New Shocks - Ohlins S36

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Dec 3, 2020 | 08:25 AM

#11

TwinStar

Novice

Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 23

Likes: 16

From: Republic of Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by GalvTexGuy

A couple of observations. First, the HD357s show to be for 1990-2013 model bikes. Your bike is a 2016. Second, is that photo before you adjusted the spring preload?

I just got off the phone with Joey at Ohlins Tech Support. First, great guy and they actually answer the phones. Here's the low down: the HD 357 and HD 044 are the exact same shock. The difference between the two is the hose length and the mounting bracket. He said some guys are using the 357 on the newer bikes for the shorter hose and a cleaner install. He said it's a difference in how you want them mounted. He also added that their bagger shocks have been the same since 1999.

He suggested the FKS 226 for my front end and recommended a local dealer named Carol Burks at Suspended by Smarty.

I appreciate the feedback and I'm even more grateful I didn't get the entirely wrong shock.

Last edited by TwinStar; Dec 3, 2020 at 08:42 AM.

Dec 3, 2020 | 09:17 AM

#12

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,894

Likes: 1,908

From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinStar

I just got off the phone with Joey at Ohlins Tech Support. First, great guy and they actually answer the phones. Here's the low down: the HD 357 and HD 044 are the exact same shock. The difference between the two is the hose length and the mounting bracket. He said some guys are using the 357 on the newer bikes for the shorter hose and a cleaner install. He said it's a difference in how you want them mounted. He also added that their bagger shocks have been the same since 1999.

I don't believe that is completely true. My understanding is the later year HD-357 have an updated piston that provides a more supple (less firm) ride.
Have you ever checked and set your SAG? The issue GalvTexGuy was referring to is that based on your reported weight of 325 lbs, the spring position doesn't look to be correct. It might even be in the stock position.

Dec 3, 2020 | 09:24 AM

#13

TwinStar

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Joined: Dec 2018

Posts: 23

Likes: 16

From: Republic of Texas

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

I can't argue whether it is or it isn't as I don't know and I'm just relaying what Ohlins told me.

My SAG may be off. I didn't dig into it as it was supposed to be setup for our weights and riding style but I'm curious now whether it's correct. I'll be sidelined this winter but I'll get Carol Burks to install the FKS 226 in the front this spring and go through a complete setup with him. Fortunately he's just down the road a bit.

Dec 3, 2020 | 08:29 PM

#14

NorthWestern

Thread Starter

Club Member

Joined: Apr 2016

Posts: 11,581

Likes: 8,408

From: Inland NW

Got the 044s on order. Need to look at setting the sag, etc. Need to order the wrenches to get my NiX set up properly, too.

Appreciate all the input

Dec 3, 2020 | 10:33 PM

#15

Then Came Bronson

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 3,919

Likes: 3,724

From: Hill Country, TX

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

I don't believe that is completely true. My understanding is the later year HD-357 have an updated piston that provides a more supple (less firm) ride.

I don't know if the new Ohlins have an updated piston or not, but you're going to adjust your ride with the compression adjuster **** and the sweep valve. So I don't see where this really matters too much...maybe slightly better shock response? You can adjust the shock to be as cushy or performance oriented as you like. The adjustments available to your average bagger rider is way beyond what he/she would ever need.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

Have you ever checked and set your SAG? The issue GalvTexGuy was referring to is that based on your reported weight of 325 lbs, the spring position doesn't look to be correct. It might even be in the stock position.

I see that the preload adjuster collar is all the way to the top of the shock. I was thinking that maybe he had to set it that high to accomodate the 325 LB combined rider's weight. I can't tell if the bike is on a stand/lift or not, and the shock fully extended (unloaded)? Obviously, there is no body weight on the bike, so if the combined weight of the riders is 325 lbs, I would expect the shock to appear very extended if the sag was set properly. This particular shock has a 3 5/8"/93mm stroke, so the appropriate rider sag would be 1.2"/31mm (the difference from the shock loaded with bike weight ((no riders)) and the bike loaded with full rider weight. My guess is that the rider hasn't set the sag yet.

Dec 4, 2020 | 12:26 AM

#16

bklynbob

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 4,998

Likes: 655

From: bklyn,ny

Smarty will hook you up,great guy

Dec 4, 2020 | 05:57 AM

#17

dajogejr

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2014

Posts: 1,703

Likes: 909

From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwinStar

We added Ohlins HD357 to our '16 RGS. Top of the line and certainly the most expensive but we couldn't be happier with them. I'm 200 and my wife is 125 and the factory suspension was junk. Any aftermarket shock would be an improvement. The only downside is that once you fix the rear you find out how bad the front is as well.

You'll need to set the sag. Easy to do with w/ 2 people, 3 is better.
I'm 280 with gear on (less than you and wife combined) and my adjustment is a solid inch lower than yours (threads showing).
When I go two up, I crank each shock down 4 turns.
ROUGHLY, each full turn accounts for 25lbs of weight.
I like a little stiffer ride solo, with the OL, a little more soft so I don't have to "hear it"...lol.

I like to run a turn or so less sag than needed,then give it one or two clicks of more compression per side.

Dec 4, 2020 | 06:17 AM

#18

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 24,728

Likes: 9,235

From: Snow Hill, NC

I have base Ohlins emulsion coil overs on. My 07 bagger, it’s night and day compared to stock. I keep them adjusted midway between solo and 2 up settings for around here, if I/we go on a longer trip I take the bags off and adjust them up or down depending if solo or 2 up.
Its the best upgrade I’m mine and my wife’s opinion we’ve made on the bike in 106000 miles.

Last edited by Notgrownup; Dec 4, 2020 at 06:21 AM.

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Dec 4, 2020 | 10:50 AM

#19

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,894

Likes: 1,908

From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Then Came Bronson

I don't know if the new Ohlins have an updated piston or not, but you're going to adjust your ride with the compression adjuster **** and the sweep valve.

Yes, there is a piston update. If you get your shocks rebuilt, ask for the upgrade revision/version change. Call and ask about the piston update.

You can also update the preload adjustment collar to one that is Teflon lined for smoother operation.