So finally pulled the trigger and ordered HD 044 (13") with reservoirs for the back, and the NIX 22 cartridges for the front. Considered going with Howard or Smarty from Road Glide forums, but found a shop in town as my preference was to talk to someone face to face (or more accurately, "mask to mask") and local.

Was a process. Was going to order from the local Harley stealership, but a fiasco of sorts. They couldn't even answer the most basic questions (I literally had to go on their computer to show them where to look), and had to call a "manager" to get correct part numbers (who was out for a few days wut?). Came back yesterday and spoke to the manager (and the parts guys rolled their eyes at him when he was talking to me - not a good sign lol). He blamed Covid for lack of responsiveness. I called back today and parts guy was "Manager tried calling Öhlins and couldn't get a hold of them." Five minutes after the call I called HD and told them to forget, I'll go somewhere else. The parts guys are good guys, but they were just out of their element on the Öhlins. When I asked the manager, "have you installed or ordered these before?" he said, "first time!" (new ownership). Yikes.

Ended up ordering from KFG Motorsports in Auburn, WA (Seattle suburb). https://kfgmotorsports.com. Turns out the HD dealership sends suspension jobs to them anyways…..

Wow, what a difference in customer service. Their founder is an Öhlins rep and was literally at some Öhlins event down south today. Guy behind the counter knew what he was talking about, asked about my ride style and the correct questions, made some suggestions and placed the order. Said will ship in five days. Said they will replace my springs with no restocking fee if an issue, and will answer questions for free over the phone. They also have a "suspension dyno" which I've never heard of, so I'll look into that. They said I could bring the bike in and they can tweak (for free, even if I install) Just a pleasure to work with and I was in and out in 30 minutes. Felt very good ordering from a local indy shop. Around $2,600 (10% sales tax in WA ouch).

I plan to install myself so I'll post pics as I do the install. Time to watch a lot of youtube videos and read up on install. Should be fun and rewarding.

Also need to find a reservoir mount (likely front of saddlebags). The Kraus one is nice but ****, $450? Gotta pray there are some cheaper options out there (can't do traditional reservoir placement as I use my detachable tour pack).

 

Thats Awesome! I will look for the follow on posts and some pictures of your mounting solution.

 

Excellent idea going local. Those guys will be able to rebuild them without you shipping them off when the time comes. If you want to change anything they should be able to accommodate.

 

Just went through a similar experience. I called one place and when I offered them Ohlins model numbers with questions, it was like we were speaking two different languages. I ended up ordering through a local Ohlins dealer who specializes in m/c and automotive suspension. They are relatively close to home and I'd rather have the in person support, being able to ride or drive straight there for service or a rebuild.

Just out of curiosity, what's the lead time on your parts? I ordered in early June and was told due to covid and supplier issues it could be October when they came in. The shop I ordered with said on their Ohlins vendor portal, they were telling me to expect them 9/28 They ended up showing up in early July and I was pleased as pie.

I'll be following this because the front is my next project to tackle.

 

Shop told me everything should ship in 5 days....

 

congrats....I just did legends on mine and honestly if it weren't for the mounting options, I would have most likely bought the ohlins. I've ran them for years on my sport bikes and loved them. That being said, I'm not upset with my legend 13" revo arc's by any means. It honestly came down to their mounting bracket to put the remote reservoirs down below the rear fender fascia for me. I did the job myself with a motorcycle lift under the frame. Pretty easy job for the rears to do solo easily in under an hour. I paid to have my fronts done I do think i backed out and installed the lower bolts on the rears first as it was just easier.

 

So went with Kraus for the reservoir mount. Received today.



Now just waiting for the shocks and cartridges to come in. Can't wait!

 

post some pics when you get them on!

I went Ohlin Blackline (Motorcycle Metal)

Still trying to get this damn bike together...

 

I just installed my Ohlin's 772 from Motorcycle Metal (#3/#3). Install was trickier than I thought. Making sure the swing arm bung is flush/level with the upper frame bung for proper spacing. Plus, the Ohlin's eye's are thinner than stock so they are much closer to caliper and belt. I wound up putting the Ohlin's provided spacers. One thing that sucks is having to take the bags off and jack up the bike in order to adjust it from single to 2-up riding. PITA as during the week I ride alone to work but on weekends it's mostly 2-up with the missus. Ride seems much better. More stable and "in contact" with the ground than with the stock air shocks. I'm waiting on the from FKS226 fork cartridges. I ordered from Ohlin's direct. Nice 15% veteran discount. I do have to pay shipping though.

 

Hey Striper,

I have the same shocks purchased from Howard. Got them about five years ago. You shouldn't have to jack up the bike when adding a passenger. That's just to measure sag. I assume you already did that for your solo riding.. When adding a passenger, it seems to work out to be approximately 25 to 35 lbs for each complete turn of spring pre load. If you notice a little bottoming, it only takes a minute to add another turn. I have found my passenger seems to like the ride best when I have a little more sag. So if I get a few bottom outs, it's no big deal. Plus I ride pretty easy with her on the back.

I put a nice big magic marker dot on the adjuster collar so it is easy to see a complete rotation. I would also put a light coat of chain lube type oil on the threads so they turn nicely. I have read some guys screwing up the aluminum threads. But they are great shocks, especially when dialed in.

I also have Howard's complete front end conversion with his massive triple tree and adjustable Road & Track Ohlins cartridges.. They are amazing! But that's a completely different discussion.