Topic: Howard's 30MM Ohlins kit for Harley forks (Read 22261 times)

garya1 · « **on:** April 20, 2015, 09:01:11 AM »

My experience:
I have had 4 sets of Traxxion Dynamics installed on: 2001 SERG, 2002 Vrod, 2007 SEUC, 2013 Dyna Switchback, 1 set of Storz / Cerrani on 2006 Dyna and a Progressive Monotube on a 2002RK.

I just recently put Howard's 30mm Ohlins Kit on a 2015 SERG and I have a set for a 2006 Dyna that will be installed shortly. I have access to a lathe so I did both conversions myself. This was not too difficult but Howard will do the conversion for you for about $100 per leg, with all machining included. Just like the TD upgrade, you must use a flapper wheel or lathe to remove the check valve. Additionally you must then cut 0.150" from the top side of the fork tube. For the average home job, you can do it easily if you have a local machine shop do the cut of 0.150". Howard stayed involved with advice and instruction throughout the process. I have never dealt with someone who always answers his phone and always takes the time to explain things.

Our stock Harley 49mm forks have 4.6" of travel (2015), Howard's Ohlins Kit has around 7 inches!
Benefits of Howards kit:
1) External compression dampening adjustment on left fork cap.
2) External rebound adjustment on right fork cap.
3) External spring preload adjustment of 3/4" on BOTH fork caps.
4) On 2015 SERG BOTH compression and rebound adjusters are accessible with nacelle covers in place!
5) Over 50% increase in front end overall travel.
6) Non of the above are included in ANY of the other three brands (Traxxion, Storz or Progressive)
7) I can actually tune for one up /two up in about 1 minute, just like you can with the rear shocks.

Results:
I really cannot compare this 30 mm kit by Howard with any of the other brands listed. This is because THERE IS NO CAMPARISSON!! Howard's system is by far, hands down, no exaggeration, the very best Bagger front end I have ever even dreamed of.

With about 2 1/2" of sag dialed in this thing is like riding a cross between a Cadillac and a Ferrari. Plush and firm at the same time if that makes any sense. Cornering, straight line stability, tracking over rough spots are all unbelievably improved! I have put about 700 miles on the bike in the past week. The first trip was a 300 mile loop from Stockton thru Santa Cruz, Half Moon Bay and back to Stockton. We hit freeways, mountain two laners, Highway 1 up the coast and across the San Mateo Bridge with all of the expansion joints.

During my initial test ride and subsequent test rides, I was never able to wipe the grin off my face. Even my wife (who is kept ignorant of upgrades for her own peace of mind) commented on "HOW nice the bike rode".

Up until the first ride with these forks, the Traxxion system was my benchmark for front end performance. It is a very good system. However, it is only a 20mm cartridge and Howard's is a 30mm cartridge with external adjustments.

The Howard / Ohlins 30mm system from Motorcycle Metal is absolutely a giant leap ahead in ride quality, ride performance and tune-ability. It is miles ahead of the competition and my new benchmark for front end upgrades. Nothing really compares.

Note: no photos to post because it all LOOKs stock.

tj316 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 20, 2015, 05:45:43 PM »

I've been running them on my 2011 FLTRX along with his triple trees converting it to a 49mm tree for a while . There is no comparison to anything currently available to us. Your grin will never go away and only get bigger when riding with others and you see a rough road ahead and you accelerate while they are slowing down.

garya1 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 20, 2015, 09:18:19 PM »

Yes, We rode with my friend on his 2005 CVOUC with stock front forks and progressive 440 rears shocks. Every time we hit rough rode, our grins grew bigger as we watched him pogo-ing down the road.

Did you also put Howard's 13 5/8 inch stroke rear shocks on your FLTRX? I think stock was 12"

?

tj316 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2015, 03:24:38 PM »

Quote from: garya1 on April 20, 2015, 09:18:19 PM

Yes, We rode with my friend on his 2005 CVOUC with stock front forks and progressive 440 rears shocks. Every time we hit rough rode, our grins grew bigger as we watched him pogo-ing down the road.

Did you also put Howard's 13 5/8 inch stroke rear shocks on your FLTRX? I think stock was 12"?

