Motorcycle metal, not impressed
Moderator
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 107,687
Likes: 20,116
From: Ft. Worth, TX
I purchased a set of JRI B 13s in January from Howard and have to say I was impressed with the depth of his knowledge during our discussions. I have been riding motorcycles for better than 40 years, wrenching on all of them including tweaking the suspension to suit my tastes as well. Unsatisfied with the rear suspension on my RK I called Howard. We talked for a long time about options and how to achieve the best ride for me with the products that he had. Never did he suggest one product over the other, only offering the pro's and con's of each and allowing me to make a final determination as to what I needed.
Did I ever feel like we were buddies? Not really, that wasn't the nature of our conversation but we did exchange some pleasantries. Would I like to sit around and BS with Howard? Sure, he's an interesting guy with loads of experience that he willingly dispenses if asked for it. I guess many people missed Howard's trailer purchase announcement and all the work he was putting into it to get it ready to go to Daytona.
Sorry some of you guys felt insulted, overlooked or marginalized but this isn't junior high school anymore. Of course you are free to take your business anywhere you like but to do so would be akin to cutting off your own nose to spite your face. In other words, you can buy shocks from numerous places but nowhere will you find the loyal dedication to YOUR riding success that Howard has.
As far as suspension goes: The best you know is the best you've ridden and until you've ridden the best you don't know.
Did I ever feel like we were buddies? Not really, that wasn't the nature of our conversation but we did exchange some pleasantries. Would I like to sit around and BS with Howard? Sure, he's an interesting guy with loads of experience that he willingly dispenses if asked for it. I guess many people missed Howard's trailer purchase announcement and all the work he was putting into it to get it ready to go to Daytona.
Sorry some of you guys felt insulted, overlooked or marginalized but this isn't junior high school anymore. Of course you are free to take your business anywhere you like but to do so would be akin to cutting off your own nose to spite your face. In other words, you can buy shocks from numerous places but nowhere will you find the loyal dedication to YOUR riding success that Howard has.
As far as suspension goes: The best you know is the best you've ridden and until you've ridden the best you don't know.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
This is getting stupid, my only beef was the guy didn't return my calls. Isn't a forum a place to exchange ideas, comments, etc? A few others had the same experience. I can't comment on his personality, because I only briefly spoke with him. But I've dealt with all kind of personalities in real life, face to face. I did get a lot of good info on his site about changing a '00 to run '02+ swing arm.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 2,590
Likes: 31
From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians
So I'm sitting in a bar with a few friends..... in walks some other guys. They start badmouthing one of our friends, who isn't there. What do you think happens then?
Sorry princess..... I stand by my friends.
Sorry princess..... I stand by my friends.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 3,424
Likes: 421
From: Northern, Ohio (Yuck!)
Lol...what a cluster
My as well through my own 2 cents in.
I bought my Ohlin 3-3s from Howard last spring. To say Howard is a crusty individual is an understatement. On the other hand after being schooled in bagger shock 101 by him I believe he has forgotten more about ride control than most experts know.
When I bought the shocks Howard told me to "call him anytime" for help. About a month later on a Sunday I called him to get more info on advanced tuning. I started the conversation by apologizing for calling on a Sunday morning. Howard's reply was, "didn't I tell you to call anytime?"
Thats customer service...
My as well through my own 2 cents in.
I bought my Ohlin 3-3s from Howard last spring. To say Howard is a crusty individual is an understatement. On the other hand after being schooled in bagger shock 101 by him I believe he has forgotten more about ride control than most experts know.
When I bought the shocks Howard told me to "call him anytime" for help. About a month later on a Sunday I called him to get more info on advanced tuning. I started the conversation by apologizing for calling on a Sunday morning. Howard's reply was, "didn't I tell you to call anytime?"
Thats customer service...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 35
And that is it in a nutshell. I have purchased two sets of Ohlins shocks from Howard and have been nothing but completely satisfied. He knows his stuff and doesn't tolerate BS. He even sent me a free set of black springs for my wife's Sportster in case she didn't like the yellow colored springs. I didn't ask for them, he just sent them after remembering our phone conversation that she might not like the look of the yellow springs.
3rd Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Palm beach gardens fl
HOWARD is a great guy and a master of motorcycle supension.I had the pleasure of spending a day and a half modifying both the front forks for my riding style and weight and the rear with Ohlins set up for me. He totally knows his trade inside out, can turn wrenches and a truely nice human and a biker. I have a good time learning and laughing. qMy road king provides comfort and handling well beyond what it should. he always has time for questions........This sounds like a pile metro BS to me........
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
I would have to guess but you probably would all have a good cry and then a group hug so you could bond again.
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3rd Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
From: Hawaii
I have dealt with Howard via phone several times, and he was extremely knowledgeable and helpful, but somewhat terse but that's cool. I ordered a set of 12 in JRI-A shocks from him last week after we talked about my riding style, etc. Also, he is indeed at Daytona, and I believe that is why you haven't heard from him. My shocks came in yesterday (I am in Hawaii), they are awesome. I honestly do not think he was blowing you off; give him a call when he gets back from Daytona...and don't forget to give him your HDForums username. Aloha!