Ohlins Cool-aid?
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City
The Ohlin's Cool-aid tastes pretty good. I installed the 3-3's on my 2010 FLHTK. What a difference already. I have only rode to work this morning, about 25 miles, but very different feel from yesterday's ride to work. I cross a rough set of railroad tracks, usually it feels like the bags are trying to shake off the bike. This morning, I still feel the tracks, but the harshness is gone. Really firms up the feel of the bike. Of course like others have said I'll probably have to do something with the front end before too long.
Howard was great on the phone last night during the install, explained the operation and adjustment of the shock, as well as the install. Looking forward to finishing the break in and then starting to play with the adjustments.
Howard was great on the phone last night during the install, explained the operation and adjustment of the shock, as well as the install. Looking forward to finishing the break in and then starting to play with the adjustments.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
UPDATE:
I have 700 miles on them now, and they are settling in nice.
Today I got new tires....... OMG...... now the Ohlins are really working great.
The OEM tires I replaced had 18,500 ish on them. I could probably have squeaked a few thousand more miles out of them, before hitting the wear bars. But I'm going to do a 5000 mile vacation in just over 2 months, and wanted to break in the tires before heading out.
The new tires really make the Ohlins shine.
The 1950's technology forks are going to get a makeover this winter for sure. New 21st century innards....... and chrome.
I have 700 miles on them now, and they are settling in nice.
Today I got new tires....... OMG...... now the Ohlins are really working great.
The OEM tires I replaced had 18,500 ish on them. I could probably have squeaked a few thousand more miles out of them, before hitting the wear bars. But I'm going to do a 5000 mile vacation in just over 2 months, and wanted to break in the tires before heading out.
The new tires really make the Ohlins shine.
The 1950's technology forks are going to get a makeover this winter for sure. New 21st century innards....... and chrome.
Last edited by shooter5074; May 19, 2012 at 07:10 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,542
Likes: 161
From: Booming metropolis
Last night I installed my Ohlins 2~2a shocks that Howard at Motorcycle Metal built for me.
He built them for 70/30 with my 190 lbs and some extra to compensate for filling the saddlebags and packing for trips. He also used the shorter springs, which seem to work VERY well
Setup was a snap. I had read all of the directions before even ordering them, so I knew what to expect. Talked to Howard about the install, and all was good.
For Howard: Sometimes it's good to be a LITTLE PATIENT
So far I have a whopping 35 miles on them ..... a storm came up just as I was going for my test ride last night. But I did get some miles in.
The first thing I noticed was, I didn't bottom out at the end of my driveway. And I didn't feel like the bike was going to fall apart on railroad crossings.
The shocks are firm, without being harsh like the stockers were. I can still "feel" the road. That's a good thing. A floating Cadillac ride is NOT a good thing if you want control.
So with all that said..... I will add to this when I get some hard miles on them.
But so far, they are worlds better than the stock shocks. Handling is improved, as well as comfort.
He built them for 70/30 with my 190 lbs and some extra to compensate for filling the saddlebags and packing for trips. He also used the shorter springs, which seem to work VERY well
Setup was a snap. I had read all of the directions before even ordering them, so I knew what to expect. Talked to Howard about the install, and all was good.
For Howard: Sometimes it's good to be a LITTLE PATIENT
So far I have a whopping 35 miles on them ..... a storm came up just as I was going for my test ride last night. But I did get some miles in.
The first thing I noticed was, I didn't bottom out at the end of my driveway. And I didn't feel like the bike was going to fall apart on railroad crossings.
The shocks are firm, without being harsh like the stockers were. I can still "feel" the road. That's a good thing. A floating Cadillac ride is NOT a good thing if you want control.
So with all that said..... I will add to this when I get some hard miles on them.
But so far, they are worlds better than the stock shocks. Handling is improved, as well as comfort.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
But the bottom line is, they are way better than the stock shocks..... worlds better.
Last edited by shooter5074; May 22, 2012 at 07:30 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 6
From: South Dakota
Just cracked the 800 mile mark on mine. While I thought they were amazing from mile 1 they still amaze me.. Poker run this weekend seeing all the bikes bounce like pogo sticks over some of the rough tracks with the giant "BUMP" sign next to it, I just smiled and cruised over them.
If you are thinking about buying a willyg accessory or other bling goodies that only you will notice, don't.. Buy these and you will be amazed..
I realize now that Harley can't provide this type of performance for everyone from the factory. Without taking weight, ride style etc.. into account but if they did I guarantee they would make another fortune..
If you are thinking about buying a willyg accessory or other bling goodies that only you will notice, don't.. Buy these and you will be amazed..
I realize now that Harley can't provide this type of performance for everyone from the factory. Without taking weight, ride style etc.. into account but if they did I guarantee they would make another fortune..
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
I have 400 on my 3-3's and they are very good, although I am still tweaking them in. Wife doesn't need to reposition herself in the seat after I hit a bigger bump any more. Also I have noticed that the bike doesn't pitch to the side if I happen to hit a bump in the middle of a turn, it holds the line much better.
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
Did a few hundred miles over the weekend, and I wish I would have bought the shocks when I got the bike. With the new tires I had put on Saturday, those shocks are nothing short of amazing.
I'm well over the 1000 mile mark on the break in.
Railroad tracks no longer make me tense up as I go over them. And sweepers feel like the bike is on rails. The shocks are still "firm"..... but it's a subdued cushy firm, and not at all harsh.
But I think what I notice now is, if I plunk myself down on the seat, I can feel the suspension move. The stock shocks was like having a hardtail frame.
I'm well over the 1000 mile mark on the break in.
Railroad tracks no longer make me tense up as I go over them. And sweepers feel like the bike is on rails. The shocks are still "firm"..... but it's a subdued cushy firm, and not at all harsh.
But I think what I notice now is, if I plunk myself down on the seat, I can feel the suspension move. The stock shocks was like having a hardtail frame.
Last edited by shooter5074; May 22, 2012 at 10:10 AM.
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From: Bedford UK
