hi guys,

Bit the bullet and replaced the shocking stock shocks with a pair of Ohlins from Howard at Motorcycle Metal. #2 #2(A)

Just took the bike for a quick spin this avo and I can't believe the difference. No more choppy, stiff ride, the teeth aren't chattering anymore and I don't have to stand up on the floorboards at speed humps.

I will post pics and more info over the weekend, can't wait to take it out again, feels like a different bike.

The shocks are 1' shorter (12') but I cannot feel the difference, doesn't feel lowered.

Didn't have too much time to play with the spring adjustments either. Just bolted it on and ran.

Now the front shocks feel like in need for improvement, maybe I was a little bit too harsh with it trying and hitting all the holes on the road.

 

ride safe!

 

You will find a huge difference, although I think the ohlins are a bit overspecd for a Harley frame. Unfortunately you will find out everything else that is lacking now, as in front end and frame flex, clearance.... LOL.....I had them on a worked GSX14 and they really did make a diff on it. If you ride the bike normally they'll be great, if you try to push it too far it'll shit on you. enjoy.....

He has some good gear on that site, Glad you are happy with your shocks, I put a set of ICONS on my 07 kingy and they made a big difference so I can only imagine how good the OHLINS are. I fancy a set of the brembos and floating rotors he has advertised---cheers Grim

finally got a bit of time and adjusted the shocks, they came with a 180lb spring and I am just 175, so to have the recommended sag with rider on I had the springs extended to maximum.

still the sag is just close to the reccomended value, it wil only drop 20mm instead of 25 but I a m told that it needs a little bit of time to break in, so I will check it again after 1,000km.

however, the ride is great, it improved unbelievable, they might be overspecd for a HD... I dont know, but what a great ride. the bike is far more stable and runs like on rails, probably a bit better even for a safer ride as you are not looking as much as before at the road for avoiding bumps.

overall I give them a big thumbs up, thank you Howard at motorcyclemetal for guiding me through the process.

here is a link to a short video of before and after https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=senD5q10_J0&list=UUTumpe53yV7DxUhWIINs7Cg&index=1&feature=plpp_video

 

ride safe guys!

Yeh they will need just a few rides around the block to break in but shouldnt sag much more than that.
What is the static sag, that is sag without the rider. If you lift the bike till the shocks top out then let it rest while holding upright, get someone to measure the static sag. If it's only 2 or 3 mm then the spring is too stiff. 20mm of rider sag will let the shock top out under heavy braking that may cause problems. That spring is fully wound out so 20mm isnt enough sag for the shock to work well. Ok if you're riding 2 up though.