Ohlin Shock Questions
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
Ohlin Shock Questions
Getting ready to put new suspension on bike.
Gonna put Progressive Mono Tubes up front.
I was going to put Progressive 940's on the back, but recently I have started considering Ohlins.
Here are my questions:
1) Has anybody ridden a bike with both Ohlin 2-x and 3-x shocks? What was the difference in ride quality and handling between the two? (In other words is the 3-x really worth $300 more than the 2-x shock?)
2) Has anyone had their Ohlins rebuilt and how much did it cost?
Thanks for your help....
Gonna put Progressive Mono Tubes up front.
I was going to put Progressive 940's on the back, but recently I have started considering Ohlins.
Here are my questions:
1) Has anybody ridden a bike with both Ohlin 2-x and 3-x shocks? What was the difference in ride quality and handling between the two? (In other words is the 3-x really worth $300 more than the 2-x shock?)
2) Has anyone had their Ohlins rebuilt and how much did it cost?
Thanks for your help....
Last edited by PFWiz; Jan 4, 2012 at 04:17 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
Give Howard a call He will explain everything to ya and help you decide on which ones would best suit Ya.Sorry cant give ya the opinion ya want but I have the Monotubes on the bench to go in and will be gettin the 3-3's shortly from Howard.Make sure You mention you are a forum member Ya get a discount.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 581
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I also installed monotubes and 3-3's. I haven't rode it yet. I called him and ended up with the 3-3. 3/4 of inch higher when its sitting with no rider, compared to my stock sg shocks. Sags to 11.8 when riding, according to Howard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,761
From: Western South Dakota
I have 940's on the rear and monotubes on the front and the glide rides very well, and is comfy. If I could I would rather have had Howards too, but I got both sets for what the rear 3-3-'s go for.. Maybe next time I'll go w/the 3-3's, but for the time being, I'm content. FWIW..
No disrespect meant or intended towards MM, or Howard..
No disrespect meant or intended towards MM, or Howard..
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 4,741
Likes: 45
From: Indian Land, SC
I went that route first on my SG and although the ride was better then stock, it still didn't have enough travel to soak up the larger ruts, etc. I sent them back for the 13 1/4" shocks and couldn't be happier. Set the sag right and there's not much height difference when sitting on the bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 2
From: NZ
I think you will find that the 3-3s will go a lot further between rebuilds due to the higher tech design..The 2s are probably a lot better than other emulsion design shocks but they are still a budget shock.If your budget can stretch to the 3-3, then get them.
I have a set and they are a nice piece of kit although I think that they are still a bit short, I may get some extenders made to go up to 13 3/4" as I think the 09+ needs more ride height with the 180 low profile tyre.A little more ride height on the rear has always helped make the handling more neutral on the sports bikes I've ridden in the past, rather than that feeling that the bike is having to be turned over the rear tyre.
I was considering the monotubes but think I'll go with the Racetech emulators and springs.Nice and simple, tuneable, get the right springs and no worries with leaking cartridges.
dewky
I have a set and they are a nice piece of kit although I think that they are still a bit short, I may get some extenders made to go up to 13 3/4" as I think the 09+ needs more ride height with the 180 low profile tyre.A little more ride height on the rear has always helped make the handling more neutral on the sports bikes I've ridden in the past, rather than that feeling that the bike is having to be turned over the rear tyre.
I was considering the monotubes but think I'll go with the Racetech emulators and springs.Nice and simple, tuneable, get the right springs and no worries with leaking cartridges.
dewky
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I doubt if you will find any of us who have tried more than one type of Ohlins. That is because most of us, including me, have followed Rich67's advice and talked things through with Howard. My wife and I like lengthy tours together, bike fully loaded, and Howard recommended #3-3s, after we talked things through. His #6 were out of my reach and I am happy the improved damping of #3 versus #2 is worth the extra for us.
Do you know we have NEVER bottomed out with our #3s?! These things are remarkable.
Do you know we have NEVER bottomed out with our #3s?! These things are remarkable.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
I did talk to Howard...
Talking to Howard is an experience...
Anyway Howard recommended either 2-2B's or 3-3's for me. He did of course say that 3-3's would be better. I am just trying to see if I can get some independent confirmation...
Has anyone out there had their Ohlins rebuilt yet?
Talking to Howard is an experience...
Anyway Howard recommended either 2-2B's or 3-3's for me. He did of course say that 3-3's would be better. I am just trying to see if I can get some independent confirmation...
Has anyone out there had their Ohlins rebuilt yet?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
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From: sunny florida
I've ran the 940's and now the #3-#3 , these things are amazing and I love them , with that said I know of no one that has #2's that are not happy with them , I would not call the #2's a budget shock , they are a quality shock but the #3's a definately a step up , if you haven't done it yet go to Howard's web and read the differences in shock section and you will have a better understanding
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,999
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From: Bay Area
I wouldnt waste my money again on monotubes, you will no doubt end up with a front end clunk that progressive says cant be fixed because of the 80 yo fork technology. I have 940's that will suffice because I threw too much money into what I thought was a good suspension set up, next time it will be Ohlins. I went with race tech and gold valves and they are the best I have ever had, they do the trick in the front.