OHLINS vs Stock Shocks
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Brittany (France)
I did the first test of my Ohlins today: I'm very happy, and to be honest I'm even very impressed with the result!
On my previous FLHX, I got Fournalčs air shocks (that's a french brand): they were already much better than stock shocks (but anything else would be better anyway!)...
But I can't remember so much difference and upgrading: with the Ohlins (I bought the "cheapest" model available here in Europe: HD 039 in 12"2), it's really like having a new bike and also a new seat!
The feeling is like riding a "flying carpet"!
Additionnaly, the forks seems to work also better!
http://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/12/02/22/95/dscf0025.jpg
On my previous FLHX, I got Fournalčs air shocks (that's a french brand): they were already much better than stock shocks (but anything else would be better anyway!)...
But I can't remember so much difference and upgrading: with the Ohlins (I bought the "cheapest" model available here in Europe: HD 039 in 12"2), it's really like having a new bike and also a new seat!
The feeling is like riding a "flying carpet"!
Additionnaly, the forks seems to work also better!
http://i62.servimg.com/u/f62/12/02/22/95/dscf0025.jpg
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Howard,
We feel for you! We're forming an orderly queue....
Pierre,
Hi from the UK! Great choice and have many happy days in the saddle. My sig pic was taken at Wisques near St Omer in May last year, on our way home from Poland. A welcome rest and some fine cuisine before the final push home!
We feel for you! We're forming an orderly queue....
Pierre,
Hi from the UK! Great choice and have many happy days in the saddle. My sig pic was taken at Wisques near St Omer in May last year, on our way home from Poland. A welcome rest and some fine cuisine before the final push home!
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 53
Likes: 0
From: Brittany (France)
I'll be (again) in UK for a few days at the end of april: with some friends, we'll do a short trip around Plymouth.
And last summer, I did nearly 1000 miles in Great Brittain (Cornwall, wales, center and south of England): to be honest, I like the country and the people, but not the cuisine!
I saw on google map that you're not far from the M1, so I think I've been 10 or 20 miles away from where you live!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 4,351
Likes: 461
From: Illinois
Dennis
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I took the cheap option for front end upgrade last year when I bought my Ohlins. All I did was change the front fork oil to SE heavy duty oil. The brake dive is much less, and the ride is acceptable. Good enough for me that I don't really care to upgrade the front from here at this time.
Dennis
Dennis
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: York, UK
Ohlins advice for 2011 FLHX
Have been reading a lot about getting Ohlins from Howard and have decided to go down that route for the new year in order to get rid of the absolute crap stock air shocks. I want to keep flat footed whilst not reducing ground clearance - the stock low shocks of the FLHX with an H-D Sundowner Touring seat achieve this. I would appreciate feedback from anyone who has experience of the #2's below as to which would give me the best overall results:
#2~#2(A) 12 1/8" Stroke: 3 1/4"
#2~#2(B) 12 7/8" Stroke: 3 5/16"
#2~#3 13 1/4" Stroke: 4 3/32"
Cheers
John
UK
#2~#2(A) 12 1/8" Stroke: 3 1/4"
#2~#2(B) 12 7/8" Stroke: 3 5/16"
#2~#3 13 1/4" Stroke: 4 3/32"
Cheers
John
UK
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Hi John, from the UK. I have Howard's #3-3. I strongly recommend you pick up the phone and talk things through with Howard. Don't pre-judge the outcome, as he will talk you through things in a very much more thorough way than we can here in writing. As a simple example, I fancied those long stroke #2 shocks, but he explained that while #3s have a shorter travel they have superior damping and will give us (Mrs B and I) a better ride.
I've had mine for three years now and we have been to Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and all the countries in between. The ride is truly remarkable!
I've had mine for three years now and we have been to Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and all the countries in between. The ride is truly remarkable!
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
From: York, UK
Hi John, from the UK. I have Howard's #3-3. I strongly recommend you pick up the phone and talk things through with Howard. Don't pre-judge the outcome, as he will talk you through things in a very much more thorough way than we can here in writing. As a simple example, I fancied those long stroke #2 shocks, but he explained that while #3s have a shorter travel they have superior damping and will give us (Mrs B and I) a better ride.
I've had mine for three years now and we have been to Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and all the countries in between. The ride is truly remarkable!
I've had mine for three years now and we have been to Poland, Hungary, Slovenia and all the countries in between. The ride is truly remarkable!
We do similar European travels - started off in 1990 with a Softail Custom all the way to Hungary with a tent strapped to the front forks and all the luggage tied to a small luggage rack. At the time it seemed perfectly OK, but I wouldn't want to go back to those days - age makes you appreciate comfort!