Adjusting Ohlins Shocks
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,578
Likes: 19,790
From: Ramona, Ca
Adjusting Ohlins Shocks
I purchased a used set of the 3-4's from a HD member. Now I need to adjust them to my conditions. I have tweeked on the upper and lower adjustments, but I can not get them to where my bike rides comfortable....I called Howard and he told me that seeing I did not buy them from him he would not help me. Help!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
Did they originally come from Howard, because he custom builds them for the customer and the application. First thing you need to do is validate the springs are correct for your weight and model. Arbitrary tweeking won't get you there. Set the sweep valve at at 12 clicks from closed and leave it alone for now. Adjust the spring preload, to sag 1/3 total stroke. After you get the sag set, you can play with the sweep valve about 2 clicks at a time. Be patient, this is not a quick process, you won't get them tuned in 1 day. The info you seek is here, search the forum threads.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
If you really want to get it right send them to Howard and have him take a look. He will likely charge you for his time, but you would know exactly what spring rate you have. If it is incorrect for you he may be able to fit new springs for you. Also, he can see if there is anything else to recondition. 20.00 for UPS each way plus Howard's time is a small price to get it right.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
#3-3s here. Howard custom builds for each customer, which as fabrik8r points out includes providing suitable springs. If you are the same weight as the seller you got lucky, but if you are much lighter or heavier, you will struggle to get them just right for you.
There will probably be a little leeway, so do as fabrik8r suggests, which is essentially setting the shocks at a neutral starting point. There are a lot of us in here with Howard's shocks, but if between us we can't get them right, then 12hdrk's suggestion is the fallback.
There will probably be a little leeway, so do as fabrik8r suggests, which is essentially setting the shocks at a neutral starting point. There are a lot of us in here with Howard's shocks, but if between us we can't get them right, then 12hdrk's suggestion is the fallback.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
Unfortunately you are dealing with some unknowns, spring rate and valving. You can set the do some messing around to find out of the spring rate is close. I don't have my notes for numbers so maybe someone else has them but here is the general idea. Length A -basically the unloaded shock length eye to eye. Length B -shock length eye to eye with the bike on the ground, no rider aboard, bike upright. Length C -shock length eye to eye with rider aboard bike upright. Ok rider sag is A minus C , and that should be around 30% of total shock travel(whatever Howards site lists as travel) Free sag is A minus B. This number after setting rider sag will tell you whether the spring rate is close or out of spec. If the free sag is too little the spring rate is too light. If the free sag is too much the spring is too stiff. Maybe someone can jump in and give you the numbers that are relevant to your application. The shocks may have been set up for an application too far from what you need that the spring and valving is wrong. Adjusters can only do so much and they cannot change spring rate, they can only change spring pre-load and minor valving adjustments. Maybe I'm wrong too, lol.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 14
From: washington dc
3-3s here. Should be easy to determine spring rate as Howard's springs are different colors. Unless your seller went for custom color, this should not be a problem to determine. I think most riders at about 200# end up w/yellow. I was told yellow are fine for me w or w/o a 130# passenger, so there's a lot of flexibility.
Do what fabrik8r and GRB said, you'll be fine. Set up is a handful to nail, just gotta be persistent and patient. Read everything relevant on Howard's site - more than once.
Do what fabrik8r and GRB said, you'll be fine. Set up is a handful to nail, just gotta be persistent and patient. Read everything relevant on Howard's site - more than once.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 31
From: earth
You could also read the part number on the spring and cross reference it on the Ohlins website or call Ohlins tech support. Most of the springs are available in black or yellow. Verify springs and holler back. There are a few other critical considerations prior to tuning. Shock install alignment to minimize stiction, and don't "crank" on the sweep valve, turn with only two fingers to prevent damage to the valve.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
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From: wet coast BC
I purchased a used set of the 3-4's from a HD member. Now I need to adjust them to my conditions. I have tweeked on the upper and lower adjustments, but I can not get them to where my bike rides comfortable....I called Howard and he told me that seeing I did not buy them from him he would not help me. Help!!
aside from what help has been given, it would be good for you to know if the shocks (spring) were built by Howard and for what weight rider and passenger and then compare that to yourself. As said if the spring is wrong you will never get it to perform.
A great shock must have the right spring choice . That is why off the shelf shocks are one size fits all and will work differently for each.
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