monotubes for 165 lb rider
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,090
Likes: 243
From: Maine
I weigh in at 170lbs, have the monotubes installed and really like the change they made to front of the bike; it is much more planted with positive feedback. Best of all it got rid of the lazy marshmallow feeling.
I would suggest using just 1 clip on both forks. I went with 1 on one side and 2 on the other but I like a firm front fork and most don't on a touring bike.
I would suggest using just 1 clip on both forks. I went with 1 on one side and 2 on the other but I like a firm front fork and most don't on a touring bike.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Other brands are available! I'm building a set of forks with Ohlins FKC101 cartridges, which are available with alternative sets of springs. We have sponsors who can supply them, including Motorcycle Metal.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 57
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee
I'm 165 and installed the monotubes. Per instructions and the Progressive tech I spoke with on the phone (BTW, they have great customer service), I didn't use any clips. The shocks take out the front brake dive and the shocks rebound faster. Definitely a firmer ride.
I'm not convinced it is a must-do upgrade for someone our size, but I also upgraded the rear at the same time so it was a little difficult to tell what set made the most difference (I'm assuming the rear is felt more). For $300 it's not a huge investment.
I'm not convinced it is a must-do upgrade for someone our size, but I also upgraded the rear at the same time so it was a little difficult to tell what set made the most difference (I'm assuming the rear is felt more). For $300 it's not a huge investment.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
most of your weight is going on the rear, so I would think that it isn't much different for a 165 lb guy vs a 200 lb guy. on my bike, the rear tire has a load rating of 992lbs vs 540 lbs for the front.
so, that being said, if most people think the monotubes are a worthwhile upgrade, then chances are, it's going to be worthwhile to you. I plan to do it, one day, when I get around to it, after I get $250-$300 extra cash to spend.....
so, that being said, if most people think the monotubes are a worthwhile upgrade, then chances are, it's going to be worthwhile to you. I plan to do it, one day, when I get around to it, after I get $250-$300 extra cash to spend.....
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,053
Likes: 39
From: Central Florida
Unfortunately the Ohlins is like 3x the price (or more) depending on who you buy it from.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2015
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 260
From: Seattle
Yep, my thought exactly. I guess it looks like the options are new oil, the monotubes, and the intiminators. From what I understand the intiminators take some work to get dialed in and I don't really want to tear it all apart over and over again. The ohlins could be light years ahead but there is no way those are in my budget. I do think the backside will be Ohlins, but they are competitively priced when comparing new to new, if I find some used 944 I just might take a swing at them. (sometimes I feel like the scrap guy that stops by my ol man's auto shop every week scrounging for free metal to scrap because I am always trying to fit used parts first to save money)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
There's probably a good reason for that! I have Ohlins despite the extra cost....
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You've spent ages looking around at shocks, just as I did a few years ago. I bought my Ohlins from Howard, just as you have suggested you may do. Go do that, there's a good chap! Shop for one thing at a time and achieve something worthwhile. People sell cheaper brands secondhand, very often because they don't meet their own expectations. Learn by that and save yourself time and money.
We have some members who have wasted a lot of cash and time, trying every cheap suspension option out there - and are still not be happy. Don't make the same mistake - buy those Ohlins. We'll still be around when you come to buy fork upgrade parts.