CVO Technical > Wheels/Tires/Suspension/Brakes

Howard's 30MM Ohlins kit for Harley forks

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garya1:
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:
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:
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:

--- 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"????

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

garya1:

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?

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