Here's a video showing the play in the spring preload nuts.

And photos of how the spring wore thru the anodize on the shock bodies. Ohlins says both conditions are normal.


These were not purchased from Howard.

 

Tried using the included brackets to mount the reservoirs but it was not designed properly or the hoses are short. The lower clamp barely grabbed the can and the hoses were way too tight. Ohlins said the hoses wouldn't be damaged so I did test ride in this configuration. Originally they sent two right side brackets in the box, then replaced them with a correct set. Unfortunately one of the cheap clamps broke and scratched up one can during a test ride.


Also note the length of the springs. This was with the preload set for the proper sag with a solo rider. The top of the preload nut threads were not engaged, again Ohlins stated this was ok. Later I had them send shorter 200mm springs to replace these 220mm springs.

 

I see the spring paint rubbing itself off on the threaded body, not the spring wearing thru anodizing on the body. Either way something is gonna wear off as the 2 items rub against each other. As for the preload adjuster, I would hazard a guess that the adjuster needs to be a bit larger than the body or when the body heats up and expands it could crack it. But it just a guess on why it was made the size it was made.

 

As far as the other install issues, well it's on the installer in my opinion.

 

Yep, look at any of several photos howard has up - reservior is mounted too low.

 

Wow that definitely does not look right. Did ohlins see the photo before saying it was ok for the spring preload adjuster was ok. I Believe the spring was rubbing due to the fact there wasn't any tension compressing it keeping it from moving sloppy in there No way I would think that was ok. Since you have a 2000 model bike you may have to fab up a mount to make it work. Here is a photo How ohlin mounted theirs but it is a more recent model but could give you some fab ideas. Your quick detach hardware very well may be causing your mounting issue. If you keep it you may have to mount the resvouirs under the tour pack since the bracket is in the way to elevate it or make a bracket that moves the mount forward and up if there is clearance

 

Maybe it's the photo quality but I can't seem to see how that reservoir is attached to the bike by anything other than the hose. I don't see a bracket or any wraps around the cylinder

 

I does look to me like the threads are getting beat up in this photo. I know that these cost a lot of money and hope you get it sorted out.

 

My HD159s did the same thing, both the 200mm and 220 mm springs I used. Ohlins also told me it was normal ... That's why that black plastic collar is there.

But I found that if I carefully center the springs about the shock body, visually, top and bottom, I could prevent it. And they stay put, even after 3000 miles. I too thought this was a bit crappy for a top-of-the-line spring; I have never had this difficulty before.

 

And if that road king feels a little harsh still after you are all done, try some 23 N/mm springs. Not what they all say to use, but they made a heck of a difference for me. They only make them in 220mm length, but I see you already know how to deal with that.