Ohlins HD357...Worth it?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 191
Likes: 14
From: Naples Fl.
Just spoke to Howard today. He just got Ohlin parts in and is ready to start putting mine together. From what I know the 3 are top shelf but really don't work any better than the 2 or 2,5 for most people. Where the 3's show there stuff is when pushing hard for extended periods like after 5 or 6 hundred miles where the emulsion 2 & 2.5's can build a small amount of air bubbles and have a minor affect on dampening after long distances. Some don't even notice it though. Let me just say I was pleasantly surprised when Howard quoted me a price on the 2.5's.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 622
Likes: 2
From: Connecticut
For you guys running the Ohlins 357's, How often do you ride solo, two up solo loaded etc? I can tell you adjusting them to get a comfortable ride for each scenario is a pita if you're wanting to ride differently daily.
The control and handling are great
The control and handling are great
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
I will also be getting a set from Howard this spring. Either the #3 or 2.5. I like the travel the 2.5 offers but worry about fade. Often we do 500-600 mile days two up with lots of gear. Has anyone experienced fade with the 2.5's"? The #6 would be nice but out of my price range.
Road Master
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 774
Likes: 320
From: St. Louis
I will also be getting a set from Howard this spring. Either the #3 or 2.5. I like the travel the 2.5 offers but worry about fade. Often we do 500-600 mile days two up with lots of gear. Has anyone experienced fade with the 2.5's"? The #6 would be nice but out of my price range.
2 4000+ mile trips since and never noticed any change.
Best money I ever spent on a motorcycle.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 140
Likes: 1
From: Winnipeg, Manitoba
Thanks qtrracer, that is the message I have heard a few times and probably why the 2.5's seem to be very popular on the touring bikes. From what I read, fading with the 'e' type shocks will occur under prolonged aggressive riding. I just was never sure what the definition of prolonged aggressive riding is. I would suspect my occasional scraping of the floor boards would not be considered aggressive riding.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 617
Likes: 20
From: Western Illinois
I made a huge mistake by installing the 2.5’s a couple weeks ago when the weather was still warm. I was excited about the new shocks so I just had to do a test run. I pulled into the driveway dropped to my knees, threw my hands up and yelled “sweet Jesus” It’s going to be a very long winter for me.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,132
Likes: 228
From: Garland, TX
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,062
Likes: 1,943
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I didn't get the top-of-the-line but rather the middle-of-the-road Ohlins (2-2A) from Howard for my style of riding. After riding on the HD shocks for a couple years, I had that ah-ha moment after a few miles on the Ohlins.
For me...YES!
Originally Posted by Streetrunner
But the question is;"are they worth the money".
Last edited by RKZen; Dec 31, 2015 at 12:18 AM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
Likes: 55
From: Bay Area
I have them on my CVO, the hand adjustables were a POS just like stock air shocks. I hhad the 940's before the 357's which were a lot better, but the 357s are very nice. But I only paid half of that for a new set. I sent them back to Ohlins to have the spring changed and set up for my weight.