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Not impressed with the ride although I know lowering the bike affects the ride so the 422's are probably a decent shock in the fully raised position.
Are you running the 422 "Standard" or "Heavy Duty".
If your ride weight is under $200 the HDs will be way too stiff.
I believe if you send them in Progressive will "re-spring" them for the cost of shipping.
I run the 422 RAP HDs and am very pleased with them especially since the dampering is adjusted by turning a dial by the passenger foot peg.
I'm at 250 .lbs so the "Heavy Duty" versions are right for me.
I have them at 1.5 turns and when my Wife joins me I just crank them another turn and the ride is greatly improved over stock.
I considered Shotgun Shocks heavily because of all the great reviews but I just couldn't get past the $1200+ price tag especially since I don't have the desire to slam my bike.
Good luck making the decision, I know it's not an easy one.
Last edited by Bluraven; Nov 11, 2015 at 02:58 PM.
Rebound damping isn't as good as I would like, but overall, I'm happy with them.
I agree with this also. I have to really firm mine up to get it where I want it. Does that make me regret getting an SS. Hell no!!!! Some of the best money Ive spent on my Deluxe by far. My suggestion is get one they rock
The customer service ALONE is worth the price. Lifetime warranty and they will replace any component in the system, no questions asked with free return shipping (at least in my experience).
Conversely, I bought a pair of RSD rocker box covers (pure bling - no functionality) which cost me roughly half the price of my SS. Within two weeks after installation the chrome on the front rocker box started bubbling and flaking off. After requesting a replacement from PM/RSD, they basically told me to F**k off. The dealer I bought them from is still trying to get me a replacement, but I'm not holding my breath.
Sounds like a waste of money putting Ohlins on a Softail due to the bikes geometry.
Then again, Ohlins can take the stock shock, slap a sticker directly over the HD label, and place it in their own packaging and people would swear it was better than stock.
What exact experience, since you started riding or studing motorcycles and suspension, just how you know what your Softail's geometry is? Since a Softail is basically the same wheel base as every other FL, why would putting on good suspension not work? I really wish you to explain this to everyone here to validate your claim to actually know what you are talking about. I as I am sure everyone here would like to know what we are reading is actually true from you? I will PM you to make sure that you receive an alert as to come back to this page and post your research and proof. This is your opportunity to enlighten all, including myself of information I do not possess. I believe the internet should contain useful information and not allow those who post falsely a platform to communicate to the masses. I, for one ,wish to read truthful & educational information and not waste my time on worthless drivel. I am really looking forward learning from you.
On to "How It Works"
The way the swing arm works is a pull type shock much like a Buell which to seem to work fairly well.
There are 2 members on the HDF forum who purchased these Softail Ohlins (2005 era) for their bike, Buda was one but as many HD owners come & go over the years and another one who located a pair of pre-owned in Istanbul, Turkey. It is very puzzling how HDF members who actually own and ride these shocks posted their Ohlins Softail experience, which was entirely different than the assessment member Next In Line posted. I do not know everything but once Next In Line posts his findings and proof, we than all can evaluate what is correct and what is just Internet worthless drivel. I want to know as many here would also like to know what is fact and what is not.
The Ohlins shocks are re-buildable so they are lifetime shocks as all parts are available from Ohlins or from a certified service center. These are nothing more than a divided piston (separated) that can be made for compression & rebound adjustable just like I did on my #3-#3 series shocks.
These shocks employ the exact same technology as the (Below) #3 series shocks found on so many Harleys I have done over the years. The only difference is Softail shocks work in reverse. They pull for compression in place of push against the spring.
The new generation will have better drain holes in the spring cover and is more developed. At the time of manufacture most Softail owners were more interested in Chrome & Paint than riding. These first generation shocks used, when they came up for sale & demanded a large premium when purchasing them used. Due to the small amount of sales Ohlins dropped the line and support for the Softail. Ohlins now sees the demand for Harley suspension as more and more riders get educated and more & more riders actually understand why a good riding bike is beneficial to them. This is the first generation of HD shocks.
