Ohlins shocks......that good!?

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Mar 8, 2024 | 08:25 PM

#61

Y2K

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

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From: SW WA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthWestern

Agreed, with my 13" Ohlins (the ones the OP asked about) I noticed very little increase, maybe a half inch. Maybe

As for any handling differences, there were only improvements, and now that I have the cartridges up front, and my TrueTracks, that thing is on rails.

True Tracks up next for mine as well!

Mar 8, 2024 | 08:32 PM

#62

Y2K

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2005

Posts: 3,711

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From: SW WA.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JINKSTER

Great! Happy for you but a point that needs to be brought to light here is that pretty much anything is going to ride way better as in unbelievably better than stock.

Did fuel moto go with progressive rate springs for you for those times you're just riding one-up?

I can't say for sure but all I do is back off the setting on the remote res. a bit and she rides pretty good solo.
I'm building an FXR for solo rides anyway so the big glide will be 95% two up riding, it's a little stiff solo but not bad and I ride pretty aggressively solo so I kind of like it that way.
The short of it is this is my 3rd Electra Glide with close to a half million miles combined and far and away the best handling and smoothest riding.

Mar 9, 2024 | 07:49 AM

#63

LQQK_OUT

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott7d

And to be realistic, most riders do not push their bikes to the limits where the difference can be felt, or is even needed based on their riding style. The whole performance scene is mostly folks who do it for the aesthetic.

All things being equal (compression adjustment, rebound adjustment, sag, etc), you don't think one could feel the difference in ride quality if one shock has a (15%) longer stroke than another?

Mar 9, 2024 | 09:05 AM

#64

Moses110

Intermediate

Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 35

Likes: 23

From: Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by 702

I don't have any experience with them, but I am looking forward to the answer to your question. I'm skeptical of the need for remote reservoirs on a touring bike. I mean, how hot can the fluid get, they're not working that hard under normal circumstances.

Remote resi's on a street bike look Sweet but in my opinion for normal street use add nothing but bling to ride. Resi's give the shocks more fluid capacity and a lot better cooling ability from shocks being over worked and get hot.

Mar 9, 2024 | 09:56 AM

#65

Moses110

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Joined: Nov 2021

Posts: 35

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From: Michigan

If you have to leave the highway to miss something or bottom out regularly, Yes i.e. if longer stroke helps

Last edited by Moses110; Mar 9, 2024 at 09:58 AM. Reason: Did it again 8( Reference to needing longer stroke

Mar 9, 2024 | 10:20 PM

#66

scott7d

Road Master

Joined: Jun 2015

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From: Bloomington, IN

Quote:

Originally Posted by LQQK_OUT

All things being equal (compression adjustment, rebound adjustment, sag, etc), you don't think one could feel the difference in ride quality if one shock has a (15%) longer stroke than another?

Oh definitely if we are talking shock travel. Even a newer rider could tell a difference with potholes and such. Two identical shocks with different travel in that regard will be different. I'm talking more in the context of different brands, same travel, same settings and doing a blind swap while someone is sleeping, for example. Most aren't going to be able to tell a difference.

Mar 10, 2024 | 09:43 AM

#67

LQQK_OUT

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Joined: Nov 2006

Posts: 5,894

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From: East Coast, USA

Quote:

Originally Posted by scott7d

The point I was trying to make is that a shock with a remote reservoir is going to have more shock travel than one without. That in itself is a very valid reason for going with a shock with a remote reservoir. All the extra adjustments (ie compression) is just a bonus. What shocks have the same travel as Ohlins with a remote reservoir? I've found that most manufacturers don't even list the stroke length for their shocks.

Last edited by LQQK_OUT; Mar 10, 2024 at 09:45 AM.

Feb 22, 2026 | 09:55 AM

#68

scootinz

Cruiser

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 185

Likes: 22

From: Illinois

My 2 cents

So I thought Id throw a post up here as I'm doing some homework for a buddy of mine. I have a 14 ultra that I put a set of Ohlins on with the reservoirs. Don't remember the numbers offhand. These shocks were originally going to be for a custom street glide I was building but that bike was taken so long I decided to put them on my bagger while I was waiting. They're never coming off. As a former snowmobiler I knew the Ohlins quite well as Yamaha use them in stock applications. They're an absolutely phenomenal shock and rebuildable.

I cannot tell you how much they're worth every single dime I spent. I went to the top of the line from Howard who is no longer with us. He was painful to deal with, but he knew his stuff.

Anyhow on my loaded touring bike with my wife these shocks are just unbelievable. I wanted the extra travel so I bought the reservoirs. I really like the ability to adjust dampening and rebound. They're by far the single best money I've ever spent on a bike ever. I broke my back many years ago so I can't tell you how much I appreciate these shocks. The stock Harley air shocks are absolute garbage.

There's a set of tracks in our town that are just horrific and when I tested them there my mind was blown. They are the real deal and they're worth every dime. I really want to do something for the front but I haven't really looked into it yet.

Last edited by scootinz; Feb 22, 2026 at 09:59 AM.