Installed Ohlins on 2010 Road King
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
The reason you haven't seen springs posted about on here yet, as you put it, is because most of us have bought our Ohlins from an HDF sponsor who ensures he supplies the correct rate when new. The lesson you have learned is to never buy shocks, especially expensive ones, in a box off the shelf! Buy them from a dealer who does that for you and actually provides a thorough and competent service.
You have put yourself to a lot of unnecessary trouble and effort. I installed mine, set their sag, and Mrs B and I have been happily riding on them ever since! Simples.
You have put yourself to a lot of unnecessary trouble and effort. I installed mine, set their sag, and Mrs B and I have been happily riding on them ever since! Simples.
The reason in post, guys, is to help contribute as I can from working a very common and sometimes difficult upgrade.
Hopefully some folks appreciate the extra effort!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
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From: wet coast BC
you mentioned that SAG was around 25mm or 1/3 stroke. That makes the shock sit at 12" with rider. did you compare this to your stock shocks?
I posted this when I got the JRI 13B for the FLHX that the stock shock is 12" with or without a rider, thus the harsh ride, the JRI is 13" without and 11.8" with rider weight set at 1/3 sag.
Perhaps if that is taken into account then the Ohlins too will work on the FLHX. What is the eye to eye measure with rider added weight?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
The very first thing you do when installing shocks is to determine whether or not the installed spring rate is correct. If you had done the 3 shock length measurements after installing the shocks(or after the break-in) you would have known where you stood as far as the spring rate spring rate goes. When you received the shocks do you get a detailed sheet on how to go about this? If not you need to contact whomever you bought the shock from to get the details on these 3 measurements and how they relate to spring rate. Sure beats changing springs at a whim and guessing at spring rates and sag settings.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
Once I came across a graph/table of the spring rate choices and how they applied to weight. I did not bookmark and have not been able to find it again. It visually showed what sel53 changes relate to.
your post goes a long way to show how off the shelf shocks no matter brand do not fit everyone.
your post goes a long way to show how off the shelf shocks no matter brand do not fit everyone.
From memory. there are 3 sizes used for touring springs 23N, 25N & 27N. The 23 overlaps 25, the 25 overlaps the 27 at total weight (bike, rider etc). so if you are in the area of overlap with weight you have the option of softer or harder ride feel with two spring choices, if not then there is only one spring choice. sag can be set using preload with any of the three for the same weight, but if you so not need the 27 for the weight then the ride will be harder than with a 25.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
Sel53
you mentioned that SAG was around 25mm or 1/3 stroke. That makes the shock sit at 12" with rider. did you compare this to your stock shocks?
I posted this when I got the JRI 13B for the FLHX that the stock shock is 12" with or without a rider, thus the harsh ride, the JRI is 13" without and 11.8" with rider weight set at 1/3 sag.
Perhaps if that is taken into account then the Ohlins too will work on the FLHX. What is the eye to eye measure with rider added weight?
you mentioned that SAG was around 25mm or 1/3 stroke. That makes the shock sit at 12" with rider. did you compare this to your stock shocks?
I posted this when I got the JRI 13B for the FLHX that the stock shock is 12" with or without a rider, thus the harsh ride, the JRI is 13" without and 11.8" with rider weight set at 1/3 sag.
Perhaps if that is taken into account then the Ohlins too will work on the FLHX. What is the eye to eye measure with rider added weight?
There are some subtle changes in feel because of this, but not what i would expect from lowering ... It is not any slower feeling, if anything it is quicker. Maybe there is a different F/R weight distribution?
I think the three measurements 1/4 racer is talking about must be the free length of the shocks (weight off wheels), the free or static sag (weight of bike only on the ground), and rider sag (weight of bike +rider on the ground). Ohlins has a nice writeup on this in their user manual online.
The 3 spring rates you mention are what have read also. I have the 25N/mm right now which is ok but still a bit firm for one up; i think i am on that edge you mention so i am going to give the 23 a try.
I'll post some interesting numbers when i get home.
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
sel53, your shock supplier didn't supply suitable springs! You've been put to a lot of unnecessary trouble due to that. 'Nuff said.
1Canuck, the stated length of a shock is eye-to-eye before installation. So a 12" shock may sag a little under the weight of the bike, then a bit more when the rider(s) sit on it. If it has say 3" total travel, then with sag set correct at 1/3rd the ride height will actually be 11". The benefit of Ohlins/JRI and similar shocks, which have fine adjustment of sag, is that ride height can be corrected to compensate for changes of payload - or solo, duo, loaded to the gunnels! Both Ohlins and JRI are available with different eye-to-eye lengths.
1Canuck, the stated length of a shock is eye-to-eye before installation. So a 12" shock may sag a little under the weight of the bike, then a bit more when the rider(s) sit on it. If it has say 3" total travel, then with sag set correct at 1/3rd the ride height will actually be 11". The benefit of Ohlins/JRI and similar shocks, which have fine adjustment of sag, is that ride height can be corrected to compensate for changes of payload - or solo, duo, loaded to the gunnels! Both Ohlins and JRI are available with different eye-to-eye lengths.
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