I personally have modified/manufactured several major suspension products for Softails over the years and have found that real suspension greatly enhances the ride & handling of the bike.
Last edited by FastHarley; Nov 12, 2015 at 08:42 AM.
What exact experience, since you started riding or studing motorcycles and suspension, just how you know what your Softail's geometry is? Since a Softail is basically the same wheel base as every other FL, why would putting on good suspension not work? I really wish you to explain this to everyone here to validate your claim to actually know what you are talking about. I as I am sure everyone here would like to know what we are reading is actually true from you? I will PM you to make sure that you receive an alert as to come back to this page and post your research and proof. This is your opportunity to enlighten all, including myself of information I do not possess. I believe the internet should contain useful information and not allow those who post falsely a platform to communicate to the masses. I, for one ,wish to read truthful & educational information and not waste my time on worthless drivel. I am really looking forward learning from you.
On to "How It Works"
The way the swing arm works is a pull type shock much like a Buell which to seem to work fairly well.
There are 2 members on the HDF forum who purchased these Softail Ohlins (2005 era) for their bike, Buda was one but as many HD owners come & go over the years and another one who located a pair of pre-owned in Istanbul, Turkey. It is very puzzling how HDF members who actually own and ride these shocks posted their Ohlins Softail experience, which was entirely different than the assessment member Next In Line posted. I do not know everything but once Next In Line posts his findings and proof, we than all can evaluate what is correct and what is just Internet worthless drivel. I want to know as many here would also like to know what is fact and what is not.
The Ohlins shocks are re-buildable so they are lifetime shocks as all parts are available from Ohlins or from a certified service center. These are nothing more than a divided piston (separated) that can be made for compression & rebound adjustable just like I did on my #3-#3 series shocks.
These shocks employ the exact same technology as the (Below) #3 series shocks found on so many Harleys I have done over the years. The only difference is Softail shocks work in reverse. They pull for compression in place of push against the spring.
The new generation will have better drain holes in the spring cover and is more developed. At the time of manufacture most Softail owners were more interested in Chrome & Paint than riding. These first generation shocks used, when they came up for sale & demanded a large premium when purchasing them used. Due to the small amount of sales Ohlins dropped the line and support for the Softail. Ohlins now sees the demand for Harley suspension as more and more riders get educated and more & more riders actually understand why a good riding bike is beneficial to them. This is the first generation of HD shocks.
I personally have modified/manufactured several major suspension products for Softails over the years and have found that real suspension greatly enhances the ride & handling of the bike.
No need to spam my inbox.
When was the last time you took your softail on the track and kept up with all the other sport bikes while using your Ohlins suspension?
When was the last time you took your softail on the track and kept up with all the other sport bikes while using your Ohlins suspension?
I asked you exactly: "What exact experience, since you started riding or studding motorcycles and suspension, just how you know what your Softail's geometry is?" " I really wish you to explain this to everyone here to validate your claim to actually know what you are talking about. I as I am sure everyone here would like to know what we are reading is actually true from you? I will PM you to make sure that you receive an alert as to come back to this page and post your research and proof. This is your opportunity to enlighten all, including myself of information I do not possess. I believe the internet should contain useful information and not allow those who post falsely a platform to communicate to the masses. I, for one ,wish to read truthful & educational information and not waste my time on worthless drivel. I am really looking forward learning from you."
Your statement, being an Outstanding HDF member:
Sounds like a waste of money putting Ohlins on a Softail due to the bikes geometry.
Then again, Ohlins can take the stock shock, slap a sticker directly over the HD label, and place it in their own packaging and people would swear it was better than stock.
You give a two line post complaining about spam, I will & did post my PM to you. I will ask you the exact same question again (see aforementioned post). If you can shed any light on this subject, please do so. If you can not than the worst should be assumed, which is it? I put my time into making an informative post, please invest your time and teach us all. Thank you for your time. If you can not than everyone of us should call a spade a spade.
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