RWD RS-3 Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks – Harley Touring 1999–2026
More control when you're pushing it. More consistency when you're putting down miles.
A Harley Touring bike asks a lot from its rear suspension.
Between the weight of the bike, rough pavement, passengers, luggage, and the occasional spirited ride through the canyons, your shocks have a lot to deal with.
And when your suspension isn't keeping up, you feel it.
That's where the RWD RS-3 Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks come in.
Designed for compatible Harley-Davidson Touring models, the RS-3 combines 4 inches of shock travel, Active Valve Technology (AVT), position-sensitive damping, and a remote reservoir system designed to help maintain consistent suspension performance.
Whether you're building a performance Road Glide, upgrading your Street Glide, or looking for better control and comfort on longer rides, the RS-3 gives you the technology and adjustability to fine-tune your suspension.
And like RWD's other performance suspension products, these shocks are designed, engineered, and built in the USA.
Why Choose Remote Reservoir Shocks?
The remote reservoir is one of the biggest advantages of the RWD RS-3.
As your suspension moves, the shock fluid is forced through internal damping circuits to control that movement.
During extended riding, especially over rough roads or under heavier loads, that process can generate heat.
Excessive heat can affect damping consistency.
The RS-3's remote reservoir increases the shock system's oil capacity and helps manage heat, supporting more consistent damping performance under demanding riding conditions.
That can be particularly useful for riders who:
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Spend long days on the road
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Ride aggressively through corners
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Regularly carry a passenger
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Travel with loaded saddlebags or luggage
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Want more consistent suspension behavior over extended rides
It's a performance-focused design that makes sense for riders who put their Touring bikes to work.
4 Inches of Shock Travel
The RWD RS-3 features 4 inches of shock travel, giving the suspension room to respond to road imperfections and larger impacts.
Combined with position-sensitive damping, the RS-3 is engineered to improve ride compliance while providing additional resistance as the shock approaches the end of its travel.
The goal is to absorb bumps without allowing the rear suspension to feel uncontrolled.
And when the road gets rough, that additional control can make a noticeable difference in how your bagger feels.
Important: Shock travel is not the same as rear-wheel travel or ride-height increase. Actual clearance and suspension movement depend on your motorcycle and shock configuration.
Active Valve Technology (AVT)
The RS-3 incorporates RWD's Active Valve Technology to help improve how the suspension responds to different road conditions.
Small pavement imperfections and larger impacts place different demands on a shock absorber.
AVT is designed to provide improved suspension compliance while helping maintain traction and control.
For the rider, that means a rear suspension system engineered to reduce unwanted feedback without sacrificing the control needed when riding through corners.
Whether you're riding solo or loaded up for a trip, the RS-3 is built to handle changing conditions.
12-Click Compression Adjustment
Not every rider wants their suspension to feel the same.
The RS-3 gives you 12 compression adjustment positions, allowing you to fine-tune how the shock responds when it compresses.
Want a more compliant feel for everyday riding?
Prefer firmer compression damping when you're riding more aggressively?
The adjustable compression system gives you options to suit your riding preferences and conditions.
It's a practical feature for riders who want more control over their suspension setup.
Position-Sensitive Technology
The RS-3 uses Position Sensitive Technology (PST) to help manage suspension movement throughout the shock's travel.
Rather than relying on a single damping response across the entire stroke, position-sensitive technology is designed to provide additional control as the shock moves deeper into its travel.
This helps improve bottom-out resistance while maintaining a more compliant response over smaller bumps.
It's particularly valuable on a Touring bike, where passenger and luggage loads can place additional demands on the rear suspension.
Customize Your Compression Knob
Want to add a little color to your suspension setup?
The RWD RS-3 offers multiple compression knob color options.
Available Compression Knob Colors:
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Black
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Blue
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Gold
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Clear
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Red
Colored knob upgrades also include a matching RWD shock decal.
It's a small detail, but a nice way to tie your suspension into the rest of your performance bagger build.
Click HERE for installation instructions.
Eibach Springs – Standard & Heavy Duty
The RS-3 uses Eibach springs, available in Standard and Heavy Duty spring rates.
Choosing the correct spring rate is important for proper suspension performance, especially on a Touring bike that may regularly carry a passenger or additional luggage.
Standard Spring Rate
Recommended for solo riders under 299 lbs.
For two-up riding, 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 with a passenger and your combined weight is over 450 lbs, RWD recommends the Heavy Duty spring rate.
Account for Luggage and Cargo
If you're running loaded saddlebags, a tour pack, or carrying additional gear, factor that weight into your spring rate selection.
Your suspension needs to be set up for the weight you actually ride with.
Spring Rate Selection Guide
| Riding Setup | Recommended Spring |
|---|---|
| Solo rider under 299 lbs | Standard |
| Solo rider over 300 lbs | Heavy Duty |
| Rider + passenger under 450 lbs combined | Standard |
| Rider + passenger over 450 lbs combined | Heavy Duty |
These are RWD's supplied spring recommendations. Account for luggage and additional cargo. Confirm your spring rate if your loaded weight is near a cutoff.
Multiple Ride-Height Options
The RWD RS-3 is available in multiple ride-height configurations to accommodate different Touring setups and riding preferences.
Shock length affects how the motorcycle sits, available clearance, and suspension geometry.
Whether you're looking to maintain your current stance or change the setup of your performance bagger, selecting the appropriate shock length is important.
Always verify the correct length and application for your motorcycle before ordering.
RWD RS-3 Features
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Remote reservoir rear suspension system
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Increased oil capacity for improved heat management
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4 inches of shock travel
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12-position compression adjustment
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Position Sensitive Technology (PST)
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Active Valve Technology (AVT)
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Billet remote-mount reservoir
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5/8" low-friction shock shaft
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Eibach springs
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Standard and Heavy Duty spring options
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Multiple ride-height configurations
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Five compression knob color options
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Matching RWD decal with colored knob upgrades
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Designed, engineered, and built in the USA
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Backed by RWD's lifetime warranty
Fitment – Harley-Davidson Touring
Designed for compatible 1999–2026 Harley-Davidson Touring models.
The RS-3 lineup includes applications for select Touring motorcycles, including compatible Street Glide, Road Glide, and other bagger configurations.
Please verify your exact year, model, shock length, and mounting requirements before ordering.
Product Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Russ Wernimont Designs (RWD) |
| Model | RS-3 |
| Product | Remote Reservoir Rear Shocks |
| Application | Select Harley Touring Models |
| Listed Fitment | 1999–2026 |
| Shock Travel | 4" |
| Compression Adjustment | 12 Positions |
| Damping Technology | AVT / Position-Sensitive |
| Reservoir | Billet Remote-Mount |
| Shaft | 5/8" Low Friction |
| Springs | Eibach |
| Spring Options | Standard / Heavy Duty |
| Knob Colors | Black, Blue, Gold, Clear, Red |
| Ride Heights | Multiple Options |
| Manufacturing | USA |
| Warranty | RWD Lifetime Warranty |
Suspension Built for the Long Haul
A performance bagger should be able to handle more than just a smooth stretch of highway.
It should feel controlled through corners, stay composed over rough pavement, and remain comfortable when you're putting down serious miles.
The RWD RS-3 combines remote reservoir technology, adjustable compression damping, AVT, and position-sensitive suspension design to give Touring riders more control over how their bikes ride.
If you're looking for a premium rear suspension upgrade that prioritizes consistency, adjustability, and performance, the RS-3 is worth considering.
Imzz Elite — working on Harleys since 1996.