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[Yellow09SERG]

Installed a set of JRI 13" B shock on the bike in early 2014 and maybe I got my life out of them but didn't get what I expected. Maybe my expectations were to high or maybe not. With about 45,000 miles on them I noticed the polish rod seals on both shocks were beginning to leak and wife was starting to tell me how rough the ride had started to get. With riding season getting ready to start I figured great time to pull them off and send them back to JRI for a rebuild. Sent an email to JRI to find the correct process and get a price quote for rebuild only to find that they could no longer provide seals for these shocks, but it I would send them back they would send me their newest model for $500. I am thinking in my head that I dropped $800 plus on these when they were your lastest and greatest and you already can't service them? Not sure I want to make another $500 + shipping investment on top of the $800  I already spent for a shock that J&P sales for $565. Now all that said I will say these shocks worked very well over their life, handled and road very well.

I am now looking for a shock that handles well for me and rides well for the wife. Ohlins sounds the way to go for a long term product. For looking at their offerings I would say the 159's are what I am looking for, but I see folks here referencing a 3-2 and 3-3. The only place I can find those numbers are from Howard. Can any of you tell me what the difference is between the 3- series and the 159? Any personal experiences with the 159's good or bad?
Thanks
David

[BostonboyDH]

  I replaced my progressive 12 inch 440's that I've had since 2012, last year with the 13 inch 159's and right out the box there is a big improvement with the ride and handling I still need to do some minor tweaking to them but now I need to get the front end straightened out. I have had the progressive front cartridges since 2010 their better than the stock setup but still have some brake dive and I'm still running the original front tire, tread shows about 50% but the compound must be getting hard, the end of last year I felt as if I'm fighting the front end even at slow speed. I'll be going through the entire front end this spring and adding the Ohlins fork cartridges and new tire. You might want to call Pete at www.computrackboston.com He may have some seals laying around for your JRI's as he rebuilds what he sells and is JRI & Ohlins dealer. He's is also a vendor on this site and he'll set you up right what ever direction you go!

[OBB]

The 159 is the 3 series. The -1,-2,-3 indicate length of the shock. Example is the 3-3 is the 13" version of the 3 series shocks.

[Yellow09SERG]

  I replaced my progressive 12 inch 440's that I've had since 2012, last year with the 13 inch 159's and right out the box there is a big improvement with the ride and handling I still need to do some minor tweaking to them but now I need to get the front end straightened out. I have had the progressive front cartridges since 2010 their better than the stock setup but still have some brake dive and I'm still running the original front tire, tread shows about 50% but the compound must be getting hard, the end of last year I felt as if I'm fighting the front end even at slow speed. I'll be going through the entire front end this spring and adding the Ohlins fork cartridges and new tire. You might want to call Pete at www.computrackboston.com He may have some seals laying around for your JRI's as he rebuilds what he sells and is JRI & Ohlins dealer. He's is also a vendor on this site and he'll set you up right what ever direction you go!

Thank you BostonBoy. I'll give him a call and see if he were to have seals for the JRI's and if not I'll go from there

[Yellow09SERG]

The 159 is the 3 series. The -1,-2,-3 indicate length of the shock. Example is the 3-3 is the 13" version of the 3 series shocks.

Thank you OBB for the explanation. That gives me a little better understanding

[KGB]

I am now looking for a shock that handles well for me and rides well for the wife. Ohlins sounds the way to go for a long term product. For looking at their offerings I would say the 159's are what I am looking for, but I see folks here referencing a 3-2 and 3-3. The only place I can find those numbers are from Howard. Can any of you tell me what the difference is between the 3- series and the 159? Any personal experiences with the 159's good or bad?
Thanks
David

I replaced my rear shocks late last year with the Ohlins 772 which is a black version of the 159 and the 3-3 from Howard. Since it was late last season I don't have a lot of miles on them, and made a big improvement in the ride, I also did the FKC102 cartridges in the front. I don't know anything about the other brands out there, but I think just about anything you get is going to be a big improvement over the stock parts.

[FLSTFI Dave]

Just so you know, Ohlin recommend a rebuild of their HD-159 shocks at 30K miles.  I did not notice detereration  on mine at 28K miles, but they Ohlin was in Daytona like every year last year.  And at their booth they rebuilt them.  Left them the socks, they put loaner shock on my bike, came back next day and got my shocks back on.

[2ROWDY]

I ordered 2-2adj from Howard at Motorcycle Metal. Best money I've spent so far.

[Yellow09SERG]

Just so you know, Ohlin recommend a rebuild of their HD-159 shocks at 30K miles.  I did not notice detereration  on mine at 28K miles, but they Ohlin was in Daytona like every year last year.  And at their booth they rebuilt them.  Left them the socks, they put loaner shock on my bike, came back next day and got my shocks back on.

