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I’m starting a new thread for those who knew Howard and hadn’t been following a different thread I have been posting on. I have dealt with him for over 10 years buying 3 sets of shocks and a front end kit. In the long run we became good friends. Howard was a love him or hate him type of guy . Lately there had been comments about him not returning and answering calls . Although he could be difficult at times this was out of character for him . Howard and I talked on the phone about once a month and he never didn’t answer my phone calls. The last I had spoken to him was March 17th on his birthday, I’d call to wish him a happy birthday and my birthday being March 16th he had called me the day before. I called Howard several times , texted him and emailed him with no response. I became concerned and asked my buddy David who lives in Miami ( I am 4 1/2 hours away to please check on Howard. David was friends with Howard too and had bought several sets of shocks from him . David went by on Thursday and could immediately tell something wasn’t right. He called the Davie Police Department who entered the building and discovered Howard deceased. Howard lived alone , wasn’t married and his work pretty much was his life. Several of us that were close to him have joined forces trying to get a resolve at this point. I have located and talked to his only living relative, his sister in New Jersey. I have been in contact with the VA and Patriot Guards so he can have a military burial in a Florida Memorial Cemetery as he was a Marine Veteran who had served in Viet Nam. I contacted Ohlins and I will attach their response and a picture with Howard in it for those who never met him to this thread and put updates here as they become available. Regardless of how you felt about Howard he was instrumental in getting quality suspension started for touring bikes. When Howard started designing shocks he was taking Ohlins shocks that were meant for other bikes and revalving them to work on touring bikes . That’s why his early Ohlins offerings were never 12” or 13” like typical Harley shocks , they were always 12 1/8” , 13 1/4” or something odd ball . Once Ohlins saw Howard’s sales and realized Harley riders would buy top caliber shocks they jumped in with both feet and started making Harley specific shocks . Based on Ohlins success in this market many other companies have entered the market. RIP Howard I will miss you.
Howard is back , right , black jacket
Hattitude , Thank You for these kind words , Howard was a complicated person. One thing we all need to realize is we are all born innocent, we become who we are because of things like where we were born , were we born into wealth or poverty , and then the roads we go down in life. Howard was born and raised in New Jersey , had a difficult childhood, joined the Marines immediately graduating high school , fought a war he was vilified for when he got home , do to his own poor decisions spent time in prison and then got out and built himself a successful life. Im not going to give details of things he told me after we became friends and he knew he could trust me but many things in his life formed who he was . Somethings were his own doing and some were not. But I spent time with Howard twice a year , at Bikeweek and Biketoberfest in Daytona , the rest were phone conversations. The Howard I knew was the one that always thanked a person in Military attire , or if he saw a veteran thanked them , bought a meal for a stranger in need or helped a complete stranger having mechanical issues. I often told him he was his worst enemy and if he let people see the real him his life would be easier, but that just wasnt who he was . He was the worlds biggest jerk at times and the very next minute its biggest friend.
This is a response from Ohlins when I contacted them, in it you can see him giving Howard props for developing a shock while stating basically Howard was Howard.
I didn’t know Howard and I don’t know you either but I can feel your loss.
My heartfelt condolences go out to you and his family.
Take care of yourself and each other!
Ken, Canada
Holy hell...so sorry to hear of Howard's passing. He was considered the "Shock Whisperer" and knew his trade. Yes, he was blunt, but unless you walk in another's shoes - no one should judge. It's definitely a great loss - RIP, thanks for honoring a fellow Vet & thoughts/prayers to his family/friends.
Thank You for the information and back story and Sorry for your loss. Sounds likeyou were Family anf a Friend to him. I had read the other threads. As you stated Howard was a like him or leave him kind of guy, but that worked for me, straight forward and honest. I too dealt with him on a couple of occassions and all he did was feed me valuable information, along with a little background. Not piling on, but the haters will have to find another target now. HOWARD, while we never met he was OK in my book. Two of my sons who are obviously much younger would be some of Howard's Marine Brothers. So Howard OohRah, R.I.P., then get back to work setting sag and preload on those wings.
Very sad that he has gone like this, without even being able to share his wisdom.
At least we have their shocks to protect our backs.
Thank you Mr. Messner, a pleasure to have met you.
I bought shocks from Howard in 2018. When I called him to order the shocks, I had all the stories I had read about him in the back of my mind.
I had done my homework on both what I wanted and what he offered. I didn't want to come across as a fool, and get on Howard's bad side...
We had a pleasant conversation, and he asked me several times if I had any questions... and offered some install tips. He mentioned several times to call him when I installed them and set them up if I had any questions... he said he'd walk me through it..
The best part of our conversation came when we were discussing the price. He offered a discount for forum members. When I told him my screen name was "Hattitude", he recognized my screen name. He brought up a couple threads I had posted on, and we talked for another 20-30 minutes..
Howard could be more than a little blunt. I would cringe from time to time while reading some of his posts, but I experienced none of his "bluntness" in my dealings with him.
He sold me a great product, at a very competitive price, and offered extremely good customer service.. I thank him for that..
I read the other thread complaining about Howard refusing to refund a guy's money or provide the product. Not knowing the OP, I initially thought the OP was being dramatic and leaving out a bunch of the story. (my apologies, SnoRider...!) I didn't believe Howard was a crook, and the OP seemed content to let his saga drag on, and on, and on..
The longer that thread went on, the more concerned I became about what was happening. I started to think Howard was dealing with a medical issue.. I was suspecting more of a dementia situation (I saw my Mom go through that) rather than a serious health risk.... but I just got the feeling he was in trouble.. I didn't know Howard near well enough to even know if he had family and friend support around him, or if he was pretty much alone... as it turns out he was...
I'd like to publicly thank Tim (tj316) for being such a good friend to Howard. He was a good friend by defending Howard when those who never missed an opportunity to take a shot at Howard, would constantly malign him, and he stepped up when it became obvious that something was wrong.... His friendship continues even now that Howard has passed, as he has taken on the job of ensuring Howard gets the proper respect, as a marine, in his death.... Kudos Tim..!
RIP Howard, and Godspeed...!
Last edited by hattitude; Apr 23, 2022 at 09:28 AM.
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Howard G Messner , Motorcycle Metals