Howard built me a custom set of his #6's (Ohlins HD-357) , he made them 12.323" long , they are great

garya1 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2015, 06:28:20 PM »

Howard built me a custom set of his #6's (Ohlins HD-357) , he made them 12.323" long , they are great

He is shipping ,me the standard #6 rears for this bike tomorrow. I currently have the JRI shocks on it. They are good, but the #6 have 20% more travel. did you notice the difference in 10% more travel with your custom set?

donvito · « **Reply #5 on:** April 26, 2015, 11:47:58 AM »

Subscribing. I have a 12 CVO RG, they have the stock 41mm forks, will the 30mm kit fit in the 41 mm tubes? im leaning towards the 6's for my rears, couldnt help smiling reading garya1s post. I live and ride the same area, and 580 both east and west of the altamont is horrendous.

SDCVO · « **Reply #6 on:** April 26, 2015, 11:14:41 PM »

I have had Howard's 6's for almost 30000 miles, they are fantastic! As I stated on a couple of other threads I blew up my motor a few weeks ago and am waiting on my new 124 so I have been renting Limited's for the last couple of weekends. I have probably taken the 6's for granted after all this time but after doing 450 miles this weekend and 300 last on the stock suspension, I will never do that again. Huge-huge difference!

garya1 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 27, 2015, 05:52:06 PM »

Quote from: donvito on April 26, 2015, 11:47:58 AM

Subscribing. I have a 12 CVO RG, they have the stock 41mm forks, will the 30mm kit fit in the 41 mm tubes? im leaning towards the 6's for my rears, couldnt help smiling reading garya1s post. I live and ride the same area, and 580 both east and west of the Altamont is horrendous.

You will not go wrong with the #6s. Unfortunately the 30mm Ohlins kit from Howard will not fit the 41mm forks. Of course you can upgrade to the 49mm forks.

Then his kit will fit perfectly. It's just that after 1,000 miles on those forks from Howard, I cannot bear to think of you riding the 580 without them.

donvito · « **Reply #8 on:** April 27, 2015, 11:38:47 PM »

Quote from: SDCVO on April 26, 2015, 11:14:41 PM

I have had Howard's 6's for almost 30000 miles, they are fantastic! As I stated on a couple of other threads I blew up my motor a few weeks ago and am waiting on my new 124 so I have been renting Limited's for the last couple of weekends. I have probably taken the 6's for granted after all this time but after doing 450 miles this weekend and 300 last on the stock suspension, I will never do that again. Huge-huge difference!

I have the same CVO, where did you mount the reservoir? Is it hidden?

SDCVO · « **Reply #9 on:** April 28, 2015, 12:43:59 AM »

Yes, it is hidden behind the bag.

North Star · « **Reply #10 on:** April 28, 2015, 10:32:12 PM »

Quote from: tj316 on April 20, 2015, 05:45:43 PM

I've been running them on my 2011 FLTRX along with his triple trees converting it to a 49mm tree for a while . There is no comparison to anything currently available to us. Your grin will never go away and only get bigger when riding with others and you see a rough road ahead and you accelerate while they are slowing down.

Welcome to the forum newbie!

North Star · « **Reply #11 on:** April 28, 2015, 10:37:05 PM »

Yeah, if you have a pre 2014, you could upgrade to the newer forks/triple trees and use the kit that the OP is talking about, but I think by the time all the parts are bought, you are looking at like $3000 or something crazy.

The Ohlins set up for the pre 2014's is the Ohlins FKC 101 cartridge kit. Howard does the discount on those, and I believe he puts on the appropriate spring for your weight. I plan on ordering those soon....my one and only major mod this year.

garya1 · « **Reply #12 on:** April 29, 2015, 12:46:13 AM »

Quote from: North Star on April 28, 2015, 10:37:05 PM

Yeah, if you have a pre 2014, you could upgrade to the newer forks/triple trees and use the kit that the OP is talking about, but I think by the time all the parts are bought, you are looking at like $3000 or something crazy.

The Ohlins set up for the pre 2014's is the Ohlins FKC 101 cartridge kit. Howard does the discount on those, and I believe he puts on the appropriate spring for your weight. I plan on ordering those soon....my one and only major mod this year.

I think that is probably the most impact on performance after a pipe/tune. For a single mod, you chose wisely. You will still be able to modify compression with oil level. For $3,000 it is better to just upgrade to a 2015 CVO.

I for one want to hear your thoughts after installing.

