2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Ohlins back orders

Old Jan 10, 2025 | 12:22 PM
  #11  
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Originally Posted by evildiesel
i got SE ohlins front and rear. makes a world of difference. i wish they made a 13.5" version for the rear, but they dont.

if i bought another softail, I would do it again
Thanks! Gotta check it out before I put the money down.
 
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Old Jan 10, 2025 | 08:48 PM
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Originally Posted by wlwoodruff
So, who has done the Ohlins upgrade on an LRS? How much of a difference does it make? Any change in suspension travel?

Thanks in advance, WLW
Springs are Springs are springs. They are not complicated. If you don't have one to match your weight, then you need preload. There is no real difference between same suspension (meaning front end rear end) and different springs.

What "feels good" is damping circuits. Ohlins are God's, Harley doesn't give you any. Sure... The crudest non-adjustable rebound damping... which is a must... But no adjustabiliry, no compression, and no preload... At least up front... Which is THE most important one. They put preload on rear, but no other adjustability.

So yes, they are all that... They give you an actual suspension and not just a spring. I thought mine was awasome after install and setup. Some fine tuning with Big Bear, testing, fine tuning tire pressure.... It's so dialed in even better than I thought. The thing about food suspension... You should never even know it's there. No Chatter, no bottoming, no pogo, rebounding... You should just have perfect contact with road. I am an admitted snob. I refuse to put up with a shitty ride. You don't always use throttle and brakes, but suspension is 100% of the time.

And I have no problem shilling for Big Bear Performance. Fantastic Ohlins shop, great services, fantastic customer service.

 
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Old Jan 19, 2025 | 10:47 PM
  #13  
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Originally Posted by evildiesel
i got SE ohlins front and rear. makes a world of difference. i wish they made a 13.5" version for the rear, but they dont.

if i bought another softail, I would do it again
How long is the SE Ohlins rear shock for the LRS? I think the stock LRS is 13" with 4.4" of travel; I'd love to have more, and I certainly wouldn't want to give up any or what I have.
 
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Old Jan 19, 2025 | 11:43 PM
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Originally Posted by wlwoodruff
How long is the SE Ohlins rear shock for the LRS? I think the stock LRS is 13" with 4.4" of travel; I'd love to have more, and I certainly wouldn't want to give up any or what I have.
its 13.1” eye to eye. Same as stock shock, same travel im pretty sure too.

the big difference is it has adjustable damping and rebound where the stock does not. The stock shock is completely fine if you don’t ride aggressively, but if you do it makes a world of difference.
 
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Old Jan 20, 2025 | 07:16 PM
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Originally Posted by Brando4905
I live pretty close to Ohlins USA headquarters. We are in Western NC and they were definitely affected by hurricane Helene. I’m pretty sure their facility was completely consumed by flood water and debris. Might have something to do with production or shipping delays.
Yep. Thats where I got mine for my 2019. They are also made in ... I want to say Sweden .. but definitely not manufactured in the States.


 
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Old Jan 23, 2025 | 06:00 AM
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Originally Posted by sumncguy
Yep. Thats where I got mine for my 2019. They are also made in ... I want to say Sweden .. but definitely not manufactured in the States.
You’re correct, the parts are not manufactured here, but most of the stock for the US is (or was) sitting in the warehouses in Hendersonville. I’ve been there multiple times to purchase suspension for several bikes. If springs need swapping for example on a rear set of shocks, that is done there before they are sent to the retailer.
 
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Old May 12, 2025 | 06:55 PM
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Originally Posted by evildiesel
i got SE ohlins front and rear. makes a world of difference. i wish they made a 13.5" version for the rear, but they dont.

if i bought another softail, I would do it again
HD-517 is the 13.5" they just came out with. The SE Ohlins are set up for a 170lb rider. Buy direct or a Ohlins dealer and they set them up for you.
 
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Old May 12, 2025 | 07:32 PM
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Originally Posted by JCunningham
HD-517 is the 13.5" they just came out with. The SE Ohlins are set up for a 170lb rider. Buy direct or a Ohlins dealer and they set them up for you.
Well i'm over 250lb's and have the SE Ohlins Front and rear, they are superb and definitely suit me, you just put more preload on them to allow for the weight
 
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Old May 12, 2025 | 07:52 PM
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Originally Posted by JCunningham
HD-517 is the 13.5" they just came out with. The SE Ohlins are set up for a 170lb rider. Buy direct or a Ohlins dealer and they set them up for you.
That is not correct.

The SE Ohlins are not set up for a particular rider weight. They are adjustable for Preload, Compression and Damping (Rebound). When I was doing my upgrade, HD parts said it was a 13" shock; but I can't find any written reference to the shock length. That matches the stock height, so it is probably correct. If they have added a 13.5" shock, they're not listing it in their online parts.

If you order the shocks direct from Ohlins, they are different. You specify the rider weight, and they supply an appropriate non-adjustable spring. The shock is adjustable for rebound and preload. Ohlins says the length is 320.6 mm, which is 12.6" I can't find anything about an Ohlins 13.5" on their website anywhere.

When I did my upgrade, I wanted more travel, so I went with the Legend fully adjustable 13.5". Given Ohlins reputation, I'm sure that they are well-engineered and ride every bit as well as the Legend.
 
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Old May 12, 2025 | 09:55 PM
  #20  
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Ohlins just came out with the HD-517. Its not in there catalog yet but here is the drag link. https://www.dragspecialties.com/sear...sBhB0mGQ%3D%3D You will see this part number is set up for 170-250lbs. Ohline can put a heavier spring on it if you order it direct. I think they said valving too. If you think about it on loaded FXLRST 2 up 250 isnt much. Ohlins is setting up a shock for me. Custom spring and valvinhg is part of ordering it from my Ohlins dealer and they get it direct from Ohlins. They needed to know my weight and how I ride plus what my motor is putting out. They are setting up front and rear for me. im 285lbs. Its hard to find but HD had something Iv seen online for dealers saying the SE stuff is set for a average weight 170lb rider. It may be better than stock no matter what but i bet its better if you get is set up for you by Ohlins. I just order from my Ohlins dealer today.
 

Last edited by JCunningham; May 12, 2025 at 09:59 PM.
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