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Got a set of Ohlins S36e's from Howard at motorcyclemetal.com - after a 30 min conversation on my riding style, what I was looking for, etc. Had the shocks a week later. Did the install last night, took about 45 min. Bought a small flat scissor jack from Amazon for 60 bucks, which made life easier. Could have done It without the jack easily enough I expect, but I had it... So I used it. Turned down the preload of the factory shocks (which I had maxed) - loosened the bolts and popped the shocks off. Had the jack set so the tire was just touching the deck, so nothing moved. Took a little fiddling with spacers to get them perfectly aligned - picked up a stack of SS washers in preparation. They come with some nice thick spacers that I used on the outside to compensate for the thinner eyes the Ohlins have vs the stock shocks. On the inside I used the washers (less visible). Anyway, measured the overall length with a cheap-o 24" ruler with a caliper attachment I picked up from Amazon also and set the sag up per Howard's extensive and detailed instructions. All in all, a quick and easy install. Still waiting the official 24 hours for the loctite to set before going out on them. And of course, it's supposed to rain all weekend here, so my ride report may have to wait till Monday.
I'm awful at remembering to take photos while doing this stuff, so this is all I got...
Howard's instructions were very helpful and he encouraged me to call while doing the install, but it was so easy, I didn't. Can't wait to ride. I have racetech springs and emulators in the forks, set up for my weight, so that and the Ohlins should be a pretty smooth ride.
Well, brand loyalty I guess. My previous bikes were BMW's and Ohlins were the go to brand, and I had them on two of them, so there's that. And I had a set on my old FXD and loved them.
A little update: I got a call from Howard at motorcyclemetal.com, who saw this post and didn't like the amount of preload I had on the springs - to get the correct sag. We also determined that the shocks were under sprung. So he asked me to send them back so he could put higher rate springs on. No charge except shipping of course. I'm really happy with the service he is providing.
I was wondering about the preload but have never had a good set of shocks, always showa junk I made do with. It seems Howard really takes care of his customers glad he caught that. Can't wait for your report.
Looking forward to this. I went with Hagon Nitro's since they also allowed for adjustable damping. I think just about any aftermarket shock (outside of the low end Progressive's and the like) would improve the ride quality and handling.
Yeah, based on how much of the threading is above the preload collar in the pic above, I think the spring is too soft.
I was looking at the ohlins you got, but got some progressives. Didn't know anybody w them. Couldn't get any real feedback, to give me a deciding factor for ohlins. I've built a few race /street cars and notice when tires are low on air, so suspension on a bike, would be easier to get a feel for w a shock w some adjustability, the ohlins look good on lowriders.
A little update: I got a call from Howard at motorcyclemetal.com, who saw this post and didn't like the amount of preload I had on the springs - to get the correct sag. We also determined that the shocks were under sprung. So he asked me to send them back so he could put higher rate springs on. No charge except shipping of course. I'm really happy with the service he is providing.
I'll update when I have more.
that was the first thing that I saw! glad howard hooked you back up with new springs.
I just saw this thread, and I was pretty shocked at the preload you (OP) you had cranked in there. I've never seen that many threads showing or a spring compressed that much before.
Glad that Howard saw this thread, and is getting you squared away.
Yeah, those springs are either really soft or really short. But once that's corrected, I'm sure you'll love them like the rest of us. I messed around with a lot of other options and couldn't be more satisfied with the Ohlins. Great quality product!
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Ohlins S36e install
