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ohlins vs progressive

Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:28 PM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by iclick
If you can stand the sacrifice of that slammed look, the #2-2b or #2-3 would provide a better ride with less bottoming. If you ride 2-up often or tour I would look for the longest stroke you can tolerate at the expense of the "look."
I have the 2-2a s and they have 3 1/4 inches of stroke, sit about as low as a street glide...if I remember right, they have more stroke than the 3s....and the suspension has full travel...
 
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:52 PM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by iclick
Actually, there is no rebound damping.



Yes, but the #2's with the HDForums discount (ask for it!) aren't much more than the 440's.
Uh…what are you talking about…no rebound damping? I beg to differ. I think you meant to say, no adjustable rebound damping…big difference.

The Progressive 440 has an inertia valve that senses wheel or chassis motion, and self adjusts the rebound damping. If there was no rebound damping on the 440, every time the rear wheel unloads, the shock would fully extend with a nice loud clunk, and the rider would definitely break contact with the seat…if not be launched airborne.

I'm not a fan of this Progressive inertia valve system, and I much prefer my Ohlins 3-3s, that have a sweep valve to adjust compression/rebound damping. The Ohlins is a vastly superior shock, all the way around.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:54 PM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by flhrbill
Are the Ohlins 3-3 that much better than the 2-2? Money is a concern but the end result is to have a much better shock than stock. I do ride mostly two up and the stock shocks have to go.



for two up i say 3-3, for one up the 2 series. have them both
 
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 06:55 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by dstrat1
I have the 2-2a s and they have 3 1/4 inches of stroke, sit about as low as a street glide...if I remember right, they have more stroke than the 3s....and the suspension has full travel...
This is good info, will be looking for a set that don't raise the bike up.

Thanks
 
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:16 PM
  #35  
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Originally Posted by dstrat1
I have the 2-2a s and they have 3 1/4 inches of stroke, sit about as low as a street glide...if I remember right, they have more stroke than the 3s....and the suspension has full travel...
Yes, the 2-2a has a few millimeters more stroke than the 3-3. Something like 83mm vs 77mm stroke. That translates to slightly over 3 inches stroke on both shocks.

The main difference between the 2 and the 3 series is that the 2 series is an emulsified shock (gas and oil together), and the 3 series is a separated shock (gas and oil separated by a piston). Also the 3 series has a sweep valve for adjusting compression/rebound damping.
 
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Old Apr 6, 2012 | 07:43 PM
  #36  
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I went with the Progressives 440's..So far, I like them - Price was a factor as well - Everything I read was positive on these so I took the challenge....Good luck
 
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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 07:45 AM
  #37  
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This is a very timely thread. I had the same question as the op. I appreciate all the responses. Ohlins are definitely in my future.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 02:04 PM
  #38  
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What is the stock length of the shock for an 09 Electra glide classic? I want to keep the bike at the same height. I'm leaning towards get the Ohlins 2 series but not sure which one.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 09:12 PM
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Also running #2-3s. I'm so impressed with the way they handle that I'm curious how much better the #3 series could be. 2up or alone they are very comfortable. Well worth the investment and Howard was very helpful.
 
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Old Apr 7, 2012 | 09:38 PM
  #40  
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Originally Posted by roadrunner10
Also running #2-3s. I'm so impressed with the way they handle that I'm curious how much better the #3 series could be. 2up or alone they are very comfortable. Well worth the investment and Howard was very helpful.
my 2-2a's offer up a sweet ride. they are on the OL 2012 s/g. They are not even sprung for me and they are still fantastic.
The 3-3's give a similar ride in normal highway conditions. For two up i
Can't really even describe it to you . It takes a little time for break in and to get them dialed in but you will hit that certain setting and Wow!!
The sweep adjustment changes the temperament of the shock(For lack of a better word). for more spirited riding i will take it in a couple of clicks.
I don't change preload for 2 up unless it's a fairly long ride.
So just for normal touring, I'm sure the man can spring a set of 2's to your requirements. You will enjoy the full benefit of the Ohlins ride.
The question is really your riding style.
Witch ever one you wind up getting your gonna love it. Changes the whole experience. Oh ya, I might recommend the zip tie method for setting sag.
It worked better for me anyway . Good luck,Ride safe
 
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