ohlins vs progressive
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 3,919
Likes: 3,721
From: Hill Country, TX
I'm pretty sure that stock EG shocks are 13 inches, eyelet to eyelet. The Ohlins 2-3s are 13 1/4" in length, and have a long stroke (104mm/over 4 inches). If you are on a budget, I think these would be great shocks. Hell, they'd be great shocks even if you weren't on a budget.
You can adjust the Ohlins 3-3 length to exactly 13 inches, and the shock has just over 3 inches of stroke. The 3 series are separated shocks, and the 2 series are emulsified shocks. The 3 series is a more adjustable shock, but you pay extra for it. Talk to Howard, and find out which will work out best for you.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
Likes: 13
From: Indy
I put Ohlins 3-3 on my Road Glide and man, they are great. With the EG I'd have to check, but you can probably get a 4" stroke Ohlins. I'm so happy with my Ohlins that I'll never own another bike without them. There was that much difference. Whatever the extra $$ are, it's worth it. I know I won't ever compromise on the shocks again - the Ohlins are that good.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 529
Likes: 1
From: Illinois
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
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
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 460
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island/Pensacola Florida
Bill,
I'm pretty sure that stock EG shocks are 13 inches, eyelet to eyelet. The Ohlins 2-3s are 13 1/4" in length, and have a long stroke (104mm/over 4 inches). If you are on a budget, I think these would be great shocks. Hell, they'd be great shocks even if you weren't on a budget.
You can adjust the Ohlins 3-3 length to exactly 13 inches, and the shock has just over 3 inches of stroke. The 3 series are separated shocks, and the 2 series are emulsified shocks. The 3 series is a more adjustable shock, but you pay extra for it. Talk to Howard, and find out which will work out best for you.
I'm pretty sure that stock EG shocks are 13 inches, eyelet to eyelet. The Ohlins 2-3s are 13 1/4" in length, and have a long stroke (104mm/over 4 inches). If you are on a budget, I think these would be great shocks. Hell, they'd be great shocks even if you weren't on a budget.
You can adjust the Ohlins 3-3 length to exactly 13 inches, and the shock has just over 3 inches of stroke. The 3 series are separated shocks, and the 2 series are emulsified shocks. The 3 series is a more adjustable shock, but you pay extra for it. Talk to Howard, and find out which will work out best for you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
I love my bike but I agree with you. For 11,000 I can pick up a triumph 675r that has state of the art ohlins front and rear. I still wouldn't want to take it out for a 500 mile ride though. I think the suspension is probably the weakest area on these bikes.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: UK
And more to the point, when are the Moco going to listen?
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 10
From: Scotland
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: UK
Most motorcycle Manufacturers put brakes and suspension fairly high on their list of priorities. It beggars belief that hd is still dragging their feet over this.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
HD puts crap on their new bikes to keep the parts counter busy! When you drop over $20K you should receive top quality parts, not stuff that immediately needs to be replaced. I think that the dealer, as part of the setup, should give the buyer their choice of seats, bars, and shocks, to custom fit the bike to the individual. I've owned 7 Harleys, all purchased new, and I've had to change shocks, bars and seats on every one of them.
Sorry about the rant, back on topic - I put Progressive heavy duty 11.5 inch shocks on my Streetglide, much better than the stock shocks. Ohlins were just too pricy for me, no complaints with the Progressives.
Sorry about the rant, back on topic - I put Progressive heavy duty 11.5 inch shocks on my Streetglide, much better than the stock shocks. Ohlins were just too pricy for me, no complaints with the Progressives.
Last edited by floridapoolboy; Apr 8, 2012 at 11:31 AM.