Originally Posted by FastHarley

In all due respect but the #3 series comes with a check valve in the compression side of the of the needle valve. This prohibits oil from bypassing the the piston on the compression stroke through the one way needle valve. The high end of the stroke is also a bit harsh with a closed end needle valve. What you read on someones site is not necessary what you get with me. That is what I do and this is what you get without asking.

The reason why the #3 series shocks I sell (I do not wish to get into this too deep because it is my own modification and industrial secret) have an adjustable compression that works. Ohlins USA knew what I was doing beforehand because I told them how we machine this modification thus eliminating all warranty issues for my customers. All #3 family shocks I built has this modification.

Ohlins USA is now purchasing the shocks with this new modification directly from Ohlins in Sweden. The shocks have a different identification number than before (HD-909), the shocks that were purchased directly from Ohlins through other dealers in the next few weeks will have this one upgrade. That is only one modification I have done.

The reason why the shocks I sell to my customers work so well is because I hand build every one for each individual customer. I spent my time learning how shocks work by working with the very best suspension technicians in the world. All information is gathered at the track with real riders who actually know how to ride a bike and how a motorcycle should feel, and not by some no nothing guy bouncing down the road. This information is than converted to what would benefit a Harley rider. Why do you think that Ohlins only sold a few shocks (less than 10/year) before I started working with them? They just did not work very well and received poor reviews. Read and know your history. This all happened here on HDF in front of your own eyes. I started working with a shock company called Penske and many here posted dumb *** poser crap like why would anyone ever purchase a suspension up-grade for $1,000? Now you fa*ot posers, there are some of us who actually ride their bike and demand performance excellence. You f*gs know who you are.

The difference between me is that I always answer my phone 7 days a week, insist that you call me for installation, and never sell a shock in the box but custom build it, I am an authorized and factory trained Ohlins service center, and never quit pushing the envelope in chase of the holey grail of suspension perfection. When the shocks are worn out you can send them back and we will rebuild them, me, not someone you do not know. You can also ride in (providing I have the rebuild parts in stock) and I do the job in front of you. I am not a big box store or fired Circuit City employee answering the phone.

To answer your question, yes, a #3 family will ride smoother than a #2 due to there internal parts. They are not the same. If a #2 were the only shock available, it far out performs all of the other HD type equipment either OEM or aftermarket sold by others and I am here all of the time to prove it to anyone who wishes to challenge this claim. All is well until you than ride a #3 shock and the difference is realized. A shock is a tool and the right tool should always be selected.

The #5 have a different compression valve than the other shocks and are an upgrade in comparison to the #3.

The #6 has very expensive compression valving in the ressy and the configuration is nothing like any of the other shocks. Metering oil is what controls the shock movement. The ride on the #6 is no way compared with the aforementioned shocks, it is far superior. The internal workings of the #6 differences are not as described and the internal ressy valve was developed for F-1 and therefor not described or divulged to others outside of the Ohlins personal except in general terms. There is a reason why people who have them would not part with them. If you just purchased a #6 without trying and comparing against other shocks, you would think that all shocks work like a #6. They do not.

There you have it.

Originally Posted by qtrracer

I was passing on what info I have learned and the #3 sweep valve info was NOT passed on from any other site. I spoke directly with an Ohlins rep and that was what he told me. Your mods may be unfamiliar to him. You are right I should be getting info on your shocks from you. I also saw that Ohlins had listed those HD shocks(the ones you are speaking of) being available directly from them(or thru their dealer network) and then that info seemed to disappear. As I stated previously I have complete faith in the Ohlins company and your valving fit my riding style perfectly. Probably why I never needed to contact you once I received the shocks. I hope you get to feeling better and I hope I can get down to your neck of the woods soon and try those #6's!!