Ordered Ohlins #2 Adjustable
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Thanks for the reassurance. Surprisingly, the Harley adjustable have been the more comfortable out of the 4 sets I have had on the bike, the 12" stock being the worst. The 944's would have been fine on a smooth race track because the bike felt nice and planted, but I live in Arkansas....the frickin roads here suck ***, especially in the LR area, not sure WTF our Hwy dept is thinking, can't build roads for sh*t around here!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 2,403
Likes: 20
From: Indy
I did an oil change on my stock shocks, and decided after a few miles they were still lacking, rather than be disappointed with something else I spent the money on the best , and I am really glad I did. I ride distance a lot, and fatigue comes on a lot further down the road.
I did an 800 mile day with my stock shocks, and I was sore, but after the Ohlins 800 miles is very doable.
I did an 800 mile day with my stock shocks, and I was sore, but after the Ohlins 800 miles is very doable.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 8
From:
Shocks installed. I sat on the bike it actually squatted. This damn thing has never moved with any of the shocks I previously had installed. like sitting on a brick.
Took my measurements and these things were almost spot on right out of the box. Howard obviously knows his stuff. Sag was off by 2mm, one clockwise turn in on the preload, another measurement and it was time to ride. I could instantly tell a difference, no more teeth chatter over the Arkansas rippled up asphalt, larger bumps were not as jarring. I asked for a caddy ride and a caddy ride is what I got.
A quick call to Howard with a follow up, he mentioned we now need to fine tune (I was already so happy I was having to sit on my hands to keep from waving at people) so I thought, OK, let's fine tune.
Zip tie trick indicated I was real close to the bump stop on a normal ride around my favorite 20 mile loop, so another turn on the Preload and off I went. Did this a couple of times before I had the correct clearance. 1-up setting noted.
Waited for the wife to get home, she hopped on (the bike) and around the loop we went, zip tie was barely touching bump stop, another turn on the Preload, another ride and had the required clearance. 2-up setting noted.
I'm sure we will bottom out on large potholes and other massive irregularities we have around here, but that is what the bump stop is for.
Rebound was set at the initial 14 out click setup, Howard suggested another 2 clicks out, and it was off again.
I couldn't be happier at the moment, and I know I have to put some miles on these to get them broke in, but overall it has been a pleasure dealing with Howard, he is a guy who knows his craft and if you "listen" to what he has to say you will realize he's easy to talk to and has a great personality!
I'll try and get some miles on these this weekend and report back.
wheeler
Took my measurements and these things were almost spot on right out of the box. Howard obviously knows his stuff. Sag was off by 2mm, one clockwise turn in on the preload, another measurement and it was time to ride. I could instantly tell a difference, no more teeth chatter over the Arkansas rippled up asphalt, larger bumps were not as jarring. I asked for a caddy ride and a caddy ride is what I got.
A quick call to Howard with a follow up, he mentioned we now need to fine tune (I was already so happy I was having to sit on my hands to keep from waving at people) so I thought, OK, let's fine tune.
Zip tie trick indicated I was real close to the bump stop on a normal ride around my favorite 20 mile loop, so another turn on the Preload and off I went. Did this a couple of times before I had the correct clearance. 1-up setting noted.
Waited for the wife to get home, she hopped on (the bike) and around the loop we went, zip tie was barely touching bump stop, another turn on the Preload, another ride and had the required clearance. 2-up setting noted.
I'm sure we will bottom out on large potholes and other massive irregularities we have around here, but that is what the bump stop is for.
Rebound was set at the initial 14 out click setup, Howard suggested another 2 clicks out, and it was off again.
I couldn't be happier at the moment, and I know I have to put some miles on these to get them broke in, but overall it has been a pleasure dealing with Howard, he is a guy who knows his craft and if you "listen" to what he has to say you will realize he's easy to talk to and has a great personality!
I'll try and get some miles on these this weekend and report back.
wheeler
Last edited by *Road King*; May 11, 2016 at 11:52 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 20
From: Kanapolis Massachusetts
Very informative write up....WE thank ya
I'm on the fence..thinking..Hmm..are they REALLY worth it??? Got a 12 SG cvo with the adjustable 1 shock design..Ha 1 shock
.Turned it down a couple more rev's and try that.
Don't wanna quote exact $$ but what was the ball park price?
I'm on the fence..thinking..Hmm..are they REALLY worth it??? Got a 12 SG cvo with the adjustable 1 shock design..Ha 1 shock
.Turned it down a couple more rev's and try that. Don't wanna quote exact $$ but what was the ball park price?
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 8
From:
I'd fill out a build sheet on his web and email it to him, your weight and riding style, 1-up/2-up percentages might lead him to selling you a different type of shock/spring etc. You'd get a quote same day (at least I did). I got a discount for being a forum member which I thought was very generous.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I'd fill out a build sheet on his web and email it to him, your weight and riding style, 1-up/2-up percentages might lead him to selling you a different type of shock/spring etc. You'd get a quote same day (at least I did). I got a discount for being a forum member which I thought was very generous.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 367
Likes: 20
From: Kanapolis Massachusetts
I'd fill out a build sheet on his web and email it to him, your weight and riding style, 1-up/2-up percentages might lead him to selling you a different type of shock/spring etc. You'd get a quote same day (at least I did). I got a discount for being a forum member which I thought was very generous.
Thanks for the help
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 279
Likes: 13
From: Mentor, Ohio
I also just bought the 2+2...still need to tweak a few things but in my experience in off roading and dirt track...nothing compares to a custom built shock....you now have something designed for you and your riding style. To appreciate it you have to do it.
Just watch any SCORE or Lucas Truck race and watch them work...
Just watch any SCORE or Lucas Truck race and watch them work...
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Joined: Aug 2013
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Originally Posted by *Road King*
I couldn't be happier at the moment, and I know I have to put some miles on these to get them broke in, but overall it has been a pleasure dealing with Howard, he is a guy who knows his craft and if you "listen" to what he has to say you will realize he's easy to talk to and has a great personality!
And to DALE#3, yes take advantage of the discount.
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