Motorcycle Metals
Road Master
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 769
Likes: 375
From: Bay Area
I'm 3-4 years in with a set of Howard's Ohlins, I think they're the 2-3 Blacklines. Ride quality is much better than stock, definitely firmer but I put some time in early on to tune them for my riding style. No issues, no complaints. I'll sort out the front forks one day...
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 13
Likes: 1
From: Indiana
Just looking for a comfortable ride that will last for alot of miles for me and mine. Never said I wanted a Caddie like ride. Just trying to find the best bang for my buck and some suggestions. Any helpful suggestions?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,077
Likes: 11,100
From: San Diego, CA
I set up the Ohlins on my bagger, ... I set them for me, and then guessed what was needed for adding her... I then immediately took the wife for a ride.
About 3 miles from the house, my wife asked, "What did you do to the bike....??"
She could tell something was different, and she really liked it.....
1st Gear
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 5
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Shocks
I've been searching for the last week to find a more comfortable ride for me and the wife and the stock rear air shocks are HORRIBLE!!! I've searched so much everything is starting to run together and all the reviews are all the same, they are all the best. I have come across some forums that talk about a place called Motorcycle Metals run by Howard Messner and when I called and talked to him Howard seemed to know exactly what he was talking about but I was wondering if anyone here has ever ordered from him and if the shocks were what they expected them to be in comfort and fuctionality.
I have a set of there shocks and they are Awesome!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 177
Likes: 44
From: PA
I have Legend Revo As. Much improved ride over the stock hand adjustable emulsion shocks.
I'm not sure there are enough riders out there able to tell the difference between a well setup pro action, legend, ohlins or most of the other top shocks. To buy again I would look for the best overall buy between the top names.
I'm not sure there are enough riders out there able to tell the difference between a well setup pro action, legend, ohlins or most of the other top shocks. To buy again I would look for the best overall buy between the top names.
. Many ate happy just buying off the shelf. But service goes a long ways in my book.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,656
Likes: 9,114
From: Snow Hill, NC
judging by the fact most only replace shocks when the forks are equally bad, if not worse than the shocks I thing your right. My choice was a lesser known brand but Ive known the guy for many years and he does our race bike suspensions.. I think there is a lot to be said for service.. if you have a good rapport with someone go with them..
. Many ate happy just buying off the shelf. But service goes a long ways in my book.
. Many ate happy just buying off the shelf. But service goes a long ways in my book.
I had Progressive cartridges in my 07 forks and they are very compliant.
My only hesitation with any one man shop is that they can be at the whims of parts availability, back logs, and personal issues or responsibilities; even more so with todays market. I've spoken with Howard about building a set for my old Dyna and he's a knowledgeable guy, though a little over bearing at times, a good guy none the less. I would suggest that you pick up a set of Ohilns and ride for a few thousand miles, and after making adjustments here and there you're still not satisfied, send them to Howard.