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[Ripcord]

Left side

[tlr]

Very nice job. Looks like a clean install. I bet it was pretty nerve wracking.  Well done! Look forward to a review when you get out there.

[willyB]

Saw this on Facebook today.

[SDCVO]

So, OK, the Ohlins are on  and we have two days of good old NE weather so not conducive to giving them a work out. Glad to share my thoughts ... just so you know, I have very limited mechanical ability and a useless set of tools. On the plus side, I have a very smart wife!

~ Product: received very well packaged including instructions. They look great and too bad the saddle bags will hide them
~ Howard's extras: Emails you detailed instructions over and above the Ohlin instructions including what tools you should have on hand. Explains set-up and theory on how shocks work. He also includes in the box all the various nuts, bolts, brackets, tie wraps, spacers, etc., that you will need for the install. Wants to be on the phone with you during the install, and in my opinion, you should definitely take him up on the offer.
~ Things I needed to buy: aforementioned J&S jack (or whatever jack you choose) - J&S is an easy-to-use jack and once you get past the bike tipping onto and off the jack (very scary) works as advertised. Check out their video on youtube. I also had to buy an electric cutting tool (for removing a bracket on the left-side saddlebag support) and a longish measuring caliper - both bought at Harbor Freight and very inexpensive. I had on hand, believe it or not, a pretty good selection of wrenches, ratchets and even a fairly good Torque wrench. I also had my wife ready with note paper and pencil to capture Howard's hints and also to take sag measurements while I sat on the bike.
~ A word about Howard: Howard has an abundance of patience - he spent most of Friday on the phone with us and then another half day Saturday to set up the shocks. Spent enough time with us so we had a good understanding of sag, compression and rebound and how important it is to check your settings after riding until you get the right combination of settings that feel good to you. I found him to have a good sense of humor and could take it as well as give it out. He knows his stuff and is most concerned that you are happy with your purchase. I know I can call him at anytime should I have any questions or concerns. "nuff said - he's a good guy"
~ Difficulties: The only part that I was concerned about was the mounting of the canister on the left side of the bike. I have a FLTRXSE (the rear lights are installed on the skirt between the fender and the saddlebag) and on the left side there is not enough room to mount the bracket that holds the canister. That's the reason I needed a cutting tool. I had to cut through the weld of the bracket on the saddlebag that is designed to attach bad guard surrounds. First time using a cutting tool and I set the dogs blanket on fire - I was using the blanket to protect my bike - not a good thing. I owe our dogs a new blanket!
~ Conclusion: Anyone with rudimentary skills (or none) can do this job. I would not attempt to do it, however, without the help, coaching, and swearing that Howard heaped on me - he taught me a lot including to have more faith in my skills. Little does he know! So here are some pics of the final product - the weather is supposed to be up to 60 degrees Wednesday so I'll give them their first run then.
First two pics are right side - the side you can use the mounting bracket to attach the canister.

Great job! I had mine professionally installed and they look exactly like yours.. Now go enjoy them!

[Ripcord]

Thanks guys! Quick follow up - nice day today so took the bike out for a 15 mile run to test the shocks. Fantastic! Felt good, handles great and a lot more comfortable on our NE roads. Tried to avoid the big holes in the road so as not tho through off the settings - just trying to get a feel for it. One thing I noticed that's going to cost me more $ in the future - when the front wheel hit a moderate road imperfection I felt the impact - but felt no impact on the rear wheel ... hmmmm, can you say Ohlins springs? Maybe next year ....

[porthole]

Who is Howard?

And I see a market for someone with the skills and knowledge to make up set of billet clamps.

[rheiner]

Who is Howard?

And I see a market for someone with the skills and knowledge to make up set of billet clamps.

Howard Messner
Motorcycle Metal
http://motorcyclemetal.com/

[tlr]

I am also thinking about getting the 6's. I have a 15 SG CVO and looking at these pics gives me concern that the install is not straight forward at all. I do not want to start cutting anything on the bike. Any thoughts or more details would be helpful. Thanks

[Ripcord]

The removal of the bracket on the left-hand saddlebag support gave me the shivers too but it's actually not a big deal. Firstly, if you don't have or plan to install bag protectors (ones that surround the bags front to rear) you don't need the bracket. After I did it my way, I was told that all you need to do is score the bracket weld from behind, then use vice grips to bend it back and forth until it comes off. BTW, it can always be welded back on if needed when you sell the bike and want to remove the Ohlins. It has to be done though to fit the Ohlins canister unless you want to mount them to your tourpak. There are probably other ways to do it so just do a search on Ohlins 6.

[Ripcord]

Porthole .... I'll buy!! Like mine contrast cut

[TinSpinner]

Who is Howard?

And I see a market for someone with the skills and knowledge to make up set of billet clamps.

Skills I have, knowledge is subjective. With a little more detailed info I know we can make the clamps; I am a mechanical engineer and own a contract design and manufacturing company. How large is the market though for mounting $2K shocks?

[Ripcord]

Well, keep in mind these Ohlins are used on many, many bikes besides HDs so the market might be quite large. Of course balancing that with the fact that all makes of bikes come in all shapes and sizes. These shocks are used extensively on race bikes, BMWs, Ducatis, etc. BTW, discount offered thru RoadGlide.org (if you were a member) is quite significant and brings them well below the $2k mrk.

[Trans am]

Ripcord.    You felt same thing  I did.  The front end now feels every bump in the road and the rear does not.   Dang.  Now do I change the front too ?    Arrrrrrr.     

[Ripcord]

Yep ... maybe we can hit Howard for a twofer - have to be next year though

[tlr]

I had to reinvent the brackets to mount the reservoirs as the 14 does not have a round support to mount to, its more of a bracket..

can you please describe more as what you had to do to reinvest the brackets.  I have a 15 SG CVO and trying to determine what needs to be done and if it is within my skillset. Thanks

T