Ohlins only ??
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
Ohlins only ??
Are the rebound adjustable Ohlins really twice as good as preload only? 039 vs 159. $675 vs $1025
Thanks!
Thanks!
Last edited by big papa AZ; Feb 4, 2024 at 11:44 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I have used all the Ohlins , I currently run the remote reservoir ones with compression and rebound adjustments. All three models are a huge improvement over stock . Yes you can tell the difference if adjusted properly, shocks with more adjustments if not adjusted properly show no real benefit. The main question is do you ride primarily solo or two up. Passengers feel the advantage of better shocks more than the rider because of seating position. They sit over the rear tire going up and down you sit between the two tires. If you do a lot of two up riding I’d buy the #159.
I had the Ohlins HD 159 and now have the 044. They're expensive, they're night and day better than stock, the remote reservoir shocks I'm now running are the new minimum standard for me.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,335
Likes: 328
From: Arizona
I had the Ohlins HD 159 and now have the 044. They're expensive, they're night and day better than stock, the remote reservoir shocks I'm now running are the new minimum standard for me.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,065
Likes: 1,945
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Just remember the HD-039 are 12" and the HD-159 are 13". They both have the same stroke at 3". The HD-039 will keep the same stance on your Glide if that matters to you.
I have similar Ohlins to the HD-039 on my '13 King as I'm a bit height challenged. Mine were "built" by a former forum sponsor. I ride about 80% solo and am extremely happy with them, so is the wife when she rides along. I don't ride a lot of twisties or push the bike, but I do like to smell the roses once-in-a-whilef so this Ohlins model is great for me.
If you like the Ohlins Blackline series of shocks there is the HD-776 in 12" and HD-772 in 13". Again both have 3" of stroke and both offer rebound adjustment.
There are other name brands of shocks that may have a longer stroke, but not sure if they are any more "plush" as the Ohlins.
I have similar Ohlins to the HD-039 on my '13 King as I'm a bit height challenged. Mine were "built" by a former forum sponsor. I ride about 80% solo and am extremely happy with them, so is the wife when she rides along. I don't ride a lot of twisties or push the bike, but I do like to smell the roses once-in-a-whilef so this Ohlins model is great for me.
If you like the Ohlins Blackline series of shocks there is the HD-776 in 12" and HD-772 in 13". Again both have 3" of stroke and both offer rebound adjustment.
There are other name brands of shocks that may have a longer stroke, but not sure if they are any more "plush" as the Ohlins.
Last edited by RKZen; Feb 4, 2024 at 09:42 PM. Reason: typo
Another thing to consider. I run a Saddlemen SDC Pro seat, specifically for the lumbar support. It's a firm seat. The shocks are "plush" in that they absorb the bumps in the road, but are firm enough I can feel the road well. It's an odd combination, but worth it. The point was, the shocks will not only make the bike more comfortable, but with make whatever seat you have feel better too, as it is no longer taking the impact.
If your back is trashed, you can't do better than Ohlins, based on my experience. But, I used GP front cartridges, because those are even better than the offering from Ohlins for the front.
If your back is trashed, you can't do better than Ohlins, based on my experience. But, I used GP front cartridges, because those are even better than the offering from Ohlins for the front.
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The difference between the 039 and 159 really goes beyond rebound adjustment and length. The 159 is an internal reservoir style shock meaning the shock body incorporates a floating piston within the body that separates oil and pressurized gas, the 039 is an emulsion style shock where the oil and gas are an emulsion within the shock body. Both of these shocks perform very well, we have extensive experience with them and most of our staff (including myself) run Ohlins on our personal bikes. For those looking for a 12" shock the 039 is very much our go-to as its really works excellent and the price is very reasonable as well. the 159 gives you more height and has a bit more sharp bump compliance than the 039 along with more tunability.
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Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
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Jamie Long / Fuel Moto USA
The USA's Leader V-Twin EFI & Performance www.fuelmotousa.com
Contact 920-423-3309
Email jamie@fuelmotousa.com
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
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From: Inland NW
I had the Ohlins HD 159 and now have the 044. They're expensive, they're night and day better than stock, the remote reservoir shocks I'm now running are the new minimum standard for me.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
It's weird, there's nearly no sag, but they're set up properly. I cant say id ever want to go back at this point. They're that good. But, I also broke my back in 10 places less than a year ago, so cost is no concern for comfort.
