ohlins shocks,
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
These things smooth out the smallest irregularity in the road, as well as absorbing every bump and pothole we hit (East Europe is not known for the quality of its roads!) and we never bottomed out once. Most important we were both more comfortable and after we got home realised we could have carried on for a long time.
I'm sure Howard will help you build a suitable set of shocks for the two of you.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 691
Likes: 35
From: Colorado
What's the difference between #2 and #3 series besides another $200? I'll look into them but if I'm gonna spend $600, might as well spend $800, if they're worth it? Only want to have to buy some good shocks once...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
The #2 are emulsion shocks, #3 are divided, the #3's are better if you need them. If getting the best is your goal then get the #6 shocks. Like I stated parking your ego will save you money and time. Ask someone with the #3's last time they spun a clicker. Oh I'm certain they will tell you the divided is better but do they need them? Howard gets his valving so good that the adjustability feature is nice but in my mind unneeded. And don't even get me started on a 3"-4" travel shock needing a separator for a touring bike with a non linkage type suspension cruising down the interstate. But hey its your money get what makes YOU happy.
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 654
Likes: 5
From: oklahoma
maybe i didnt need #3's but i figure i only want to buy them once and i've wasted more than $200 on other stuff that i'm not sitting on for 500-5000 miles at a time. i rode today cause the weather demanded it! i cant wait to get rid of my progressive 11.5" 412's. they look good and for solo they're ok but not for 2 up and comfort
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,334
Likes: 17
From: Rosamond, Cali
I had a set of 3-3's several years ago. Sold that bike. Have tried several other types of shocks in the interim, have the HD Premium hand-adjustables (12") at this time (like on the SGS), and am going back to 3-3's. Never tried the 2's. Thought about it. But with the 3's being known entities for me, I'll go with what I know.
The 'downside' for me (if you want to call it that) is the 3-3's raise the SG a little compared to the present stance. But it's not much, plus the comfort is so much better for that extra 3/4" in height or so, it's really no big deal.
Alan
The 'downside' for me (if you want to call it that) is the 3-3's raise the SG a little compared to the present stance. But it's not much, plus the comfort is so much better for that extra 3/4" in height or so, it's really no big deal.
Alan
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Alan, Howard cam build the #3 in several heights, so there are options over the 13" #3-3. However a feature of these shocks is that we can set the sag at the correct height, of 1/3rd total travel, while many shocks will sag more than that. A cheap 13" shock may well sag more than a correctly set #3-3, meaning the seat height will be lower than with the Ohlins.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
The #2 are emulsion shocks, #3 are divided, the #3's are better if you need them. If getting the best is your goal then get the #6 shocks. Like I stated parking your ego will save you money and time. Ask someone with the #3's last time they spun a clicker. Oh I'm certain they will tell you the divided is better but do they need them? Howard gets his valving so good that the adjustability feature is nice but in my mind unneeded. And don't even get me started on a 3"-4" travel shock needing a separator for a touring bike with a non linkage type suspension cruising down the interstate. But hey its your money get what makes YOU happy.
I will admit that other than touring I set and forget the rebound adjustment.
Every time I have tried to "cheap out" when buying something for the bike, I have come to regret it.