Greg, as always, your contribution to this forum is always an added plus. We tend to loose sight of the fact behind everyone of this forum and who has a user name, is an actual person and not a blue screen. Mcfreak works his whole life trying to be the best he can be at what he does, as well as a being a credible person in the large motorcycle community we have here (great year around weather). Thanks for the clarification and wasting your time responding to this nonsense which has nothing to do with solving motorcycling problems for either our-self or others, our purpose here (IMO).

Why do you never post photos of your 45 Flathead?

 

I tried to add the 45 as a sig picture, but cannot figure the rules of using a remote host

Its actually in wonderful condition, I ride it some....it does leak, and the tank shoft/foot clutch are a bitch. Still fun though

 

Greg, just upload the pic to an online server like Smugmug or Photobucket, then select the pic size you need (max 500x250 pixels/97kbs) and copy/past that photo's URL into option 1 in your control panel's Edit Signature function (Enter the URL to the Image on Another Website). Then press "Save Signature."

 

Ive got an 09 RK. I just got a set of Ohlins #3 from Howard. I installed them the same day and took a ride around town. My first impression was they were way too stiff. Before I go on, I must advise you all that my number one goal was for comfort for my Wife. I have some experience with custom suspension from motorcross riding as my bike and my kids bikes all had suspension work.

It was cold outside, 40 degrees, and I don't care what anybody says, nothing is soft when it is that cold.

I had a riding buddy come over, he too races dirt bikes, and we set up the free and rider sag. Howard had it a little bit stiff for my likes. I set it up using a quality jack stand for the total length. Standing next to it for the free sag then I used a 100 pound weight on the seat with me on it for the rider sag...remember, I can ride anything, I want my wife comfortable. I am in the neighborhood of 12 mm free, and 26mm rider sag. According to the manual and Ohlins web site, the spring provided by Howard is right on.

The next day, I took off for a 450 mile ride to downtown San Diego. A couple things were very evident. First, the freeway bumps that use to drive me crazy just were not as bad. But, it still was a little stiff. I have some long turns on Hwy 62 that always bugged me if I was riding between 75 and 80. When I hit this section, I simply set the cruise at 76 and waited to see how it felt. The funny thing was where I hated the feel of the undulating frame feel, at speed in the turns, was just not there. I could almost feel it but I really had to look for it, for lack of better words, to see if I could feel it. The bike is way more stable.

I said earlier that I thought the bike still felt a little stiff. I believe that when the misses gets on the back, she will be pleased with the new suspension. I believe that I need the weight for the increased compression dampening...set intentionally for that purpose. I will post later of those results but for now, I am pleased with my new Ohlins.

 

Thank you capbenedict! Excellent write up!! I hope you are as happy with your Ohlins as many are; especially here on HDF. I'm not really sure why Ohlins set their springs on the stiff side. Maybe they figure they will break in after a while.

I'd really like to know the answer to that question. For me that's the $580 question.

 

Yup, that is the compromise when setting up a bike that will be used for both solo and two-up rides. Which is why the electronically adjustable suspension (on the fly) used by BMW and a new version by Ohlins featured on the upcoming Ducati Multistrada 1200 are so awesome. It'll be really nice when a version comes out for the baggers.

 

I was up at Ohlins trying to work out developing the new TTX for baggers. The TTX requires a Piggyback reservoir only and does not have any way to mount a remote reservoir. The hard bag clearance does not allow than coupled with the larger valving that is electronically controlled making the unit wider. For the foreseeable future the best in the world will be the #6 which is a tried and trued shock just developed for baggers. If the 1" of ice storm does not hit Hendersonville, NC than they will be shipped modified from Sweden to match by my development here.

I had the newest TTS in my hand that will be released soon, I doubt buying new saddle bags with proper clearance will interest most.

 

Does Ohlins make anything for this.... the rear shocks are REALLY stiff!

 

You are right, let me take it off your hands. No one would ever enjoy pulling up on Main Street next to all of those 12' long glowing choppers. Ya, no one would ever notice the red beauty.

 

Beautiful 45 Greg. Did you restore it yourself?