Bitubo is not that great of a shock, Traxxion Dynamics sells them too. I've tried them and they were not even close to Ohlins.

 

This turned into a higher end shocks thread. I can't wait to do my own comparison. Curious as to the breakin period on some of the aftermarket shocks before forming opinions.

 

Can you expand on that? Are you comparing like featured / priced shocks between them?

 

I've read some threads on your set up, (very impressive btw) I would assume you can answer a question on the emulsion and separate shocks. Do you think the emulsion shocks get hot enough to fade on a touring bike?

 

I had both.
Here's my take....
George called me back to talk over the purchase.
He was great, down to earth and very personable...and listened to me.
I paid full retail, I think just over $800 with shipping.
They were a little stiff for the first few hundred miles plus. I expected that. Still. better ride than stock air even with oil changed.
They softened up a bit and I called for some final tune advice. DJ was cool as well. He took the time to look my order up, make sure I have the right valving and spring rate...and away I went with a turn here and click there. Very Happy.

My buddy traded his cvo RG in, sold me his Howard's #6 with remote rezzies.
He probably has a couple thousand miles on them, so perfectly broken in.
I pm'd howard, he was quick and to the point. Setup will work for me but adjusting the sag correctly was critical.
Got it dead nuts in the middle of the suggested range.

My girl and I both noticed the difference.
It was not as big of a difference as stock to Pro Action, but still a better ride.
I think I paid 850 or 900 used for the Ohlins. All original paperwork, etc.
I sold my Pro Action to a good friend for his Street Glide and he's very happy as is his passenger. Think I sold them to him for 650 and put em on.

Probably not fair to compare top of the line Ohlins to ProAction. Different price point and features.
But it's what I have.
Would I have paid full price for the Ohlins from Howard? No. Are they worth it? Yes.
I would have been a fool to turn down the deal, plus my buddy I bought the Ohlins from let me put them on and put a few hundred miles on em.

After paying What I did for both sets of shocks, including what I got back from selling to a buddy, I was near the price of them new from Howard.
But I got to try first and help a friend out...win win in my book.
Needless to say, if I replace my trusty 05 Ultra....the Ohlins will come with me.

They are a great shock, and if you've ever rode in Michigan....we need all the help we can get.

Either choice is a good one. I wish I could compare a 3 series from Howard to the ProAction. The opportunity just wasn't there.
I'd buy the proAction again in a heart beat as well....

 

I have pro-action. I was trying too make the same decision you are. I LOVE my pro-action. Some of the things that ran through "my" mind when deciding.

1. Everyone mentions Howard. Well I talked to Howard... That's an experience in it's own, but what happens when Howard isn't in the business anymore?

2. Pro-Action.. Lifetime Warranty no cost at all if they ever need to be rebuilt and NO rebuild "schedule" there is a cost for Ohlins rebuild and there is from my understanding a rebuild schedule.

3. Pro-Action USA Product

Again, just me and my choice but I love my Pro-Action. I talked directly to George, but bought them through DK Customs.

 

That's a problem facing many specialists and their customers. In the case of Ohlins purchased from Howard, they can be serviced by any Ohlins dealer/specialist, anywhere in the World. That's why, living in the UK, I bought mine from him. It does occur to me that his stock flies over my head on it's way to the USA!

 

I have Ohlins #3-3 courtesy of Howard, the separated variety. In talking to him, several years ago now, about the merits of emulsion and separated, he recommended the separated for us. Mrs B and I like to tour, which can take our Glide close to its max weight limit when we are fully loaded. At the time Howard had an emulsion model with a longer stroke, however he recommended the emulsion despite that, as it would give us improved ride quality. We have been delighted with our choice! (The remote reservoir model had only just become available and the cost was a bit of a shock, so I didn't consider them.)

That doesn't answer your question, but the impression I have is that most brands of cheap shocks are emulsion type and most of the bikes I've owned over the last 50 years have had them. I'm not sure I have ever experienced fade as such, just poor ride quality.

 

Regarding point 1, and keep in mind I've had both shocks and am very pleased with either...
What happens when George retires and no one wants to pickup where he left off? Kids/employees don't want to buy and take over the business, etc.

No offense to George, the PA crew or it's product, again, satisfied and happy customer here, but do you think the support net is larger and wider for Ohlins or Pro-Action?

Your other points are very, very valid regarding cost and schedule of rebuilds, etc.
Butt the flip side is, without a schedule, how do you know when it needs to be rebuilt AND what happens if you make an honest mistake and a part is worn beyond rebuild and comes at a cost to you to replace?
Normal wear and tear is covered, I get that...but if a non-wear item is broken.... You see where I'm going with that.

Again, not trying to say anything bad about ProA. Great company, great service and great product. Just things to think about.

 

Ya, I hear ya... That being said, if the only reason I had to to go with PA was it is a USA based company. That for me is enough... :-) but again.. that's just me... But that would be different if PA shocks had poor reviews. George promised me that he would give me 100% refund (shipping included) if I got the shocks and was not happy and wanted to return them. That says a lot to me.