FLHX Shocks
You aren't kidding
I did a bunch of research, and figured out the JRI 12" are the ones for me. This forum lead me to Howard. Thing is - I've called and emailed Howard a bunch of times. I read all the bad press about him, his harshness on the phone being an issue for some, etc.
So, I was lucky enough to be on a business trip in Ft. Lauderdale, so I went to meet him. I know what his problem is... he tries to help everyone all the time... and it's his own fault! I was with him about 90 minutes and in that time, he had about 20 calls and answered every one of them. His biggest work-related issue is "time-on-the-phone management." His biggest personal issue is that he is very hard of hearing; as in - don't try to talk to him on a bluetooth device or speaker phone, he won't hear you at all.
But when it comes to knowledge and brains on how much he knows about shocks... this guy puts all others to shame. Got a few things to fix myself before going for the 12" JRI's, but I intend to do this with no more guessing what to buy on my part.
Last edited by MikeAKQJX; Aug 22, 2013 at 11:01 PM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Hi Mike,
Living in the UK I've never met him, just spent about an hour on the phone a few years ago. Been riding on his Ohlins ever since! Someone posted some photos of him on HDF, while he was at a event fitting shocks, and we joked that he doesn't look anything like we expected him to! He's a treasure we must all enjoy and benefit from.
Living in the UK I've never met him, just spent about an hour on the phone a few years ago. Been riding on his Ohlins ever since! Someone posted some photos of him on HDF, while he was at a event fitting shocks, and we joked that he doesn't look anything like we expected him to! He's a treasure we must all enjoy and benefit from.
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
You will always get conflicting answers if you ask a question in here! We all have different experiences and solutions. I was in the very same circumstances as you (with my older bike) so I did as bigdady suggests - phoned Howard at HDF sponsor Motorcycle Metal. I have his custom built Ohlins and not only do we no longer bottom out, but ride quality is far better than ever before and we have been enjoying them for four years now. Howard now offers JRI shocks as well, also discounts to members. Give him time to get back from Sturgis!
I've done a lot to my bike, and by far, the Ohlins were the best mod so far.
You can hit curves flying with these things and never feel unstable.
Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: omaha
I bottomed out and blew out one of my 412HD's after about 2 months, I had the preload set to the firmest position and I weigh 170 and ride solo, these shocks do not belong on a heavy touring bike and could cause you to lose control.
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