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Very easy install. Four bolts to take out, four bolts to put back in. Howard will probably insist on talking to you after you get your shocks and go over every single detail to make sure you get a proper intstall.
To add to what Rochkes said, I used my bike lift and a typical hydraulic car jack to hold the wheel. After removing the old shocks I installed both Ohlins on the bottom only and fully tightening the bolt, observing the gap at the top. I then found some spacers that filled the gap and lined-up and tightened the top bolt to spec.
The spacers that were in the kit weren't thick enough for my application, and Howard suggested adding a ˝" flattened lock washer. With the included spacers this would be about right, but I happened to have some spacers on hand that were the exact thickness I needed.
If you think about it, changing the angle 1˝" in a length of 13" is a lot. I have never used a rear lowering kit and do not know if there are any kits available with less of an angle change. More homework to do.
I looked around at the usual spots including Ebay and the least amount of lowering seems to be 1". I would like maybe ˝" but there seems to be nothing available. I've since decided to keep the existing height, as after a long ride Wednesday I like the extra clearance in the twisties. I can still flat-foot the bike at stops, barely, and I've reconciled my WS height issues.
I just installed the Long Ride WS (9" med. gray) yesterday and it is the perfect height for using my backrest, so it will be my touring WS. The 8" Clearview will stay on the rest of the time, as it is perfect with no backrest, which is how I ride 90% of the time.
I took a look at those, but there not made for 2008 models.
I'm checking out the Pingel lowering brackets. They look much the same as the one you posted. I sent Pingel a few questions about there kit.
I don't know why '08 would be any different than '07's. If you install a lowering kit let us know how it works. I've about decided to keep the current riding height for reasons I described earlier, but might consider going down ˝" or less.
I've been following this thread and decided to take the plunge. I had Works Performance 13" Steel Trackers w/ ARS on my Previous "06 SG and was extremely happy with the ride. I've got a pretty bad back with a couple of naturally "fused" joints due due to disc degeneration. The bottoming out and firmness of the stock shocks is uncomfortable to say the least. My inseam is 32" so getting fat footed isn't an issue with the 12-3/4" Ohlins. Plus with the "sag", Howard said with me on the bike it will most likely be at stock height. I spoke with Howard at length on Friday and ended up with this shock build for my "09 SG: #3 ~ #3: 329 +5mm/- 5 mm = low of 12 ž?~13 9/64 ~ Stroke:3 1/32"/77mm. He said if I was happy with the Works, I'll be even more so with the Ohlins.....Looking forward to the much improved ride.......The money spent will be worth it for me. :-)
I recieved my OHLINS shocks (yellow springs) from Howard today. Built to order, shipped and recieved in less than two weeks. Great guy to do business with. I will be installing them today after work and riding tomorrow. Thanks Howard.
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