Different shocks on a streetglide
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Let's see, in the almost two years I have been on this forum, I have only heard two complaints about Motorcycle Metal. One was a HID issue and now this. With all of the products Howard as sold in that time period, two complaints is a very, very, very small percentage.
In both cases, Howard posted the e-mails from the customers and from what I read, the customers were at fault and tried to shift the blame.
Yes, I have Ohlin shocks on my bike and a HID Kit, both from Motorcycle Metal. I had to return the first set of shocks because I didn't listen to Howard and ordered 12" shocks instead of the 13 1/4" shocks. Yes, I paid shipping both ways because I wanted to exchange them. That's a no brainer.
Nothing more to say about this and neither should Bob. Order the correct product(s) next time and you should not have any issues.
In both cases, Howard posted the e-mails from the customers and from what I read, the customers were at fault and tried to shift the blame.
Yes, I have Ohlin shocks on my bike and a HID Kit, both from Motorcycle Metal. I had to return the first set of shocks because I didn't listen to Howard and ordered 12" shocks instead of the 13 1/4" shocks. Yes, I paid shipping both ways because I wanted to exchange them. That's a no brainer.
Nothing more to say about this and neither should Bob. Order the correct product(s) next time and you should not have any issues.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
I'm tired of thinking about this. It really wears me down thinking of how badly this guy does business.
If just one person learns from my mistake of doing business with this guy then that's one less person that's gonna go through what I've been through.
Ohlins may be a good shock but buying from this guy is NOT the place to get them from.
End of story.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 548
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bob,
I have #3-3's from Howard and couldn't be more pleased. These are a little more adjustable than the #2's. I also did a mod to get them at 12" as outlined here in this thread https://www.hdforums.com/forum/5845120-post26.html I did a lot of homework and talked to Howard at length and got a great education on how shocks work and that adjustable shocks have to dialed in by the user. Have you tried the re-worked shocks that you got back from Howard yet? I was just wondering how things ended up after he re-worked them for you. Give him a chance to make it right ....Howard will stand behind his product with in good reason....hopefully this will all get ironed out and in the end you'll be a happy camper. :-)
Larry
I have #3-3's from Howard and couldn't be more pleased. These are a little more adjustable than the #2's. I also did a mod to get them at 12" as outlined here in this thread https://www.hdforums.com/forum/5845120-post26.html I did a lot of homework and talked to Howard at length and got a great education on how shocks work and that adjustable shocks have to dialed in by the user. Have you tried the re-worked shocks that you got back from Howard yet? I was just wondering how things ended up after he re-worked them for you. Give him a chance to make it right ....Howard will stand behind his product with in good reason....hopefully this will all get ironed out and in the end you'll be a happy camper. :-)
Larry
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
I really don't care if you screwed up your order. I didn't. Howard screwed the pooch. I did not. Get it!!
I'm tired of thinking about this. It really wears me down thinking of how badly this guy does business.
If just one person learns from my mistake of doing business with this guy then that's one less person that's gonna go through what I've been through.
Ohlins may be a good shock but buying from this guy is NOT the place to get them from.
End of story.
I'm tired of thinking about this. It really wears me down thinking of how badly this guy does business.
If just one person learns from my mistake of doing business with this guy then that's one less person that's gonna go through what I've been through.
Ohlins may be a good shock but buying from this guy is NOT the place to get them from.
End of story.
I have also been on the phone with him just talking shocks and shooting the chit and believe me this guy is as helpful as they come. I was discussing something with him on the phone just a few weeks ago, all of a sudden without me asking he's researching spring specs and other things to find out info. on something that was not even a problem or necessary. If anyone reading this want simply the best suspension you can buy, Howard is the guy to get it from!
He will build a shock the way you ask, and do everything possible to make sure it is right.... This guy has sent shocks to people without charging them, to make sure they were exactly perfect before having them chromed for that customer....who else would do that?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
Checking out Motorcycle Metals site, it seems to me to be the most innovative approach to bring world class ride quality and handling to the FL platform.
After my spousal support is over, I'll be looking for a suspension upgrade (if I still have an @$$ left)
After my spousal support is over, I'll be looking for a suspension upgrade (if I still have an @$$ left)
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
....your full of it! I have complete confidence that Howard sent you out exactly what you ordered and asked for... I also know for a fact that he has tried to help you in all ways possible....If you order something, you get what you asked for. If you can't handle the fact that you ordered the wrong thing, too bad. I have some Ohlins I got from Howard, they are the best product adorning my bike!
