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The SE and the HD044 are basically indistinguishable. The HD044 can be customized with the specific spring you want, so at your weight, you'd get the heavy springs, where as I went standard. The SE springs are like the standard springs, and you might feel they are a little soft for you. They are designed for 190-250ish range, as it was explained to me by Ohlins.
The remote reservoir fits with my sissy bar and luggage rack when I use the brackets that came with them. You would have no issues with fitment. My only concern is your weight vs that lighter spring. But I think even then, it's still much better over stock.
I'll call them after I'm done installing Fox cartridge in the front soon. I wonder if they have anything for my weight range 125-130 lbs lol.
I have RWD and I like them (70%-85%) but want to try Ohlins and see if it's any better.
I know you want those but the base Ohlins are heads and shoulders above stock, I would say the Bitubos are probably almost as good but I wont. I had base Ohlins my 07 FLHTC and they rode like a dream. Depending on where you are, cross the border somewhere after you have ordered something and get them installed and ride back. It will be well worth it.
Not knowing where you are we cant make suggestions.
The SE and the HD044 are basically indistinguishable. The HD044 can be customized with the specific spring you want, so at your weight, you'd get the heavy springs, where as I went standard. The SE springs are like the standard springs, and you might feel they are a little soft for you. They are designed for 190-250ish range, as it was explained to me by Ohlins.
The remote reservoir fits with my sissy bar and luggage rack when I use the brackets that came with them. You would have no issues with fitment. My only concern is your weight vs that lighter spring. But I think even then, it's still much better over stock.
They're really not though... The SE's are a progressive spring whereas the HD357 and 044 are both linear. The 357 and 044's can both be built with three different spring rates, 26, 28, and 30 N/mm whereas the SE's are a one size fits most solution... They're also valve and ported differently than they would be if purchased directly.
If you're shopping around, the only two reasons to buy the SE's are that you like going through the dealer or you want the black canister rather than Ohlins' gold, otherwise just call Ohlins directly, answer a couple questions, and have them set your suspension up specifically to your needs... It's a no brainier.
I know you want those but the base Ohlins are heads and shoulders above stock, I would say the Bitubos are probably almost as good but I wont. I had base Ohlins my 07 FLHTC and they rode like a dream. Depending on where you are, cross the border somewhere after you have ordered something and get them installed and ride back. It will be well worth it.
Not knowing where you are we cant make suggestions.
I'm in Nova Scotia Canada so not close to anywhere I can ride to and have new ones put on. I'll look around again but there isn't much in stock anywhere
I'm in Nova Scotia Canada so not close to anywhere I can ride to and have new ones put on. I'll look around again but there isn't much in stock anywhere
OK, I hear ya. Maybe Bangor or Portland. I live in North Carolina but originally from Bathurst NB, I was there last August and Rode to NS and the Gaspe coast. The Motorcycle shops and dealers are few and far between. Road trip to Maine is my suggestion.
Houlton Powersports in Houlton. They are not a Motorcycle dealership but I bet you they sell Ohlins, Pro action, or Bitubo I would call them and ask. Hell, all you need is a simple jack and some sockets. They are really easy to install in like 20 minutes or so. You could do it right there in their yard. It would be the closest. Probably could get more choices in Bangor but more of a trek. Make it a ride and come back through Calais / St Stephens.
Yeah, 1800 miles is a long trek. Didn't realize you're that far away. A State or two near you might be the ticket. At least they'll be broken in on your way back. I'm not an aggressive rider so I have the cheaper Ohlins on my King and love them.
If youre dead set on Ohlins then you might have to ride a bit further. I would call Ohlins
looks like there are a couple of dealers in Halifax and a couple in Moncton, the difference In travel and currency exchange might not be worth going to Orono Maine which Is the closest Ohlins dealer. If it was me I would look at the HD039 or the 777 series. The cartridge style shocks are good but your on a Harley-Davidson not a sports bike. The 777 is 13 and i believe you would benefit from that extra it of travel
Last edited by Notgrownup; May 18, 2024 at 09:45 AM.
They're really not though... The SE's are a progressive spring whereas the HD357 and 044 are both linear. The 357 and 044's can both be built with three different spring rates, 26, 28, and 30 N/mm whereas the SE's are a one size fits most solution... They're also valve and ported differently than they would be if purchased directly.
If you're shopping around, the only two reasons to buy the SE's are that you like going through the dealer or you want the black canister rather than Ohlins' gold, otherwise just call Ohlins directly, answer a couple questions, and have them set your suspension up specifically to your needs... It's a no brainier.
I was very close to buying the SE shocks because I got a 20% off coupon for any HD parts, but after reading reviews I think it makes more sense to get the Ohlins directly from them, dialed in for me specifically.
Ohlins will provide their standard linear springs to owners of the SE shocks for approx $150-200 I've read.
Im in Ontario and I ordered them from TripleClamp Moto in North York, On. At the time they had the standard spring in stock but it took around 4 weeks for the 28 N/mm to come in once I ordered them.
They were good to deal with and offer free shipping over $149 I believe.
I made an appointment and rode down to their shop and they installed and set everything up for a couple hours labour charge. Theyre an Ohlins certified shop. I think theyre into mostly motocross and enduro but no issues with the Road Glide. The tech really knows his stuff.
I realize youre too far from there but at least you can order and pay in CDN dollars without all the cross border hassle.
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