I was thinking of changing my JRI 13 in. non adj. shocks for the Ohlin HD 039, has anybody used the Ohlin 039, which is the basic Ohlin emulsified shock, list price $648. I have not been happy with the JRI to absorb the big frost heave type bumps we have here in Illinois. Thanks

 

That's what I run. Very happy with my choice. Leaps and bounds better than stock.

 

When spending that kind of money I think it's a crap shoot to get something with no dampening adjustment. Even if you get custom valving there is still a likely hood that the vendor could miss the mark and then your sending shocks back and forth in the mail to get reworked.

 

I have the 2.5 from Motorcycle Metal. It's basically the shock you're talking about but with rebound dampening. It's a great shock. But I'm gonna tell you - there isn't shock out there that will make your big, heavy, short travel Harley like those frost heaves. Shocks can only do so much. I would describe the improvement as being hit with a hefty stick vs a baseball bat. Somewhat better, but still hurts.

 

The Ohlins HD039 has the same length as the stock SG shocks (12"). If you want to stay with your JRI length, get the HD022 (13").

I have the Ohlins HD022 from Motorcycle Metal (their model 2-2A), as I wanted my King lowered. I probably won't try another brand. They're that good to me. You also get a HDF member discount from Motorcycle Metal.

 

Thanks for the reply's, 2013, wparente, Zen, and Nevada. I did buy my JRI from Howard, looking at list price on Howards (MCM) site and Ohlin.com, I see a difference in list price for the same shock. HD 039 on Ohlins $649, MCM MSRP #2 $708.75. Phatperformance, $586. Yeah Nevada, shoulda bought a Gold Wing,..LOL Wp, adjustable dampening is probably the hot set up but I don't have the extra $300. I think i would go with the HD 039 which would go back to stock heght and still have 3 1/4 inches of travel, I got the 13 inch JRI for more travel and a plusher ride but I didn't notice much difference, it also raised the rear a little which I did not care for. Anyway thanks for the input fella's

 

You may call me and we can adjust your shocks to give you a good ride. Just call me and we can take care of it. Chad built your shocks and he did a very good job. He is no longer at JRI and those are not the shocks currently for sale at JRI but great shocks. If your shocks are not adjusted properly than you will naturally receive a bad or less than desirable ride. The good news is it does not cost a dime. If I was you I would have just called first than see what could be done.

 

Thanks Howard I will give you a call, but if Chad did such a good job building the shocks why don't I like the ride ..or.is that the best that these shocks will perform! I hear great things normally about the Ohlins not so much with the JRI's!

 

The same amount of comments are made about Ohlins. If you do not have those shocks, no matter which type, adjusted properly than no matter which product you have, as long as it is a quality shock as you currently have (old style steel bodies or adjustable's with red adjusters), they will work great. I am not talking about the other less developed imitation shock brands found on the market. If you are going to Daytona next month, I will be there for the whole event. Meeting my customers past and present, with or without problems, is the reason why I go there as I have plenty of work at home. You can not spend your way into a great ride (within the limitations of the shock), you must understand how to adjust your shocks into it. You do not need to spend another dime as you are already done spending on shocks.

I no longer represent or sell JRI products as of a few years ago. You are my customer and as long as I live I will support you with your problems if I can. I can not and never could get rebuild parts unlike Ohlins. I have the specialized tools I purchased the day I committed to represent JRI in their corporate office but JRI changed their initial terms /promises & never sold them to me. I would not have ever committed to represent any manufacturer that I could not service and solve my customers problems myself. I have nothing to gain by originally answering your post and offering my support either by phone or in person other than honoring my lifelong commitment to you, my customer.

You must make up your mind to either solve your problems by following the procedures previously outlined or not. I will be in Daytona if that is the way you wish to proceed face to face so there is no misunderstandings on how to adjust.

 

Gotta start making Howard Jrs.!