Ohlins arrived from Fuel Moto
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 558
Likes: 2
From: Richardson, Tx
I guess you have to draw the line somewhere. I was looking for something that didn't constantly bottom out and handled better in the corners. The stock shocks wallow all over the place in aggressive turns. Of course I have really ridden these in aggressive corners yet but I know they will be better than stock. I think Harley can get away with their cheap air shocks in a 13" but shorting them to a 12 inch on the street glide just didn't work. At least not for me.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There is a feature of shocks which is routinely over-looked on HDF IMHO. If you ride mostly solo then many shocks are just fine, including your new Ohlins. If however you often ride 2-up then things change. Many shocks cannot handle the extra weight, also the passenger gets a quite different riding experience, compared with the rider. The separated shocks (which Mrs B and I have had for several years) give a much better controlled ride when we are fully loaded up. They are also very good solo of course!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,040
From: Seabrook, NH
You should have bought what you eventually want now - buy once!
There is a feature of shocks which is routinely over-looked on HDF IMHO. If you ride mostly solo then many shocks are just fine, including your new Ohlins. If however you often ride 2-up then things change. Many shocks cannot handle the extra weight, also the passenger gets a quite different riding experience, compared with the rider. The separated shocks (which Mrs B and I have had for several years) give a much better controlled ride when we are fully loaded up. They are also very good solo of course!
There is a feature of shocks which is routinely over-looked on HDF IMHO. If you ride mostly solo then many shocks are just fine, including your new Ohlins. If however you often ride 2-up then things change. Many shocks cannot handle the extra weight, also the passenger gets a quite different riding experience, compared with the rider. The separated shocks (which Mrs B and I have had for several years) give a much better controlled ride when we are fully loaded up. They are also very good solo of course!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I will say that unless you ride in such a manner to over heat the shock so that the air oil emulsion separates you will never feel the difference between the two. Unless the stack is wrong but is close enough that it can be corrected by the clickers. Also keep in mind you lose shaft stroke when going separated as the divider piston takes up space in the body, about 3/4" . Unless your name is last name is on the back shoulders of your leathers, the emulsion style will do the job excellently, hardly an entry level shock in any way, shape, or form.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,399
Likes: 1,040
From: Seabrook, NH
I will say that unless you ride in such a manner to over heat the shock so that the air oil emulsion separates you will never feel the difference between the two. Unless the stack is wrong but is close enough that it can be corrected by the clickers. Also keep in mind you lose shaft stroke when going separated as the divider piston takes up space in the body, about 3/4" . Unless your name is last name is on the back shoulders of your leathers, the emulsion style will do the job excellently, hardly an entry level shock in any way, shape, or form.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I will say that unless you ride in such a manner to over heat the shock so that the air oil emulsion separates you will never feel the difference between the two. Unless the stack is wrong but is close enough that it can be corrected by the clickers. Also keep in mind you lose shaft stroke when going separated as the divider piston takes up space in the body, about 3/4" . Unless your name is last name is on the back shoulders of your leathers, the emulsion style will do the job excellently, hardly an entry level shock in any way, shape, or form.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
Emulsion is the type of construction all cheap and entry level shocks use and very few of them can be described as excellent. The 'air oil emulsion' is a consequence of all those things mixing together, which degrades damping performance. The separated variety keep gas and oil apart and prevent them from forming an emulsion, which is step up in performance.