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performance bagger suspension

RWD RS-2 Rear Shocks – Harley Touring & Performance Bagger Suspension

1,299.99
Finish
Size

Better handling when you're pushing it. Better comfort when you're putting down miles.

Your bagger is a big bike. And whether you're carving through the canyons, commuting on rough pavement, or loading up for a weekend trip, your rear suspension has a lot of work to do.

If your factory shocks are leaving you feeling every bump in the road, or your current suspension just isn't giving you the control you're looking for, it might be time for an upgrade.

The RWD RS-2 Rear Shocks are designed to improve the way your Harley-Davidson Touring bike handles and rides, without forcing you to choose between performance and comfort.

With RWD's Active Valve Technology (AVT), position-sensitive damping, and 12-position compression adjustment, the RS-2 is engineered to keep your rear suspension composed through changing road conditions.

Whether you're building a performance Road Glide, upgrading your Street Glide, or just want your bagger to ride better, these shocks are built for the job.

And they're designed, manufactured, and assembled right here in Southern California.


Performance Suspension That Doesn't Beat You Up

A good set of shocks should do more than keep your rear fender from hitting your tire.

They should absorb bumps, help maintain traction, and give you a more controlled feel through corners.

The RS-2 uses newly developed high-flow pistons and AVT damping technology to improve suspension compliance over smaller road imperfections while maintaining control when the riding gets more demanding.

The result is a shock engineered to provide a smoother, more composed ride without feeling overly soft or uncontrolled.

That's especially important on a Touring bike, where road conditions, passenger weight, and luggage can change how your suspension behaves.


Active Valve Technology (AVT) Damping

RWD's AVT system is designed to respond to different suspension demands.

Small bumps and uneven pavement require a different response than larger impacts or more aggressive riding.

By combining AVT with high-flow pistons, RWD has engineered the RS-2 to improve ride compliance while helping maintain rear tire traction and control.

For riders, that means suspension designed to reduce harsh feedback while keeping the rear end settled when you're leaning through corners.

Whether you're riding solo or putting in long miles with a passenger, properly tuned suspension can make a noticeable difference.


12 Clicks of Compression Adjustment

Every rider has a different preference for how their motorcycle should feel.

The RS-2 features a redesigned compression adjuster with 12 adjustment positions, allowing you to fine-tune compression damping.

Want a more compliant response for everyday riding?

Prefer firmer damping when you're riding aggressively?

The RS-2 gives you adjustment to suit your riding style and conditions.

And because it's adjustable, you have more flexibility when dialing in the suspension rather than being stuck with one fixed compression setting.


Drop-Down Reservoir Design & Bottom-Out Protection

One of the key changes in the RS-2 lineup is the redesigned one-piece shock body with its drop-down reservoir.

This design works with RWD's position-sensitive damping technology to create a more effective bump zone as the shock approaches the end of its travel.

The goal is improved bottom-out protection without making the shock unnecessarily harsh during normal riding.

That's particularly useful on heavier Touring motorcycles, where bumps, passengers, and luggage can place additional demands on the rear suspension.


Built for Performance. Finished for Your Build.

RWD offers the RS-2 in several finish combinations, so you can match the suspension to the rest of your bike.

Available Finishes

  • All Black – Clean and understated for blacked-out performance baggers.

  • Black with Color Accents – Adds a little contrast without going overboard.

  • Polished Body with Chrome Springs – A classic polished look for bikes with chrome or other bright finishes.

Whether you're building a blacked-out Road Glide or keeping the chrome on your Street Glide, there's an RS-2 option to complement your setup.

Specific accent colors and finish availability should be confirmed when selecting your shocks.


Quality Components Throughout

The RS-2 is built with performance-oriented materials and components, including:

  • Precision billet-machined construction with no castings

  • Type III hard-anodized shock body

  • 5/8" black-coated low-friction shaft

  • Billet piggyback reservoir

  • High-quality FK bearings

  • High-flow pistons

  • Nitrogen-charged internal floating piston (IFP) reservoir

  • Maxima Racing Oils shock fluid

It's a premium suspension package built around damping performance, adjustability, and durable construction.


