Guys, A couple of years ago I purchased JRI-B shocks from Howard at Motorcycle Metal. Really like them, they are great made product and Howard was very helpfully in my decision on which shocks fix my needs. I haven't seen very many posts on JRI shocks in the resent forums. Does Howard still offer them and do any folks still recommend them ? Just wondering...

 

Howard dropped JRi a while ago after they changed design .

 

I purchased the JRI's (B's) from Howard a couple years ago too. I believe that he has since stopped selling them. I like the JRI's but dont love them. pretty smooth ride with good handling, so no real complaints. Some road bumps are harsh. I was going to look into the Ohlin #6's. I would love to understand the actual riding difference between the two.

 

I believe the company changed ownership after a while, which may be something to do with the change in design that Tim refers to. Tim has #6s and may be able to add something about them!

 

I bought JRI A shocks from Howard a couple years ago, Handling is very good and a little harsh on bumps. There is a thread on another forum which I have pasted below. Howard stopped selling there shocks after a fuss with the Marketing manager, new or old manager I do not know.
They are in a new facility up the road from me in Mooresville NC right off I77, I guess business is still pretty good. They main product line is shocks for racing vehicles.




"JRi Shocks and Motorcycle Metal no longer do any business together. It is unfortunate in some ways, but for us it has really helped us grow the product in terms of performance and ability to deliver to the marketplace. We now sell through J&P Cycles, Tucker Rocky (which gives you the ability to go any local dealer and purchase our product), and directly (from JRi)."


ALL OF OUR SHOCKS are completely assembled in the U.S. as it has always been...every part assembled in the U.S by hand. Our materials are sourced both in the U.S. and overseas…again, it has always been that way.

In our previous model (prior to May 2014), we did work with our suppliers and work on material specifications jointly. WE NOW put all material specifications to OUR SPECIFICATIONS. The main thing you notice on the new shocks in the complete anodizing on the shock to provide improved long term function and appearance.

Lastly, our new shocks are a ½” shaft vs. 5/8” shaft. They perform better than any of our previous shocks. The smaller shaft prevents “spiking” in compression damping and ensures a smoother ride overall. This is not to say the company was not happy with the previous model we sold…we just wanted the ride to continue to improve for our customers.

 

I'm really happy with my JRi B shocks from Howard. His explanation about why he dropped them was that they changed the design for the worse and offered no warning and no explanation. He felt the materials were cheaper in the new design. I'm happy with mine though I'd buy Ohlins in a minute if I were buying today.

 

Guys,Thanks for the info. Sorry to hear Howard had a falling out with JRI shocks. I really like them and Howard is very knowable about suspension to say the least. Seems to me it was JRI's loss.