Gnarl78 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2015, 08:43:37 AM »

Quote from: garya1 on April 29, 2015, 12:46:13 AM

I think that is probably the most impact on performance after a pipe/tune. For a single mod, you chose wisely. You will still be able to modify compression with oil level. For $3,000 it is better to just upgrade to a 2015 CVO. I for one want to hear your thoughts after installing.

Ditto. I've been considering replacing the Monotube cartridges with the Ohlins on my 2008 CVO Ultra.

NYSport · « **Reply #14 on:** May 24, 2015, 09:55:21 PM »

I think I'm going to spend the dollars and upgrade my 2012 FLTRXSE to Howard's setup. I had a Ducati hypermotard and added Ohlins cartridges, all I can say is wow. On the track the front end felt so much better and the confidence level went way up. Knowing what's going on with the front wheel is worth everything.

ltank · « **Reply #15 on:** July 04, 2015, 10:33:51 PM »

Do recommend a fork brace when using the Ohlins 30mm cartridges? I have a Custom FatBob front end with FXDWG Length fork tubes on my FXR4 CVO.

ltank · « **Reply #16 on:** July 04, 2015, 11:12:40 PM »

I checked Howard ' s website. No Price. How much are the 30mm cartridges?
Thanks

SDCVO · « **Reply #17 on:** July 04, 2015, 11:28:48 PM »

Quote from: NYSport on May 24, 2015, 09:55:21 PM

I think I'm going to spend the dollars and upgrade my 2012 FLTRXSE to Howard's setup. I had a Ducati hypermotard and added Ohlins cartridges, all I can say is wow. On the track the front end felt so much better and the confidence level went way up. Knowing what's going on with the front wheel is worth everything.

Looking forward to hearing about them after you try them out. Also curious what else you will need to change to make them work and if it will be all worth it.

garya1 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 05, 2015, 01:04:54 AM »

Howard answers the phone 24/7. I would call him for price. I bought several things at once, 2 fork kits and two sets of rear shocks.

For the 2012 you can just get the 25mm kit for under $1,000. No need for trees and tubes and other expensive items. FKC 101, is the model for your year, I think.

Again, call Howard, he can run it down in 5 minutes or less.

SDCVO · « **Reply #19 on:** July 05, 2015, 01:50:23 AM »

Quote from: garya1 on July 05, 2015, 01:04:54 AM

Howard answers the phone 24/7. I would call him for price. I bought several things at once, 2 fork kits and two sets of rear shocks.

For the 2012 you can just get the 25mm kit for under $1,000. No need for trees and tubes and other expensive items. FKC 101, is the model for your year, I think.

Again, call Howard, he can run it down in 5 minutes or less.

I got my Ohlin 6's from Howard a couple of years ago when I first got my bike and when I lost 165 lbs, he completely rebuilt them for me at a very reasonable price. Great fair guy. He told me to get the HD premium cartridges for the front at that time as the Ohlin's weren't available at that time, not sure its worth it now. The HD's do seem to work pretty well.

db252 · « **Reply #20 on:** July 05, 2015, 11:10:07 PM »

Well my forks are on the way to Howard now and I'm already looking forward to getting them back and experiencing all the positive results others have had. Considering and will probably fall quickly into buying the 6's for the rear to complete the perfect suspension world.

SDCVO · « **Reply #21 on:** July 06, 2015, 12:10:58 AM »

Quote from: db252 on July 05, 2015, 11:10:07 PM

Well my forks are on the way to Howard now and I'm already looking forward to getting them back and experiencing all the positive results others have had. Considering and will probably fall quickly into buying the 6's for the rear to complete the perfect suspension world.

You have to remove the forks and send them?

donvito · « **Reply #22 on:** July 06, 2015, 12:31:59 AM »

I had heard his price is $900, how much more does he charge to set up and install if you send him the forks

garya1 · « **Reply #23 on:** July 06, 2015, 10:00:34 AM »

I did the install myself on a 2015 SERG and also on a 2006 dyna. Not too hard but you need access to a lathe to take 0.150" off the top of each fork tube.

Howard charges about $100 per fork leg to do the machining and installation. I think this includes fork oil for each fork which is about $15 per for leg.

db252 · « **Reply #24 on:** July 06, 2015, 03:30:16 PM »

Quote from: SDCVO on July 06, 2015, 12:10:58 AM

You have to remove the forks and send them?