I figured they would fall right in there somewhere for a rebuild. Don't want everyone to take me wrong on the OP, JRI required a rebuild at 30,000 also and that didn't happen. Maybe thats the reason for the leakage, or maybe not but either way, I will own that one, I made that choice.

It is nice to know though that Ohlin provides that type of customer service and support. That just makes the decision easier for me that they are the way to go

[HighOnHD]

I figured they would fall right in there somewhere for a rebuild. Don't want everyone to take me wrong on the OP, JRI required a rebuild at 30,000 also and that didn't happen. Maybe thats the reason for the leakage, or maybe not but either way, I will own that one, I made that choice.

It is nice to know though that Ohlin provides that type of customer service and support. That just makes the decision easier for me that they are the way to go

Another option you may want to consider is Fox Racing Shox.

I ended up getting these here:

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Fox_Racing_Shox_Preload_Rebound_Adjustable_Fox_Sho_p/897-27006.htm

I’ve used Ohlins and Fox on bikes for years. First Fox shocks I got as far back as 1978. I had Ohlins on my last Street Glide and they were fine. I had a similar experience as you had with the JRI. One of mine started leaking before I had 20k miles on them. This time I decided to try Fox on them. I only have about a thousand miles on them at this point, but completely satisfied. They are also rebuildable and Fox has been around awhile, so not worried about it.

Either way both shocks are good choices. I bought the fox shocks with the standard spring. I only weigh 200lbs bare-assed and my wife has her own bike. Almost always ride solo. The pre-load adjuster is essentially in the center of the adjustable range, so good to go there as well. Same for the rebound adjustment. The shocks were listed at $720 on the site, and I got %10 off that with free shipping.

Cheers!

[Yellow09SERG]

I replaced my rear shocks late last year with the Ohlins 772 which is a black version of the 159 and the 3-3 from Howard. Since it was late last season I don't have a lot of miles on them, and made a big improvement in the ride, I also did the FKC102 cartridges in the front. I don't know anything about the other brands out there, but I think just about anything you get is going to be a big improvement over the stock parts.

Thank you for the comparison.

[Yellow09SERG]

Another option you may want to consider is Fox Racing Shox.

I ended up getting these here:

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Fox_Racing_Shox_Preload_Rebound_Adjustable_Fox_Sho_p/897-27006.htm

I’ve used Ohlins and Fox on bikes for years. First Fox shocks I got as far back as 1978. I had Ohlins on my last Street Glide and they were fine. I had a similar experience as you had with the JRI. One of mine started leaking before I had 20k miles on them. This time I decided to try Fox on them. I only have about a thousand miles on them at this point, but completely satisfied. They are also rebuildable and Fox has been around awhile, so not worried about it.

Either way both shocks are good choices. I bought the fox shocks with the standard spring. I only weigh 200lbs bare-assed and my wife has her own bike. Almost always ride solo. The pre-load adjuster is essentially in the center of the adjustable range, so good to go there as well. Same for the rebound adjustment. The shocks were listed at $720 on the site, and I got %10 off that with free shipping.

Cheers!

Thank you for the options. The Fox are probably a very good shock but honestly I will probably stick with Ohlins.

[HighOnHD]

Thank you for the options. The Fox are probably a very good shock but honestly I will probably stick with Ohlins.

Understood. Reading my last post back I can see it was a little confusing. My last Ohlins shocks on my older street glide started leaking prior to 20k miles. Anyway, they worked fine prior to that. I just wanted you to know Ohlins can leak as well as the JRI's you had. This time I figured I would give the Fox shocks a chance. Besides they are made in the USA!

[Yellow09SERG]

Understood. Reading my last post back I can see it was a little confusing. My last Ohlins shocks on my older street glide started leaking prior to 20k miles. Anyway, they worked fine prior to that. I just wanted you to know Ohlins can leak as well as the JRI's you had. This time I figured I would give the Fox shocks a chance. Besides they are made in the USA!

Honestly the leak its what bothers me, no matter what brand your talking about there will be random failures, just the lack of repair parts for a 4 year old product is what bothers me. Seems Ohlin parts are long term available

[J.D.]

The CVO Dynas have rear shocks made by Fox and are incredible.  Fox has been making dirt bike shocks for serms like forever.  I contacted Fox customer service for some general info on the Dyna shocks and they were great to deal with.  Emailed schematic files, answered technical questions, and offered a full factory rebuild service for a reasonable price.  Haven't tried the touring shocks but would recommend the company, generally speaking.

[OBB]

Supershox are another option. Stripclub has them on his bike and loves them.

