Ohlin Shocks....GREAT!
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Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 681
Likes: 0
From: Orange County, CA
Ohlin Shocks....GREAT!
I put on a set of Progressive 440s on my bagger since I had them on my previous bikes. No matter how I adjusted them, the ride was not smooth. When I hit the big bumps, it tossed me an 1" off my seat. The little bumps were jarring. I then read up on the forum posts about Ohlins and a guy named Howard from Motorcycle Metal. After conversing with this very suspension knowledgeable person, I thought I would try out these Ohlins. Howard told me I had to wait for the shocks since they had to be made. No problem. Within a few weeks, they were at my doorstep. It wasn't cheap, but when I received it, the quality and workmanship was excellent. To me it was worth every penny. I must also add that during the wait period, Howard would update me on the progress via email. After I received the shocks, he also called as a follow up to make sure everything was ok and to answer any questions. Install was easy and adjustments a piece of cake. The bumps are still there, yet now I get a smoother, comfortable and more controlled ride. If you are looking for a very good pair of shocks, I would highly recommend you call Howard and go from there. His customer service is excellent and his shocks are #1!!! (My .02).
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I put on a set of Progressive 440s on my bagger since I had them on my previous bikes. No matter how I adjusted them, the ride was not smooth. When I hit the big bumps, it tossed me an 1" off my seat. The little bumps were jarring. I then read up on the forum posts about Ohlins and a guy named Howard from Motorcycle Metal. After conversing with this very suspension knowledgeable person, I thought I would try out these Ohlins. Howard told me I had to wait for the shocks since they had to be made. No problem. Within a few weeks, they were at my doorstep. It wasn't cheap, but when I received it, the quality and workmanship was excellent. To me it was worth every penny. I must also add that during the wait period, Howard would update me on the progress via email. After I received the shocks, he also called as a follow up to make sure everything was ok and to answer any questions. Install was easy and adjustments a piece of cake. The bumps are still there, yet now I get a smoother, comfortable and more controlled ride. If you are looking for a very good pair of shocks, I would highly recommend you call Howard and go from there. His customer service is excellent and his shocks are #1!!! (My .02).
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
Yep, his customer service is top notch.
My only question is, are the shocks adjustable?
From what I read, the shocks are made for your weight, what happens when you have a passenger on board??
My only question is, are the shocks adjustable?
From what I read, the shocks are made for your weight, what happens when you have a passenger on board??
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: So. California
Ohlins shocks
The shocks are valved and sprung for your weight and riding style. The have 2 spanner nuts and the come with the spanner wrenches to adjust as necessary. You HAVE to adjust the sag when you get them. Once you adjust the sag (amount of sag is determined with your usual weight in the bags, boots, helmet, etc. sitting on the bike), you will be very happy with the ride. I rode my bike for a couple days without setting the sag and it was already better than the progressives that I had on the bike. I was pleasantly surprised with how the bike handles and just the ride quality. Howard is good about making sure you were happy with the product. I HIGHLY recommend the Ohlins. Make sure you tell him that you are a HDForums member, you get a pretty nice discount.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,552
Likes: 1
Lang did you go with 12" or 13" shocks? Do you still scrape the floorboards? I sort of ride hard at times and the stock SG shocks just are not cutting it. I need to do something before the board falls off under me.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: So. California
ohlins
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Road Warrior
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
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From: TX
I've been waiting to hear some feedback on the Ohlins. I expected they would be very good.
As has been mentioned already... I tried 440's too, and the were horrible. I finally went with Penskes from Howard and they are great, as is his service & support.
If you're interested in suspension upgrades.... he knows suspension!
When I went to the Penskes, I immediately noticed that the front suspension on my 05 was glaringly poor too. I ended up converting it to the 06 style (no more cartridge) and went with RaceTech Gold Emulators & strings.... GOOD Stuff!
As has been mentioned already... I tried 440's too, and the were horrible. I finally went with Penskes from Howard and they are great, as is his service & support.
If you're interested in suspension upgrades.... he knows suspension!
When I went to the Penskes, I immediately noticed that the front suspension on my 05 was glaringly poor too. I ended up converting it to the 06 style (no more cartridge) and went with RaceTech Gold Emulators & strings.... GOOD Stuff!