You don't have to but I didn't want to chance anything so I sent them back without the springs and cartridge. Plus, I had some front end damage a month back and he is going to make sure everything is true. You can have the kit sent to you but like stated above, you have to make some modifications.

ltank · « **Reply #25 on:** July 06, 2015, 11:16:10 PM »

He doesn't do kits anymore. To avoid someone having a problem and saying things to tarnish his reputation.

ltank · « **Reply #26 on:** July 09, 2015, 06:27:10 PM »

After much looking and consideration and pricing options. I am over sticker shock and conclude that Howard's is the best. No guessing about it. He offers proven set up. With the shocks I ordered, seat mods, floorboards and finally will order the Ohlins 30mm cartridges and get them installed at Howard's. As hot as it is its no big deal. I Ride in mornings when not so hot but I hate being not able to Ride for a few weeks. But afterwards, I can smile in comfort while everyone else cringe ' s when approaching bumps.

db252 · « **Reply #27 on:** July 11, 2015, 01:50:54 AM »

I'm sure you have made a great choice and I don't even have mine back yet to convince you with another positive review yet. On a side note, I did fold and bought the #6 rear shocks and those are on their way to me now. Ohlins all around soon.

covgrt · « **Reply #28 on:** July 12, 2015, 11:39:24 AM »

What are you using in the rear

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

covgrt · « **Reply #29 on:** July 12, 2015, 11:51:33 AM »

I see now do you have much trouble between 2 up and 1 as far as weight

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

Bruce2018cvorg · « **Reply #30 on:** April 22, 2020, 06:25:46 PM »

I too am about to install Howard’s 30mm cartridges into a 2018 cvorgs. Fork tubes have been modified and will install tomorrow. I already have the 044’s in the rear. Garya1 would you mind sharing your setup numbers with me? You mentioned you have yours set up to 2.5” of sag. Is that static sag (no rider) or rider sag (you on the bike)? What is your rear set up?

Hoping this does the trick as I am very disappointed with the ride and handling...

Bruce2018cvorg · « **Reply #31 on:** May 23, 2020, 12:04:36 PM »

Recently install this kit (30mm Ohlins) and have not been able to make it work to my satisfaction yet. I can make the forks bottom too easy (in my opinion) with front brake. I will admit that I may not fit the mold of the normal Harley rider. No amount of compression damping or preload adjustment can stop it. Also increased the oil level above the recommended level in an effort to get an increase air spring effect at the end of stroke (bottomed out). The existing setup from Howard comes with a 10N/mm spring in each side. I called Ohlins and spoke to a technical rep regarding my setup and he said that Ohlins would not use a 10M/mm spring in a Harley bagger. He Recommended 12 which is what they use in their new setup for my bike. Hmmm... an engineering company that just happens to have specialized in suspensions. I’m going to go out on a limb here to say that they have probably done the necessary engineering as well as testing to come up with that solution.

Once the new springs come in I will tear into it once again! New springs and an oil level of 140mm is where I’m
headed.

Unbalanced · « **Reply #32 on:** May 23, 2020, 02:57:42 PM »

Was the kit supposed to come with 12 mm from Ohlins or was this a Howard kit ?

Bruce2018cvorg · « **Reply #33 on:** May 24, 2020, 08:02:43 AM »

Gary, how loud is the bang as the forks bottom when you grab a handful of front brake?

Claysmithjr · « **Reply #34 on:** July 31, 2023, 08:13:55 PM »

Aloha, I know this is probably a dead thread, but had a questions for the original poster or anyone else running Howard’s Ohlins 30mm Road & Track.

I am also running Howard’s 30mm Ohlins in my 2017 FXDLS with an FXRT fairing; however, have not been able to set them properly since Howard’s passing 😢. I currently have 9.5Nm springs with 14 rebound, 10 Compression, and 13 preload. It seems a bit off, and sits with 2+ inches of sag so the front is dipped more than stock suspension. I recently bought a set of 12Nm springs I plan on dropping in this week. Can anyone tell me what setup and springs they are running in their 30mm Ohlins? Mahalo.

Claysmithjr · « **Reply #35 on:** August 03, 2023, 08:09:49 PM »

So I installed the 12N/mm springs and completely transformed the ride. I have to thank Kevin from BBP for the assistance and spring recommendation. 5mm preload and 6 clicks of each Compression and Rebound. Will continue to dial in the last two, but so much better and no longer hear the twang of the springs.

Author Topic: Howard's 30MM Ohlins kit for Harley forks (Read 22261 times)