Another one to look at is Works Performance shocks. They can come with a "quick flip" lever to adjust them from one preload to another. I.E. , you ride solo you one setting, you load the bike down with momma and the trailer, you flip the lever to change the preload. I've seen a set on a bike sitting in a body shop but have not had a chance to talk to the owner about them. I think Fast Freddy on here has used them and really likes them.

[Boatman]

 Sadly Works went out of business last fall when the owner died.  I found this out when I wanted to get my old ones rebuilt as I liked them.  I have since went with Legend Revo shocks front and rear and am happy with them.  They all just cost too much. 

[Yellow09SERG]

Sadly Works went out of business last fall when the owner died.  I found this out when I wanted to get my old ones rebuilt as I liked them.  I have since went with Legend Revo shocks front and rear and am happy with them.  They all just cost too much.

Yes sir they do

[HOGMIKE]

Sadly Works went out of business last fall when the owner died.  I found this out when I wanted to get my old ones rebuilt as I liked them.  I have since went with Legend Revo shocks front and rear and am happy with them.  They all just cost too much.

Those who have Works shocks that need servicing may look at a local dirt bike shock.
I have a local shop here that have used those shocks for years and have the adapters, seals,etc to rebuild the shocks as long as they are in decent shape.
Just a thought for those (like me) who like the ride.
JMHO

[Yellow09SERG]

Ok, the JRI's are in a box in the corner of the garage. After several conversations with a few members (Thank you Ed and Harry for the guidance) a new set of Ohlin 159's are on the bike. Install them Wednesday and was only able to make a short ride with the wife before the weather went to crap but we were thinking, Hummm this feels pretty good. Well the weather cooperated today and we got a dinner ride out of the day, right at 150 miles. Well our feels pretty good has turned into damn these are good!!! Really good, made one rebound adjustment this afternoon and we are already better than where the JRI's ever were. The down side to the best feeling we have had on the rear has started to show how bad the front is. So I guess the next project will be the Ohlin 101 front cartridges. If any of you are on the fence about wanting to fix the rear suspension, I would highly suggest the Ohlin 159's

[RoadTrip]

Happy to hear they are working out.

I installed Ohlin Blackline 772s on mine a month ago and we just returned from our first long distance (800 mile) ride. We were fully loaded and the rear suspension performed flawlessly. The pillion boss was very pleased. Don’t know why I waited so long...easily the most impactful mod I’ve made to any of my bikes.

I’m going the live with the front suspension for as long as I can...not yet dissatisfied enough to justify a $1K outlay. Then again, I’ve never had better.

[JCZ]

A couple of threads on here regarding the Super Shox.....and lifetime warranty to original purchaser.

[FlaHeatWave]

Ok, the JRI's are in a box in the corner of the garage. After several conversations with a few members (Thank you Ed and Harry for the guidance) a new set of Ohlin 159's are on the bike. Install them Wednesday and was only able to make a short ride with the wife before the weather went to crap but we were thinking, Hummm this feels pretty good. Well the weather cooperated today and we got a dinner ride out of the day, right at 150 miles. Well our feels pretty good has turned into damn these are good!!! Really good, made one rebound adjustment this afternoon and we are already better than where the JRI's ever were. The down side to the best feeling we have had on the rear has started to show how bad the front is. So I guess the next project will be the Ohlin 101 front cartridges. If any of you are on the fence about wanting to fix the rear suspension, I would highly suggest the Ohlin 159's

For me, the Front was the real pig on the '09... Upgrading the front will transform the whole Bike,,, might take some miles for the front to "settle in" and some small tweeks to match up the rear...

For any good Suspension, the Front and Rear have to play well together...

[FlaHeatWave]

Happy to hear they are working out.

I installed Ohlin Blackline 772s on mine a month ago and we just returned from our first long distance (800 mile) ride. We were fully loaded and the rear suspension performed flawlessly. The pillion boss was very pleased. Don’t know why I waited so long...easily the most impactful mod I’ve made to any of my bikes.

I’m going the live with the front suspension for as long as I can...not yet dissatisfied enough to justify a $1K outlay. Then again, I’ve never had better.

Having a Rushmore Front End, you might not get as much an improvement as us pre-Rushmore folks,,,

 

[Yellow09SERG]

For me, the Front was the real pig on the '09... Upgrading the front will transform the whole Bike,,, might take some miles for the front to "settle in" and some small tweeks to match up the rear...

For any good Suspension, the Front and Rear have to play well together...

Ed,
Alway knew the front was bad, but now I know how bad. I am planning on doing the 101 cartridge up front, now it just a decision if I want to do it at the house or is it worth the money to have it done. Never tore into a front end before and am kind of leaning toward doing it at home for the learning experience. Thank you for the help.