Choosing the Right Spring Rate

Choosing the right spring rate is an important part of getting the ride quality and control you're looking for.

RWD offers Standard and Heavy Duty spring options.

Standard Spring Rate

Recommended for solo riders under 299 lbs.

For riders who occasionally carry a passenger, RWD recommends the Standard spring rate when the combined rider and passenger weight is under 450 lbs.

Heavy Duty Spring Rate

Recommended for solo riders over 300 lbs.

If you regularly ride two-up and your combined rider and passenger weight exceeds 450 lbs, RWD recommends the Heavy Duty spring rate.

Don't Forget Your Luggage

Touring bikes tend to carry more gear than most motorcycles.

If you're running loaded saddlebags, a tour pack, or additional luggage, make sure you account for that weight when selecting your spring rate.

The right spring rate should be chosen based on how you actually ride and load your motorcycle, not just your weight when you're standing next to it.


Spring Rate Selection Guide

Riding Setup Recommended Spring Rate
Solo rider under 299 lbs Standard
Solo rider 300 lbs or more Heavy Duty
Rider + passenger under 450 lbs combined Standard
Rider + passenger over 450 lbs combined Heavy Duty

Account for luggage and cargo. If your weight is right at a cutoff, confirm the recommended spring rate before ordering.


Fitment – 1999–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring

The RWD RS-2 Touring rear shock lineup includes applications for select 1999–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles, including compatible performance bagger builds.

Confirm your exact year, model, shock length, and mounting requirements before ordering.

Not every shock configuration should be assumed to fit every Touring model within the advertised year range.


RS-2 Rear Shock Features

  • Position-sensitive damping technology

  • 12-position compression adjustment

  • AVT (Active Valve Technology)

  • High-flow pistons

  • One-piece shock body

  • Drop-down reservoir design

  • Enhanced bottom-out protection

  • 5/8" black-coated low-friction shaft

  • Type III hard-anodized shock body

  • Billet piggyback reservoir

  • High-quality FK bearings

  • All-billet-machined construction — no castings

  • Nitrogen-charged IFP reservoir

  • Maxima Racing Oils shock fluid

  • Standard and Heavy Duty spring options

  • Multiple finish combinations

  • Designed, manufactured, and assembled in Southern California

  • RWD lifetime warranty


Product Specifications

Specification Details
Manufacturer Russ Wernimont Designs (RWD)
Product RS-2 Rear Shocks
Application Select Harley Touring Models
Advertised Year Range 1999–2026
Damping Technology AVT / Position-Sensitive
Compression Adjustment 12 Positions
Piston Design High Flow
Body One-Piece, Type III Hard Anodized
Shaft 5/8" Black-Coated Low-Friction
Reservoir Billet Piggyback / Nitrogen-Charged IFP
Bearings FK
Shock Fluid Maxima Racing Oils
Spring Rates Standard / Heavy Duty
Finish Options All Black, Black with Color Accents, Polished/Chrome
Manufacturing Southern California, USA
Warranty RWD Lifetime Warranty

Installation Instructions

For proper installation and adjustment information, refer to RWD's official instructions.

View RWD Installation Instructions HERE


More Performance Bagger Parts

Building a performance bagger or upgrading your Touring bike?

We've got more than just suspension.

Shop More Performance Bagger Parts HERE


Your Bagger Should Ride as Good as It Looks

You can spend plenty of money making a Harley look good, but if the suspension isn't doing its job, you're missing out on one of the biggest improvements you can make to the way the bike rides.

The RWD RS-2 combines modern damping technology, adjustable compression, premium construction, and multiple finish options in a shock designed for Harley Touring riders.

Whether you're chasing better control through corners or a more comfortable ride over long distances, the RS-2 gives you the ability to dial in your suspension for the way you ride.

Imzz Elite — working on Harleys since 1996.

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