Ohlins vs Ricor Comparison
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Marathon, Florida Keys
My experience with Ricor
I am not a tech or mechanic but I have been riding since I was fourteen. About a year ago I bought my first Harley. It is a 2005 FLHTPI ( a Cop Electra Glide.) I love the bike, but could not live with the suspension. It was the worst of any bike I have ever owned, and I have owned many. I started out by reading this whole thread, and all the reviews. I called Howard and spoke to him about his product, then I called Brian at Ricor and did the same with him. I decided to go with Ricor. My shocks were pre-loaded for my weight and travel gear. I did the rear shocks and installed the Intimadators in the front.
I wish I could tell you the specifics like Marc, but I am inept when it comes to mechanics. What I can tell you, is that the bike has been transformed. It is at least 300% better, and I would call it perfect. I could not be happier with the service that I recieved or the final results. It has turned out to be the best upgrade I have ever done on a bike. I was considering selling it but now I can really enjoy every road, regardless of what it throws my way. I hope my experience helps anybody that is faced with this decision.
I wish I could tell you the specifics like Marc, but I am inept when it comes to mechanics. What I can tell you, is that the bike has been transformed. It is at least 300% better, and I would call it perfect. I could not be happier with the service that I recieved or the final results. It has turned out to be the best upgrade I have ever done on a bike. I was considering selling it but now I can really enjoy every road, regardless of what it throws my way. I hope my experience helps anybody that is faced with this decision.
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From: 'Noke, VA
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Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 50
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From: Florida
And how many times did it take Howard to get it right?
Does it normally take a few tries to get the Ohlins (or any top line shocks for that matter) dialed in? I love Ohlins and it sounds like Howard is the man to call. I just wish Ohlins had something for the front shocks to compliment the rears. Is there anything on the drawing board?
Last edited by Samzilla; Sep 7, 2011 at 04:30 AM. Reason: Wrote a reply while upset. No need for such a reply.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
Does it normally take a few tries to get the Ohlins (or any top line shocks for that matter) dialed in? I love Ohlins and it sounds like Howard is the man to call. I just wish Ohlins had something for the front shocks to compliment the rears. Is there anything on the drawing board?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
it's amazing this old thread got dug up , I actually hate this thread , it was after reading this I went with Marc's recommendation and ordered Ricor shocks , I previously had used Progressive 940's on my last bike and had good results so I wanted custom built shocks on the new bike , after installing the Ricor I never could get them dialed in properly , sent them back to Ricor for a re-tune and when I got them back I loved them and did a write up , unfortunately I spoke to soon , they worked great solo and 2up , a few months later me and the wife rode from Florida to North Carolina and got beat to hell on the road 2up and gear , I wanted to leave the bike and fly home it was so bad , got home made phone calls and more changes and a month later we made another similar trip and though it was better when 2up and loaded it was not as good as stock shelf Progressive 940's , when we got home I called Howard and ended up getting Ohlin's #3-#3 , these shocks are amazing and handle solo , 2up & 2up with gear equally as good , if I would have started with Ohlin's I would have saved some money
Last edited by tj316; Sep 7, 2011 at 09:17 AM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I too went with Marc's recommendation and initially got the Ricors. They're a fine shock, and I don't really regret buying them. I got good support from Brian and Ricor, and the bike rode well.
I put nearly 20,000 miles on the bike with the Ricors on it in about a year. My biggest complaint was that with the necessary sag, I was dragging my pipe mercilessly through fast corners (this is not a problem with Ricor shocks, it's the nature of the beast). So I figured I'd give Howard a call about the #3-4s.
Not only was it a pleasure to deal with Howard, the Ohlins shocks are amazing. I was never really unhappy with the ride or handling with the Ricors, but the Ohlins significantly stepped up the game. I've got around 12,000 miles on the Ohlins since May, and I get happier with them every time I ride.
I put nearly 20,000 miles on the bike with the Ricors on it in about a year. My biggest complaint was that with the necessary sag, I was dragging my pipe mercilessly through fast corners (this is not a problem with Ricor shocks, it's the nature of the beast). So I figured I'd give Howard a call about the #3-4s.
Not only was it a pleasure to deal with Howard, the Ohlins shocks are amazing. I was never really unhappy with the ride or handling with the Ricors, but the Ohlins significantly stepped up the game. I've got around 12,000 miles on the Ohlins since May, and I get happier with them every time I ride.
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Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,730
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From: Snow Hill, NC
it's amazing this old thread got dug up , I actually hate this thread , it was after reading this I went with Marc's recommendation and ordered Ricor shocks , I previously had used Progressive 940's on my last bike and had good results so I wanted custom built shocks on the new bike , after installing the Ricor I never could get them dialed in properly , sent them back to Ricor for a re-tune and when I got them back I loved them and did a write , unfortunately I spoke to soon , they worked great solo and 2up , a few months later me and the wife rode from Florida to North Carolina and got beat to hell on the road 2up and gear , I wanted to leave the bike and fly home it was so bad , got home made phone calls and more changes and a month later we made another similar trip and though it was better when 2up and loaded it was not as good as stock shelf Progressive 940's , when we got home I called Howard and ended up getting Ohlin's #3-#3 , these shocks are amazing and handle solo , 2up & 2up with gear equally as good , if I would have started with Ohlin's I would have saved some money
I can't say i can justify $600+ dollars for the chance of having a better ride....I am sticking with stock....
Rode 2 up in the hills this weekend (no luggage) and all was well...I just asked my wife what she thought and she said the ride was good....I guess if i had the money to throw at it i might but i have a lot of other stuff i can improve before that....
