Ohlins HD357...Worth it?
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 2,981
Likes: 48
From: Northern Illinois
Ohlins HD357...Worth it?
2012 Limited, currently running Harley's Premium Ride Hand Adjustable Rear Shocks, but thinking about switching to the Ohlins HD 357 with the external reservoirs.
Wife has some back issues, and I just need the best ride I can get.
Anyone had the Harley Premium shocks and switched to the Ohlins HD 357's?
Are they that much better?
Guess what I'm really asking is are they worth $1600.00?
Also, where is the best place to buy them from?
Thanks
Wife has some back issues, and I just need the best ride I can get.
Anyone had the Harley Premium shocks and switched to the Ohlins HD 357's?
Are they that much better?
Guess what I'm really asking is are they worth $1600.00?
Also, where is the best place to buy them from?
Thanks
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Having tried 3 different aftermarket shock in the 7-8 hundred dollar range I can tell you they were not worth the money when compared to my stock 13" air shocks. I know your hand adjustables are harsher than the 13" air shocks but I'll never believe the Ohlins will be 1600 better than what you have. I would suggest picking up a cheap set of air shocks on the forum. That would be worth the money.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I run them an absolutely love them , I haven't ran the HD Premium shocks but have used Progressive 940 , Ricor , JRi and Ohlins #3 and #6(HD357). The 357 are the best by a long shot , my wife says I should have started with them and saved the money. She says it's the best ride she has felt too.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,018
Likes: 259
From: Seattle
I run them an absolutely love them , I haven't ran the HD Premium shocks but have used Progressive 940 , Ricor , JRi and Ohlins #3 and #6(HD357). The 357 are the best by a long shot , my wife says I should have started with them and saved the money. She says it's the best ride she has felt too.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 103
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati, Oh
In a word, YES. I suggest you speak with Howard Messner of Motorcycle Metal about shocks as he has a bunch of experience.
The top of the line ohlins he sells are less than the $1600 you quote but a bit more than a grand. I'm an ex road racer and can tell you for a fact they work much better than air shocks!. Give Howard a call and he will take care of you and the mrs.
The top of the line ohlins he sells are less than the $1600 you quote but a bit more than a grand. I'm an ex road racer and can tell you for a fact they work much better than air shocks!. Give Howard a call and he will take care of you and the mrs.
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I would do it and be done...I've been through a bunch as well. The HD hand adjustables (12" & 13"). A couple set's of Progressive's (440 & 944). Currently running JRI 13" B shocks. At the time Howard recommended them over the regular Ohlins.
However they're still not perfect. But they are better than the HD and Progressive for sure. Someday I'll go Ohlins.
Just remember there's a learning curve to dialing the high end stuff in.
However they're still not perfect. But they are better than the HD and Progressive for sure. Someday I'll go Ohlins.
Just remember there's a learning curve to dialing the high end stuff in.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I would tell you after many years of experimenting with shocks that spending $1600 on rear shocks for this type of suspension is probably overkill. I would say that you would be happy with any Ohlins product set up properly at roughly half or even 1/3 that price. Now if I had a lot of extra cash to spend, sure why not, go for the trickest, coolest shocks Ohlins makes but spending that kinda money on these bikes is kinda like shooting a guy 6 or 12 times with a .357 Mag when he was basically dead after the first center mass hit. I do have some shock envy though when seeing the Ohlins reservoir shocks fitted, LOL