Shock performance with lightweight rider
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
Shock performance with lightweight rider
I ride an 09 Ultra Classic and would like to improve the ride. I can't get the stock air shocks to ride like I want--big surprise, right?
I weigh 160-165 and my wife is around 115. I would like to know if shocks like JRI and Ohlin will be equally effective for lightweight riders as they are for heavyweights.
I'm thinking about getting the emulsified shocks. I'm ready to make the switch, just looking for a little input.
Thanks
I weigh 160-165 and my wife is around 115. I would like to know if shocks like JRI and Ohlin will be equally effective for lightweight riders as they are for heavyweights.
I'm thinking about getting the emulsified shocks. I'm ready to make the switch, just looking for a little input.
Thanks
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Yes they will be. The reason is that if you buy them from HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal they will be built with springs and damping to match your weights. I have the separated Ohlins from Howard, which give superior damping (I understand!) than the emulsified. Give Howard a call and he will explain all about shocks and give you the info you need to finalise a choice. Best to not have any strong preconceived ideas, as I found myself!
You will find the ride is far superior to what you currently have. For a 'little input' simply use search for 'ohlins', but stand back!
You will find the ride is far superior to what you currently have. For a 'little input' simply use search for 'ohlins', but stand back!
Thread Starter
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 1,692
Likes: 22
From: Denham Springs, La
Hi Graham
I've pretty much decided to go with Howard. I've talked to him 3 or 4 times and I understand he knows what he's doing and the shocks he sells and customizes are some of the best.
I talked to him on the phone Tuesday. He was quite busy at Daytona and we had to cut our conversation short even though he spent a good deal of time with me. Now I'm waiting for him to get back to his shop to finalize the deal.
I knew squat about shocks before I started talking to him about a year ago and now I know a lot more but there's still a lot to learn. I've read lots of threads on shocks here and learned a lot also.
I'm mostly wanting to know if there are any "quirks" associated with shocks as well as the Harley shock mounting geometry that would favor one weight category over another. Mainly checking to see experiences others have had.
I've pretty much decided to go with Howard. I've talked to him 3 or 4 times and I understand he knows what he's doing and the shocks he sells and customizes are some of the best.
I talked to him on the phone Tuesday. He was quite busy at Daytona and we had to cut our conversation short even though he spent a good deal of time with me. Now I'm waiting for him to get back to his shop to finalize the deal.
I knew squat about shocks before I started talking to him about a year ago and now I know a lot more but there's still a lot to learn. I've read lots of threads on shocks here and learned a lot also.
I'm mostly wanting to know if there are any "quirks" associated with shocks as well as the Harley shock mounting geometry that would favor one weight category over another. Mainly checking to see experiences others have had.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Don't try to learn as much as Howard! He's been custom building shocks for many years now, by which I mean he constructs the internal dampers to his own recipes, so to speak. He started by building Penske racing shocks for our Glides and that must take some effort. In addition he uses a local race track and racing style telemetry to develop and refine his handiwork.
Since taking on Ohlins he has more recently started with JRI as well. They are a US firm, whereas Ohlins stuff probably flies over my home here in the UK, on its way to the States! Howard will provide enough info for you to decide which model is most suitable for the two of you. Just get it done asap! You have a treat in store, I can promise you.
Since taking on Ohlins he has more recently started with JRI as well. They are a US firm, whereas Ohlins stuff probably flies over my home here in the UK, on its way to the States! Howard will provide enough info for you to decide which model is most suitable for the two of you. Just get it done asap! You have a treat in store, I can promise you.
Last edited by grbrown; Mar 16, 2013 at 02:03 PM.
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