Ohlins Shock
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 176
Likes: 43
From: New Port RicheyFL
Ohlins Shock
I know I am going to regret asking this but here goes: I’m looking for experiences from people who upgraded their 2018+ Heritage with the Ohlin shock (or Harley SE Ohlin). Specifically, how much improvement have you seen? I am contemplating upgrading, but not sure if the difference in ride quality is worth the cost. Also, I ride mostly in Florida where road quality is generally good.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 3,903
From: Cape Cod
I think you'll get mostly a good response that ANY shock upgrade is WELL worth it.
HD stock shocks are notoriously sub par.
And OHLINS have a GREAT reputation.
I have them on my 07 Ultra and DO NOT regret the change.
HD stock shocks are notoriously sub par.
And OHLINS have a GREAT reputation.
I have them on my 07 Ultra and DO NOT regret the change.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,106
Likes: 5,350
Maybe I’m the exception, but I think the OEM suspension on my ‘20 Heritage is pretty damn good. Personally, I don’t see $1K+ worth of improvement going with Öhlins. I do have Öhlins on my ‘14 Limited, but that’s a different animal.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 548
From: MN
IDK how any rider can think factory suspension is "good" if they haven't tried aftermarket.
My '21 Heritage was so bad I didn't feel comfortable @ freeway speed to the point of avoiding riding on them. Granted I'm not in my 20's anymore, but sure wasn't expecting that.
After reading member experiences and recommendations, I installed DK Intimidator valves and Progressive Springs in front, and Ohlins adjustable monoshock in back.. NIGHT AND DAY improvement. No more hopping, diving, jittery riding. Smooth, controlled, planted, predictable.
I ride everywhere now. The only thing that pisses me off is that a premium bike puts such a shitty suspension on from the factory.
My '21 Heritage was so bad I didn't feel comfortable @ freeway speed to the point of avoiding riding on them. Granted I'm not in my 20's anymore, but sure wasn't expecting that.
After reading member experiences and recommendations, I installed DK Intimidator valves and Progressive Springs in front, and Ohlins adjustable monoshock in back.. NIGHT AND DAY improvement. No more hopping, diving, jittery riding. Smooth, controlled, planted, predictable.
I ride everywhere now. The only thing that pisses me off is that a premium bike puts such a shitty suspension on from the factory.
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,649
Likes: 8,462
From: Inland NW
I definitely felt better about the price tag of my new set of HD044 shocks after I installed the NiX 22s up front.
I see a set of HD044s are now $1700! I scored mine on a Black Friday sale @ Fuel Moto for $1200.
The price of everything sucks, for sure, but man I do love the ride, now. Literally, night and day difference
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 176
Likes: 43
From: New Port RicheyFL
Thanks for all the feedback. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I only know what I have which is the OEM suspension. I don’t feel my ride is bad, but if I can improve it with a fairly noticeable difference I may go for the upgrade. I just don’t want to spend over 1K with marginal benefit.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 424
Likes: 609
From: Florida
My 
I upgraded the rear shocks on my 2023 RKS at around 45K miles. I didn't buy Ohlins, so that part of the conversation is done.
What I found was that the Mothership rear shocks were getting the job done, but didn't wow me. The bike was handed over to me with the shocks set to zero. On the test ride I was bottoming out and being bounced & banged around by everything. After a little internet reading and ride testing I settled on 13'sh on the adjustment ****. Somewhere around 20K I noticed that the bike was clanging on the heavy bumps and most RR crossings. So, I twisted the **** up to 17'sh. Around 30K I had to twist the **** to 20. By 35K it was obvious that the Mothership shocks were not getting it done any more. What to do? Crank the **** to the max setting? Or, finally break down and spend a chunk of $$ for shocks.
I bought and installed a set of aftermarket shocks. (First Harley I've done this to) Not top of the line BIG name shocks, but a set from a company I trust.
WOW!!! I spent a week telling everyone how I regret not doing this 20K mile ago. the difference was night & day.
So, make the decision to buy the shocks. Then, start wandering abound the inter-webs to find the version you want at the best price you can get them for.
I called the company that was building/tunning them prior to shipping to clarify my riding style (0% 2 up & limited baggage). The shocks arrived perfectly tuned and I just bolted them on & rode.
I upgraded the rear shocks on my 2023 RKS at around 45K miles. I didn't buy Ohlins, so that part of the conversation is done.
What I found was that the Mothership rear shocks were getting the job done, but didn't wow me. The bike was handed over to me with the shocks set to zero. On the test ride I was bottoming out and being bounced & banged around by everything. After a little internet reading and ride testing I settled on 13'sh on the adjustment ****. Somewhere around 20K I noticed that the bike was clanging on the heavy bumps and most RR crossings. So, I twisted the **** up to 17'sh. Around 30K I had to twist the **** to 20. By 35K it was obvious that the Mothership shocks were not getting it done any more. What to do? Crank the **** to the max setting? Or, finally break down and spend a chunk of $$ for shocks.
I bought and installed a set of aftermarket shocks. (First Harley I've done this to) Not top of the line BIG name shocks, but a set from a company I trust.
WOW!!! I spent a week telling everyone how I regret not doing this 20K mile ago. the difference was night & day.
So, make the decision to buy the shocks. Then, start wandering abound the inter-webs to find the version you want at the best price you can get them for.
I called the company that was building/tunning them prior to shipping to clarify my riding style (0% 2 up & limited baggage). The shocks arrived perfectly tuned and I just bolted them on & rode.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,548
Likes: 548
From: MN
Thanks for all the feedback. It’s exactly what I was looking for. I only know what I have which is the OEM suspension. I don’t feel my ride is bad, but if I can improve it with a fairly noticeable difference I may go for the upgrade. I just don’t want to spend over 1K with marginal benefit.
