Ohlins 2-2a or 3-3....opinions
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Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 82
Likes: 2
From: indy
I purchased the 3 - 3's and they do bring the rear up. You can adjust about 1/2 and inch out and I will be doing that over the next few weeks.
Can't speak for the 2's - but the 3's are great. Mine (from Howard) require no sag adjustment.
Can't speak for the 2's - but the 3's are great. Mine (from Howard) require no sag adjustment.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
It's not the looks I care about, it's just that with the factory shocks, even with a lowered seat, I'm already at my limit for feeling comfortable in regards to my reach to the ground. Regardless of how great the ride is, if the bike sits higher it's going to negatively affect my comfort in coming to stops. If the 3-3's can be set to be as low as the 2-2a's I would go that route. Looking at the website I'm just not sure that's the case and Howard seems reluctant to offer any advice in regards to making a choice. At this rate I may just say screw it. The ride isn't too bad other than catching occasional bumps. There's no sense in spending that kind of money just to find I made the wrong choice.
Banned
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 1,910
Likes: 263
I have 2-2bs and my bike sits the same as it did with the stock POS air shocks, 2012 FLHX. Oh and it rides 50 times better. I have said it before if you don't have these shocks you have no idea how much better your bike can ride.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 963
Likes: 1
From: Bellefonte PA
I am also considering looking into getting some Ohlins for my Road King Custom. I have not yet talked to Howard, but I will as I get more serious about it. Here's my question. Seems like most of you mention the advantage of the 3 vs the 2 is more adjustment. In my case, I ride solo 95+% of the time. Whichever series of shocks I would get, if the springs are set up for my weight and installed properly, why do I need more adjustment? Seems like it might be one more thing to spend too much time fiddling with rather than just setting it, forgetting it, and enjoying the ride. Based on this mindset I'm kinda thinking the 2-2A may be a good way to go for me as a replacement for my 12 inch shocks. Thoughts?
I have the 3-1s. I wanted to lower the back end slightly. They do have almost a half-inch less travel than the other #3 shocks, which hasn't been an issue for me, although I ride solo virtually all the time. If I rode 2 up with any regularity, I probably would have gone with the 3-3s.
Last edited by Mike; May 4, 2012 at 02:16 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I am also considering looking into getting some Ohlins for my Road King Custom. I have not yet talked to Howard, but I will as I get more serious about it. Here's my question. Seems like most of you mention the advantage of the 3 vs the 2 is more adjustment. In my case, I ride solo 95+% of the time. Whichever series of shocks I would get, if the springs are set up for my weight and installed properly, why do I need more adjustment? Seems like it might be one more thing to spend too much time fiddling with rather than just setting it, forgetting it, and enjoying the ride. Based on this mindset I'm kinda thinking the 2-2A may be a good way to go for me as a replacement for my 12 inch shocks. Thoughts?
If you only occasionally ride 2-up you may find you are fine with your solo settings. If you go on an extended trip 2-up then adjusting sag would be a great idea, but not compulsory! You decide how much 'fiddling' you do.
If you buy these things you will soon realise why those of us who own them keep going on about them.....
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
I am also considering looking into getting some Ohlins for my Road King Custom. I have not yet talked to Howard, but I will as I get more serious about it. Here's my question. Seems like most of you mention the advantage of the 3 vs the 2 is more adjustment. In my case, I ride solo 95+% of the time. Whichever series of shocks I would get, if the springs are set up for my weight and installed properly, why do I need more adjustment? Seems like it might be one more thing to spend too much time fiddling with rather than just setting it, forgetting it, and enjoying the ride. Based on this mindset I'm kinda thinking the 2-2A may be a good way to go for me as a replacement for my 12 inch shocks. Thoughts?
Thread Starter
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 603
Likes: 10
From: Villa Rica, GA
yea, I think at this point if I do it I'm leaning towards the 2-2a's....appreciate the input all
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Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 871
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From: ohio
It's not the looks I care about, it's just that with the factory shocks, even with a lowered seat, I'm already at my limit for feeling comfortable in regards to my reach to the ground. Regardless of how great the ride is, if the bike sits higher it's going to negatively affect my comfort in coming to stops. If the 3-3's can be set to be as low as the 2-2a's I would go that route. Looking at the website I'm just not sure that's the case and Howard seems reluctant to offer any advice in regards to making a choice. At this rate I may just say screw it. The ride isn't too bad other than catching occasional bumps. There's no sense in spending that kind of money just to find I made the wrong choice.
I think he wants you to learn and he gives you some info to help you to understand.
he knows enough to get them real close with the info we provide him, and says they are gonna be real stiff until they breaking, I'm slowly working on my sag until I'm using full stroke, I think think the 2-2's are gonna be good for me. if you want to spend more I'd say get the 3's they no doubt would be even better.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
I got my 2-2a's mounted saturday and I called Howard as instructed and he basically walked me through the installation.You're right he told me he doesn't make reccomendations.he did tell me my setup with combined weight for two up weight of of about460lbs. i'm not gonna get a real good ride by myself.I asked some questions and he told me I'd figure it out.Lol
I think he wants you to learn and he gives you some info to help you to understand.
he knows enough to get them real close with the info we provide him, and says they are gonna be real stiff until they breaking, I'm slowly working on my sag until I'm using full stroke, I think think the 2-2's are gonna be good for me. if you want to spend more I'd say get the 3's they no doubt would be even better.
I think he wants you to learn and he gives you some info to help you to understand.
he knows enough to get them real close with the info we provide him, and says they are gonna be real stiff until they breaking, I'm slowly working on my sag until I'm using full stroke, I think think the 2-2's are gonna be good for me. if you want to spend more I'd say get the 3's they no doubt would be even better.