New Shocks - Ohlins S36
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
New Shocks - Ohlins S36
I am about to buy the S36 shocks. Is there any reason to choose a reservoir shock over these S36 non-res shocks?
Prices are all about the same, just looking for some input from anybody that has has the S36.
Prices are all about the same, just looking for some input from anybody that has has the S36.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Hill Country, TX
Next up the food chain is the separated shock. Nitrogen and oil are separated by a floating piston. Better quality ride than an emulsified shock because there is minimal shock fade or foaming of oil under hard riding. In a nutshell, a more efficient shock. The only downside is there is no provision for oil cooling. Separated Ohlins without a piggyback or remote reservoir have both adjustable preload and a sweep valve. Price is probably a few hundred more than a non-adjustable emulsified shock (no sweep valve).
One more step up the ladder is the separated shock with a piggyback (or dog bone) reservoir. The piggyback reservoir provides for oil cooling. Some models have just adjustable preload (like on my FXR below), and other models have a sweep valve (for rebound), and a separate adjustable **** for compression. These shocks with the piggyback reservoirs usually aren't compatible with baggers...no way to mount the bags as the reservoir gets in the way. More expensive than a separated shock w/o a separate reservoir.
At the top of the heap is the separated shock with remote reservoirs. This is going to be the most expensive option. It's also considered the best option for baggers, since the reservoirs are connected to the shocks via a long hydraulic hose. You can mount the reservoirs out of the way of your bags. Excellent oil cooling, adjustable preload, compression, and rebound. The Cadillac of Ohlins.
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From: 48.067222,12.863611
Nothing to add to what he poster said right below you, but the emulsified shocks from Ohlins are more shock than 90 percent of Harley riders need and will be a MASSIVE improvement from stock. If I'm voting, I'd do the cheaper ohlins. I've done emulsified and separated - did I like the separated more? Yes, but was it worth the money spent.... I'm not so sure.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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As posted above, there are several iterations of the S36 shocks. I have the S36 (HD 772) Blackline shocks on my '14 Limited. Once they're set up properly, they are great shocks.
If you haven't already, you might want to consider comparable shocks from Bitubo and Pro-Action.
If you haven't already, you might want to consider comparable shocks from Bitubo and Pro-Action.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2019
Posts: 183
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From: Southern California
I cannot comment on the S36's, however, I recently added Russ Wernimont RS1's to my 2019 Street Glide Special. They are significantly more effective than stock shocks. The ride quality is remarkable...like a Cadillac ride with Porsche's response. I would highly recommend replacing your stock shocks with whatever you feel comfortable buying...you will not have any regrets.
Semper Fi
New RS1 Shocks...
Novice
Joined: Dec 2018
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From: Republic of Texas
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.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,065
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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.
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
At the top of the heap is the separated shock with remote reservoirs. This is going to be the most expensive option. It's also considered the best option for baggers, since the reservoirs are connected to the shocks via a long hydraulic hose. You can mount the reservoirs out of the way of your bags. Excellent oil cooling, adjustable preload, compression, and rebound. The Cadillac of Ohlins.
I appreciate everyone's input!
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Novice
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 23
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From: Republic of Texas
Well, you certainly have my attention. I was told these are the correct shocks for my bike and I was also told that they were setup for us. Now I have doubts.
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Club Member
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From: Inland NW
I already have a "fresh" set of forks with Ohlins NiX cartridges installed going on this winter, too. I am jazzed because my lowers are so badly rock chipped, and I have the clear bra film going on the new ones