Unlocking Performance: A Closer Look at the Nowaskey Remote Reservoir Shock

If you’re riding a Harley‑Davidson and craving upgraded suspension that can keep up with your throttle hand, the name Nowaskey will certainly get your attention. Their remote-reservoir rear shocks for Touring, Sportster, Dyna and other models are engineered for serious performance, and in this blog we’ll dig into what makes them special—and what you should consider.

What are Remote Reservoir Shocks & Why They Matter

Remote-reservoir shocks differ from standard “monotube” or twin-tube shocks by relocating the fluid and gas chamber into an auxiliary reservoir (often via a hose or remote canister). The benefits include:

  • Greater fluid and nitrogen volume — reduces shock fade under sustained use or heavy loads.
  • Better heat dissipation — as the reservoir separates the fluid/gas from the main cylinder, the system can manage thermal load more effectively.
  • More tunability — many remote-reservoir designs offer separate adjusters for compression, rebound, preload and other parameters.

In short: If you drag passengers, gear, or hit rough roads often, a remote reservoir design brings meaningful advantages.

Nowaskey takes this concept and applies it to baggers, touring rigs and other heavy bikes where suspension performance really matters.

Key Features of Nowaskey Remote Reservoir Shocks

Here are some standout features from Nowaskey’s spec sheet (for e.g., their 12″ Touring or 14″ Sportster versions) that show how premium their system is.

  • Remote reservoir cylinder offers an independent 6-position compression adjustment and larger nitrogen volume.
  • Steel-braided Teflon® lines with O-ring connection providing 360° rotation capability—helps installation flexibility.
  • Tuned primary piston & valving for aggressive riding style.
  • 1″ Teflon® lined wide-misalignment spherical joints to mitigate OE mount mis-alignment.

  • Rebound adjustable eyelet sealed with O-ring and 80 discrete clicks—ultra-fine tuning.
  • Multiple spring rates available (e.g., 115 lb/in, 130 lb/in, 140 lb/in, 150 lb/in) so you can pick the right spring for your weight/2-up/gear situation.
  • Progressive-rate springs, length adjustment (+8/-2 mm in some models), high‐pressure nitrogen gas design—all aimed at giving smooth performance with control.
  • Made in USA, hand-assembled, each shock individually dyno‐tuned and paired.
  • For many versions: Limited Lifetime Warranty (check model) or for race-only variants, no warranty.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Them

  • Before installation, measure your stock shock length, note sag, weight of bike + gear + passenger. This helps pick correct spring rate.
  • When you install, set preload for your typical load (rider only, 2-up + gear), then ride, then adjust compression & rebound until you find that sweet spot (not too soft, not too harsh).
  • After a few rides, re-check sag/settings because things settle.
  • Route the reservoir hose away from heat, sharp edges, moving parts. Clearance matters.
  • Consider alignment & wheel check after install—better suspension can reveal other weak spots.
  • If you ever carry very heavy loads or ride in aggressive conditions (twisties, rough pavement, uneven surfaces) the remote reservoir design will shine.

Final Thoughts

The Nowaskey Remote Reservoir Shocks and its siblings represent a serious upgrade in rear suspension performance for Harley riders who want to get more from their machine—whether that’s improved comfort, sharper handling, or better load-carrying capability. While the cost and tuning effort are higher than “swap-in” shocks, the payoff in ride quality and control can be substantial.

If you’re looking to feel a difference when you hit the throttle, carry a passenger or haul luggage, or just want your bike to handle like it looks — these will deliver.