The 'truth' about shock upgrades ?
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
I already got the shipping notice. That was pretty quick. Yesterday, Howard Messner said he had the parts in stock and would build it today. Just got the UPS email.
FWIW, I will post my thoughts on the whole experience when I get the shocks and install them. I am most interested in seeing how the shocks improve the ride more than anything. I am very curious. Everyone seems to rave about Ohlin but unfortunately I having nothing to compare it to but stock. I never had any need or desire for shock upgrades in my four-wheeled rides so I have absolutely no experience with the subject. All I knew up to now was shocks stabilize the chassis and keep things from going bang when you hit bumps. Riding about 50,000 miles the past few years has greatly increased my appreciation for the importance of shocks to a good ride when on two wheels. If anything, after talking with Howard Messner at his shop, I now know what rebound and compression damping is and why it is important.
FWIW, I will post my thoughts on the whole experience when I get the shocks and install them. I am most interested in seeing how the shocks improve the ride more than anything. I am very curious. Everyone seems to rave about Ohlin but unfortunately I having nothing to compare it to but stock. I never had any need or desire for shock upgrades in my four-wheeled rides so I have absolutely no experience with the subject. All I knew up to now was shocks stabilize the chassis and keep things from going bang when you hit bumps. Riding about 50,000 miles the past few years has greatly increased my appreciation for the importance of shocks to a good ride when on two wheels. If anything, after talking with Howard Messner at his shop, I now know what rebound and compression damping is and why it is important.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,903
Likes: 1,122
From: 48.067222,12.863611
Brake dive still exists to an extent under heavy braking--as in grabbing a handful. I dont think any system will eliminate that. But as far as what it used to be, it is quite better and I am pleased with it. It is no longer annoying.
I ordered the Ohlin shock from Motorcycle Metal
The model numbers are strange(#2-4 ADJ) but these are the specs:
336mm/13 1/4", 94mm/3.7" Stroke,
emulsified & Sweep Valve Adjustable,
Threaded Body Adjustable Spring Pre-Load
I got $135 off for the forum discount so can't complain there. All my research had Ohlin selling for regular MSRP from other vendors. Given that with the discount it now put me in a decent price range, I just took the gamble that this offered the best price/performance ratio for me. As I mentioned, I will really have no way of knowing as I will have nothing to compare it to other than stock. I just was taken in by the praise for Ohlin, I guess. We will see how it works out.
I ordered the Ohlin shock from Motorcycle Metal
The model numbers are strange(#2-4 ADJ) but these are the specs:
336mm/13 1/4", 94mm/3.7" Stroke,
emulsified & Sweep Valve Adjustable,
Threaded Body Adjustable Spring Pre-Load
I got $135 off for the forum discount so can't complain there. All my research had Ohlin selling for regular MSRP from other vendors. Given that with the discount it now put me in a decent price range, I just took the gamble that this offered the best price/performance ratio for me. As I mentioned, I will really have no way of knowing as I will have nothing to compare it to other than stock. I just was taken in by the praise for Ohlin, I guess. We will see how it works out.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 4,726
Likes: 1,787
From: Toledo ohio
My deciding factory was that there was a pair of Hand adjustable premium shocks from a CVO Roadglide on there, and I won the bid for $264 shipped. For the money, they made the bike ride a whole lot better. When I sell the original HD Low Profile shocks I had, it will be even better.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 242
From: Northern O H I O
Xotic Air
Here's a link to a thread I started a week or so ago. Take it for what its worth.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-air-ride.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-air-ride.html
Novice
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Texas Panhandle
I also have the #2-adj from howard. I've got about 180-200 miles on them so far and all I can say is why the hell did I wait to put his shocks on! Ride quality is a night and day difference! You will be glad you spent the money!!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Curious to hear what you think of the Ohlins after you get them installed MiniWolf. I'm riding my bike down to FL this weekend. I bought a set of the #2-#2A and Howard is gonna do the install at his shop. I finally get to meet the man himself and the shocks will be all broken in when I ride back to NC.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
You want *some* brake dive, it would not be fun or helpful to eliminate it completely.
You just want to stop the wallowing of the stock setup.
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Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 6,905
Likes: 4,877
From: Midwest
Based on specs, it doesn't seem as sophisticated as some of the more pricey options. When I was talking to Howard Messner on the phone and mentioned this upgrade, he didn't seem too impressed with this kit and didn't seem to like Progressive at all. But I definitely think it was worth the $240 I spent for them. I think most people would probably find it a worthwhile upgrade over the stock springs if you can't afford the more expensive kits. The change for the better is definitely noticeable when compared to stock.