New JRI "B" shocks
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley, Ca
Update
Initially mounted the shocks on my own then removed the shocks after speaking with Howard, needed to assure they are mounted properly (in plane) between frame and swing arm mounting points. Howard spent at least 45 min. with me on the phone to assure I understood mounting, setting sag and setting damping. Only put 100 or so miles prior to leaving for Sturgis (1500 mi from NorCal). The first 1500 on them I was happy but not ecstatic. Saw Howard and the shock designer Jeff at the Rapid Harley and they insisted on getting my bike to them for a once over. They set the sag for two up but left it a little low so I probably won't have to reset for 1 up. That seems to work fine.
Bottom line is they are superb riding, 4000 miles over every type of terrain and not a single bottom. I am at 22 clicks although they were suggesting 16 to 18 with two up. I will play with that some.
Though my feet are still flat on the ground (32 in inseam) I am contemplating lowering blocks since my left leg touches the head pipe sometimes, yeoooow!
Can't say enough about the customer service from Howard and Jeff,
I can now say I am ecstatic, probably the single best purchase to date. Wifey Happy- Davey Happy!
Cheers
Bottom line is they are superb riding, 4000 miles over every type of terrain and not a single bottom. I am at 22 clicks although they were suggesting 16 to 18 with two up. I will play with that some.
Though my feet are still flat on the ground (32 in inseam) I am contemplating lowering blocks since my left leg touches the head pipe sometimes, yeoooow!
Can't say enough about the customer service from Howard and Jeff,
I can now say I am ecstatic, probably the single best purchase to date. Wifey Happy- Davey Happy!
Cheers
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
not seeing how to mount them improperly with only a two bolt hole location.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Having mounted my Ohlins, some aftermarket shocks require spacers in the right places, so the shock is correctly aligned, top and bottom. If not, there is a risk of them being pulled out at top or bottom.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 132
Likes: 0
From: Silicon Valley, Ca
The shock mounting locations at the frame and swingarm must be on the same plane, if not you can ruin the shocks fairly quickly. You need to perform a basic measurementon your bike to know if shimming is required. The right side on my bike was in plane so no need for a shim (washers), the left side required a shim on the top mount due to the swingarm being out of plane towards the wheel.
All this info. comes from Howard and his website.
Cheers
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
The shock mounting locations at the frame and swingarm must be on the same plane, if not you can ruin the shocks fairly quickly. You need to perform a basic measurementon your bike to know if shimming is required. The right side on my bike was in plane so no need for a shim (washers), the left side required a shim on the top mount due to the swingarm being out of plane towards the wheel.
All this info. comes from Howard and his website.
Cheers
All this info. comes from Howard and his website.
Cheers
& remember that:
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 615
Likes: 36
From: tx
even after getting the shocks set up perfect,do they take the initial jolt out of the bike when going over a bridge that has a 2 inch or more diff. in road.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,464
Likes: 4
From: On. Canada
Howard installed my new shocks at Rapid Harley. Had me go out 3 times for ride quality checks and adjusted on two returns. Third time was perfect. I have over a thousand miles on them now and will re-adjust in a day or two. Does howard know his stuff...absolutely. Are the shocks better then OEM and worth the money. Yes, definitely.
Always hated the OEM shocks and this is a much improved ride and handling. Anyone that is happy with there OEM shocks and gets to ride a bike with Howards shocks installed, is in for a very pleasant surprise. Howard will take the time to make sure they are setup right and that you're completely happy with them. Cant think of anything else i bought in the last 40 years, where the seller was as concerned about there customers as he is.
Always hated the OEM shocks and this is a much improved ride and handling. Anyone that is happy with there OEM shocks and gets to ride a bike with Howards shocks installed, is in for a very pleasant surprise. Howard will take the time to make sure they are setup right and that you're completely happy with them. Cant think of anything else i bought in the last 40 years, where the seller was as concerned about there customers as he is.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,474
Likes: 1
From: Acworth, Ga
Big Brown should be dropping off my shocks today 
2 questions..
Are the shims (washers) included??
Once the sag is set up, say for 2 riders, and you end up going solo..is there a need to adjust the dampening based on loaded weight? Or just the sag?
2 questions..
Are the shims (washers) included??
Once the sag is set up, say for 2 riders, and you end up going solo..is there a need to adjust the dampening based on loaded weight? Or just the sag?