface for confident, controlled handling. A wider pre-load range offers more load capacity than Original Equipment shocks.

Use the locking threaded adjustment to fine-tune spring preload to the riding situation – from a solo back-road blitz to a fully-loaded two-up freeway tour. Urethane bumpers cushion bottoming under load.

These shocks are finished with black-anodized billet top caps and black progressively-wound springs. The kit includes a left and right shock and a preload adjustment spanner. It fits 2006-later Dyna models (except Switchback and 2007-‘08 CVO™ Fat Bob models).

 

 

 

The Premium Ride Single Cartridge Fork Kit(P/N 45400058, $349.95) is tuned to work in concert with the Premium Emulsion Rear Shocks. Fork damping is controlled by a specifically calibrated piston and valve stack that delivers a linear damping force curve for consistent feel throughout the compression and extension of the suspension. With this cartridge the forks react more quickly to rough roads, inspiring rider confidence in sweeping corners.

 

The compression piston provides excellent low-speed damping for a better rider feel, and the rebound spring provides a smoother feel during topping. The cartridge fork resists bottoming and dive, and the triple-rate spring and oil lock allows the forks to absorb bumps and resist wheel hop for improved control under hard braking.

 

An easy upgrade to add during the installation of chrome or gloss black accessory lower fork sliders, the kit includes fork pipe, cartridge, fork bolts, main springs and oil seals. It fits 2006-later Dyna models (except Switchback, Wide Glide® and 2007-‘08 CVO Fat Bob models).

 

I rode home with the fully equipped Fat Bob and have had a chance to lo quite a few miles over the last month. Not having a completely stock bike to compare it to, I will report on my riding impressions. 

 

Comfort and control are part of Harley’s description of new Premium Ride Suspension and I found no reason to contradict this statement. These components truly deliver the smooth and confidence-inspiring ride qualities that we’ve come to expect from modern motorcycles. It’s really nice to know that you can get such a suspension upgrade from your Harley-Davidson dealer. 

 

Thanks to the adjustable preload on the rear shocks and following the instructions provided to get your setup done just right, you will experience great compliance to road bumps, and your wheel will always have that optimal contact with the surface. The improved road feel can eventually encourage you to drive in a more ‘spirited’ manner and enjoy your excursions that much more. 

 

Go here to order your Premium Ride setup now.