Shocks

[tom_hudson]

Has anyone bought a set of Ohlin shocks - These guys are big money for this farm boy - but I just wonder how much a difference they really make? If they make a huge difference I might buy for a set for my r100 - I was talked into a set of progressive springs for my Valkyrie big dollars and & couldn't hardly tell any difference -

These Olins run 700 to 1,500 bucks - I'm just looking for a comphy ride - I'm sure the ride would be better but is it worth spending this kind of money on a driver?

[Bob_Roller]

IKON shocks, the reincarnation of KONI shocks, are about $330US for a pair .

A few members here have Hagon shocks and are quite satisfied with them .

I personally don't think that the Ohlin shocks are worth it in an airhead application .

[tvrla]

Back in the days when I had money I got a set of Ohlins for my 100S. I didn't really notice much of a difference over the old Konis. But good shocks are like that - they don't jump out at you and say "See how good I am! See much better the ride is!!!"

No, they don't because they do a disappearing act. The road and bumps disappear. It's easy to notice something that intrudes on your awareness, and much tougher when something's gone. Not there. Vanished.

You have to know how the bike used to behave and compare how it is now. Not easy.

When I got a wrecked R11S with Ohlins and put them on my bike I was IMPRESSED! Let me tell you - it was dramatic. Before that I didn't go out of my way to get quality shocks. After that I was sold!

But I didn't notice much of a difference on the 100S. That said, I'm not completely happy with the Konis on the LS. And the front definitely needs more attention. I'm seriously considering installing cartridge emulators. They made a world of difference on the G/S.

[tom_hudson]

 i have issues with my back - I sometime hit a pot hole or bad road that really doesn't help - I got my Harley dialed in but the r65 can be a buck board on some roads - i need to do something to the old girl to make a little more enjoyable ride. I don't ride the bike hard - I take her out for exercise out on country roads 2 or 3 evenings a week for an hour or so. Plus I ride it around town often. If it's really hot out it's a better choice than the Harley - The Harley turns into a BBQ when setting at stoplights! The r65 has the OEM seat that's very hard that might be part of my problem - tom

[nhmaf]

I agree with Bob - the IKONs are good units, and the Hagons can be had with springs to match your weight and are good units.   I've got Progressive shocks (inexpensive) on my R65 - they were certainly better than the worn out, saggy stockers, but they are kinda stiff - they handle pretty well for spirited riding, but it is hard to get them adjusted for a less aggressive mode.

On another note - I thought that your (relatively new) H-D Ultra had a feature that basically shut down fuel/power to the rear cylinder when stopped for awhile to reduce the 'roasted nuts' effect?