I have also been on the phone with him just talking shocks and shooting the chit and believe me this guy is as helpful as they come. I was discussing something with him on the phone just a few weeks ago, all of a sudden without me asking he's researching spring specs and other things to find out info. on something that was not even a problem or necessary. If anyone reading this want simply the best suspension you can buy, Howard is the guy to get it from!
He will build a shock the way you ask, and do everything possible to make sure it is right.... This guy has sent shocks to people without charging them, to make sure they were exactly perfect before having them chromed for that customer....who else would do that?
I have also been on the phone with him just talking shocks and shooting the chit and believe me this guy is as helpful as they come. I was discussing something with him on the phone just a few weeks ago, all of a sudden without me asking he's researching spring specs and other things to find out info. on something that was not even a problem or necessary. If anyone reading this want simply the best suspension you can buy, Howard is the guy to get it from!
He will build a shock the way you ask, and do everything possible to make sure it is right.... This guy has sent shocks to people without charging them, to make sure they were exactly perfect before having them chromed for that customer....who else would do that?
The proof is in the numbers. 25 mm of free sag when it's supposed to be 6-9 mm. 6-9 mm of rider sag when it's supposed to be 25 mm.
Numbers don't lie. The shocks where the wrong one's for my bike or they were simply adjusted wrong. They probably just needed a little more preload adjustment done by putting the shocks in a shock press and adding one more notch of preload. Had I known then what I know now this conversation would not be taking place.
The guy knows his shocks and suspension in general. Why he couldn't admit he sent me the wrong shocks is beyond me. Then to make me pay for shipping both ways was the kick in the teeth that put me over the edge on this deal. Look how much bad will this guy has caused just because he couldn't admit he did something wrong. Do business with this guy at your own risk.
I'm glad he got your shocks correct on the first try. It doesn't always happen and what has happened to me is proof.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 3
From: michigan
A SG comes with lowered and reduced travel 12" shocks. To keep the same "Look" as a stock SG you would have to replace it with the same size. If you wish to raise your bike for added ground clearance you could go with any size larger than 12" Of course if you choose a 13" shock (eye to eye) did it on the SG you would have to remove the 1" lowering spacer that comes with & is inside of the stock front end to set the same level attitude. An easy job but work none the less.
The rest is your choice. I was with a person who had a 35" inseam last night and a stock bike is too low for them. Also remember you do not need so thick of a seat with proper suspension as there is less need for padding.
The rest is your choice. I was with a person who had a 35" inseam last night and a stock bike is too low for them. Also remember you do not need so thick of a seat with proper suspension as there is less need for padding.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
Clafifacation. I
I built a fork yesterday and there is no difference in stock FL fork such as the FLHX or Ultra. I am sorry for the misinformation.
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Tourer
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 430
Likes: 0
From: Istanbul
Let's see, in the almost two years I have been on this forum, I have only heard two complaints about Motorcycle Metal. One was a HID issue and now this. With all of the products Howard as sold in that time period, two complaints is a very, very, very small percentage.
In both cases, Howard posted the e-mails from the customers and from what I read, the customers were at fault and tried to shift the blame.
Yes, I have Ohlin shocks on my bike and a HID Kit, both from Motorcycle Metal. I had to return the first set of shocks because I didn't listen to Howard and ordered 12" shocks instead of the 13 1/4" shocks. Yes, I paid shipping both ways because I wanted to exchange them. That's a no brainer.
Nothing more to say about this and neither should Bob. Order the correct product(s) next time and you should not have any issues.
In both cases, Howard posted the e-mails from the customers and from what I read, the customers were at fault and tried to shift the blame.
Yes, I have Ohlin shocks on my bike and a HID Kit, both from Motorcycle Metal. I had to return the first set of shocks because I didn't listen to Howard and ordered 12" shocks instead of the 13 1/4" shocks. Yes, I paid shipping both ways because I wanted to exchange them. That's a no brainer.
Nothing more to say about this and neither should Bob. Order the correct product(s) next time and you should not have any issues.
I ordered mine from overseas and had them sent to my builder. Howard was always available to answer my questions day and night.... teach me about suspension in general... and was nothing but accomodating and straight forward... take into consideration that there are far more satisfied customers that would back up Howards service than those who would not... it was his excellent reviews by knowledgeable riders that steered me in his direction in the first place... i think there must be a better way to resolve this directly with him instead of flaming him on the forum...