I almost hate to start this up again...but....here we go...

I've done the research...and I have some extra $$...I'm chroming my forks and I'm also going to try to improve my front suspension at the same time...I just don't have enough $$ to go Traxxion so I'm going Race Tech emulators and custom springs...that's just the way it's going to go come hell or high water.

But...I'd like to get rid of the OEM rear air shocks on my '05 Road King Custom...I ride at 195 pounds...my wife at 185...50% of the time I ride with my wife and with her on longer rides...I ride 30% highway and 70% backroads...give or take about 10%. I tend to plan trips to using backroads which means a few more twists and turns.

I'm beginning to settle on Works Performance Steel Trackers...I do like that they can be rebuilt...so, I'm ok with that...I've read up as much as I could on Penske, the 440's, and Ohlin...

Does Ohlin make Harley touring shocks? Is Penske really worth the extra money charged? Or will the Works fit my riding habits quite nicely...

In the end I'm looking for safety and especially comfort for my wife...thanks for any comments and/or other info. I'm not paying attention to.

 

IMO Ohlin's the best then Penske

 

Use the Progressive Suspension fork springs...........excellent upgrade by themselves.

 

Yes...but does Ohlin sell shocks for touring bikes?

 

For FLHR's they do.

 

dawg, as much as I do like you and the great work you do for this forum I will have to debate this issue with you (I am sure you would know I would).

question in point:

As we sell both Ohlins and Penske and we are a service center for both. It makes no difference to me what brand you buy from us. We just try to match the customer with the application.

How can you justify the statement for an emulsion non adjustable 36 mm (Ohlins 36E & the only shock offered for a bagger) be as good as any/all Penske for the touring bike application only? We are only talking Touring here. We offer in a Penske a 36 mm piston as well as a 43.7 millimeters (1.72").

* I have tried very hard to get Ohlins make an adjustable (sweep adjuster), they will not.
* I asked for an remote reservoir with separate rebound and compression valving, they will not.
* You must buy the Ohlins right off the boat set up only one way, their way. You would than have to pay a shop (or do it yourself) like ours to custom valve and custom spring your shock to optimize the performance is so desired. [This operation is usually done on Sport Bikes] I have never been asked to optimize an Ohlins shock for a Harley.
* Penske does and when using our shop for instance, we do the work.

For some applications Ohlins are a better shock and in some applications Penske is the better application.
* Every Penske is made for a particular customer and optimized for that customer.
* Ohlins comes in a box from Sweden and that is the way you get it.

For all applications Ohlins and Penske shocks are the best out there with the exception of a few less known race shock manufacturers. What is in the shock is what is best and how you should make your decision.

* If great world class shock #1 has an external adjustable valving and great world class shock #2 does not, than shock #1 will give you the absolutely better ride than #2.

* If great world class shock #1 has an external adjustable seperate rebound and separate compression valving and great world class shock #2 has just a sweep valve, than shock #1 will give you the absolutely better ride than #2.

Bottom line is Ohlins does not offer any other shock for a bagger other than a 36E which is a non-external adjustable valve of any kind but the spring compression is adjustable. Penske at this time will offer any combination you desire. I have been in informal negotiations with Ohlins about expanding their bagger line. In a few more days I should know more.

The problem lies with vast Harley owners who do not know of the benefits of great suspension including rear shocks. That is why the great shock manufacturers are not seriously manufacturing shocks for Harleys. Ohlins and Penske both have not yet entered the market to their capacity. Why do you think I spent $2,100 on a pair of double clickers for my own bike, because I like to spend money? Our business is suspension and I have lots of first hand experience with many kinds of shocks.

dawg, I have all of the respect in the world for you and do hope you do not take this post personally. Take some time off, stop on by and we will do lunch and I can show you the differences between many shocks if you so desire. Thanks for letting me stand on the soap box.