OHLINS vs Stock Shocks
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 212
Likes: 9
From: Folsom, CA
Thanks Howard for helping me choosing the right shock for my bike and riding style. The Ohlins are such an improvement over the stock shocks its hard to describe the improvement. These shocks have improved the cruising ride quality and performance in the twisties 100%; no make that 500%. I couldn’t be happier with my choice of the Ohlins. Now for some inverted forks and big Brembos; sport touring RG anyone?
Last edited by lbottini; Oct 12, 2009 at 10:55 PM. Reason: pictures
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: USA
Before and after pics?????
Im calling to order my #2's today and still cant decide what length to get.
I think I should get the 13" ones but am worried about how it will make the bike look.
Does anybody have side shots before and after install?
I just spent $500 for a 1" lower seat and 2" taller windscreen and its perfect. Im worried about the rear getting taller and ruining my setup.
I think I should get the 13" ones but am worried about how it will make the bike look.
Does anybody have side shots before and after install?
I just spent $500 for a 1" lower seat and 2" taller windscreen and its perfect. Im worried about the rear getting taller and ruining my setup.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
The increased stroke will affect the ride, and handling is improved because of the increased clearance. I can still flatfoot the bike, though barely. It also changed the angle on my WS making it effectively lower, so going from 12" in your case to 13ź" you will certainly notice a difference in all these areas. I ordered a 9" (1" higher) WS for touring (backrest installed), but that's not a negative since I was going to order a shorter one for riding without the backrest anyway. In your case if you're "perfect" now your WS will be lower after the shock swap.
I'm also going to have to re-aim my headlights.
If it is a problem order the 12" #2's, but with lower stroke (>1˝") the ride qualities may not be as impressive. I recall seeing a message some time back from a guy who bought the 12" and sent them back for the longer variety. I'll see if I can find that thread again.
Edit: Here's the thread I was talking about above.
Last edited by iclick; Oct 12, 2009 at 01:51 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 548
Likes: 7
From: Pittsburgh, PA
My shocks arrived today, got them set up and installed and went for my initial ride and was pretty impressed. Just to clarify the model I purchased, they are the #3 ~ #3: 329 +5mm/- 5 mm = low of 12 ž?~13 9/64 ~ Stroke:3 1/32"/77mm
here's a copy and paste of my email to Howard:
<<< Got the Ohlins on and all set up. The 200mm factory pre-load was pretty damn stiff for my SG with not having any tour pack. I had to back it off 12 turns to get near the free sag quoted in the instructions. I'll check it again after 300 miles. I shortened up the adjustable shock length to the minimum and you were right ...it sits pretty much the same as with the stock shocks. Took it for spin and gave it the torture test down in the town of Oakmont, Pa, right over the hill from me....the main boulevard is a cobble stone road that I routinely avoid because it has dips and is similar to a "washboard" for about a half mile. With the stock shocks I would bottom out and my teeth would chatter if I went over 5-10 mph. I took it at 20-25 looking for every dip and rough spot I could find and it never bottomed out once! The bike felt a little bouncy (as to be expected on this particular road) but very controlled. I'm VERY impressed!! Once they settle in and I make the final adjustments I think I'll be even more impressed...Thanks Howard!
Lar >>
here's a copy and paste of my email to Howard:
<<< Got the Ohlins on and all set up. The 200mm factory pre-load was pretty damn stiff for my SG with not having any tour pack. I had to back it off 12 turns to get near the free sag quoted in the instructions. I'll check it again after 300 miles. I shortened up the adjustable shock length to the minimum and you were right ...it sits pretty much the same as with the stock shocks. Took it for spin and gave it the torture test down in the town of Oakmont, Pa, right over the hill from me....the main boulevard is a cobble stone road that I routinely avoid because it has dips and is similar to a "washboard" for about a half mile. With the stock shocks I would bottom out and my teeth would chatter if I went over 5-10 mph. I took it at 20-25 looking for every dip and rough spot I could find and it never bottomed out once! The bike felt a little bouncy (as to be expected on this particular road) but very controlled. I'm VERY impressed!! Once they settle in and I make the final adjustments I think I'll be even more impressed...Thanks Howard!
Lar >>
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,097
Likes: 2
From: USA
I just ordered my shocks from Howard this morning. Got the #2 #3's and cant wait till they show up so I can try them out!
My biggest fear is how they are going to look 1 1/4" higher than stock but Its worth it to me for all that increased travel.
I will let you know after they are installed.
My biggest fear is how they are going to look 1 1/4" higher than stock but Its worth it to me for all that increased travel.
I will let you know after they are installed.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I just ordered my shocks from Howard this morning. Got the #2 #3's and cant wait till they show up so I can try them out!
My biggest fear is how they are going to look 1 1/4" higher than stock but Its worth it to me for all that increased travel.
I will let you know after they are installed.
My biggest fear is how they are going to look 1 1/4" higher than stock but Its worth it to me for all that increased travel.
I will let you know after they are installed.
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Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From:
I ordered #2, #3 also today. Thanks Howard for all your help and time.
I hope I get them before the snow comes here (last year the snow came in Nov. and never left) I would hate to have to wait until spring to see how good they are for my self.
Ripp
I hope I get them before the snow comes here (last year the snow came in Nov. and never left) I would hate to have to wait until spring to see how good they are for my self.
Ripp
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 795
Likes: 9
From: Manasquan NJ
I bought 13" #2's from Howard early 2009 for my09 SG. I wanted the rear up an inch. Wasted a bunch of money on RaceTech shocks first. Ride is superb. Handles way better than a Harley should. 31 inseam, Corbin solo and mostly flatfooting it. Can't scrape a floor board too easy now. I wonder if Howard can hook me up with a set for my 2006 Triumph Scrambler?
btw...I also did Ohlin yellow hiding behind my red saddlebag!
btw...I also did Ohlin yellow hiding behind my red saddlebag!