Ohlin questions.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 671
Likes: 168
From: Ontario, Canada
I went with 2-2B from Howard after discussing my riding style and budget with him. Very nice upgrade from stock but not a totally Cush ride but they did help a lot. They are 13.25 inches and when set up correctly get about the maximum usable travel from the rear.
If if I were to do it again I would get something that you could adjust more quickly instead of pulling the bags, jacking the bike and using spanners.
If if I were to do it again I would get something that you could adjust more quickly instead of pulling the bags, jacking the bike and using spanners.
My goal was better ride 2up and that's what I achieved. They're still better than stock even riding solo with the preload set for a smooth ride 2 up.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 237
Likes: 25
From: St Louis
I have the Ohlins 022, AKA the #2-#2 from Howard. For the OP, these do not come with all the bells and whistles of other Ohlin shocks that allow you to adjust compression and rebound. You only adjust the Pre-load.
These were perfect for me. I am Obsessive Compulsive so I know I would have never stopped monkeying around with all the dials on a quest for the perfect ride. I needed something I could dial in and forget about it. I spoke with Howard a number of times and he was great to work with . His customer service was outstanding. Joey at Ohlin corp confirmed that the 022 was a great fit for my weight and riding style. The wife couldn't believe the improvement.
I would not hesitate to get another pair of Ohlins from Howard
These were perfect for me. I am Obsessive Compulsive so I know I would have never stopped monkeying around with all the dials on a quest for the perfect ride. I needed something I could dial in and forget about it. I spoke with Howard a number of times and he was great to work with . His customer service was outstanding. Joey at Ohlin corp confirmed that the 022 was a great fit for my weight and riding style. The wife couldn't believe the improvement.
I would not hesitate to get another pair of Ohlins from Howard
I have the No.6 Ohlins from Howard and they are great. These shocks are even better two up. The one thing I do have to say is make sure you have the right spring rate as you need to get the rider sag adjusted properly. It makes a difference overall. Rebound and Compression set 14 clicks out on both. Handling curves over 80mph were I hesitated with the stocks. I know people are not too big of a fan with Howard but the thing is you have to be patient and either learn or be really familiar with suspension tuning to get the most out of these shocks. Spring rate, Preload and Sag are primarily important. Damping is for how your shocks absorbs the pavement. My first mistake was adding too much preload instead of too little. You do need a second person to measure the sag no question about it. Second person saves you a headache. And if the spring is too heavy youll know when you sag is too little. When all is said and done it was the best investment I made to my Road Glide Ultra after seat, windshield, and handlebars. You have to be specific with Howard in ordering these shocks because if your off in your riding style and weight your not going to get anything out of these shocks to matter how you adjust them. Howard sends them preloaded for your weight and the damping is set due to him customizing the shims. Ohlins instruction have to be ignored since they are not off the shelf.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 3,522
Likes: 3,704
From: South Texas
I got Ohlins 159 over a year ago. Do solo and two-up riding. Only adjustment ever made by me was to minimize overall length, which did not reduce travel. Replaced 12” stock shocks with these 13” nominal shocks. Great improvement!
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 894
Likes: 69
From: Ca
I got my Orlhlins number 6s from Howard And they are great and I also enjoyed talking with him. He has a ton of knowledge and explains it very well to me. He is very straightforward and that is how I am so I like it. All the people complaining must be a little emotional. This is not to say that pro actions or any other shocks arent great but my experience with my shocks has been very good
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Ohlins
I also have the HD772s and love the way they ride and handle. They have even toned down some of the harshness of the front fork springs. The HD adjustable shocks that came on the bike were trash.
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Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
Likes: 168
From: Knoxville, Tn
Ohlins
I also have the 13" HD772s and love the way they ride and handle. They have even toned down some of the harshness of the front fork springs. The HD adjustable shocks that came on the bike were trash.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 7,709
Likes: 7,850
From: New York
I have Ohlins on my '14 Ultra. If you have been riding any significant length of time with the stock air shocks, and have ridden 2-up any significant portion of that time, I caution you to reconsider your decision to switch to Ohlins. It has taken about a full year for my wife to stop asking me, "what took so long to change the shocks?" It really got old. 
BTW, when I had them installed, I was told, "you will certainly notice a vast improvement, but your passenger [being directly over the rear wheel] will notice even more". That, I can confirm.
BTW, when I had them installed, I was told, "you will certainly notice a vast improvement, but your passenger [being directly over the rear wheel] will notice even more". That, I can confirm.