I started this in
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=38797.0 but wanted to continue in a deeper thread...The main reason for all of this was
http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=38415.0;all because momma wouldnt ride with me!
I just returned from a 1200+ mile trip thru the midwest... Everything from crap roads to super smooth new tarmac.
If you didnt read the above thread, I have a 08 SERK... Did a TON of research here and on the HDForum. After all the comments here I went with the Bitubo's.... Unfort they just didnt fit the 08 (The group @ Traxxion was GREAT!) With a week to go before my trip I decided to give Ohlin's a shot.
Contacted Howard at motorcyclemetal.com and explained the situation. The guy talked my ear off while I learned a great deal about suspension technology. He was very good about not bashing any other mfg or brand, and had a great deal of respect for the guys @ Traxxion.
We spoke about progressive, Bitubo and a few other brands out there discussing the pros and cons. After learning much about the Ohlins and the race technology of the super bike companies who use them I was sold. He had me fill out a form with a ton of detail on my weight, bags, rider / BSR perentage. Because I needed them fast, he had them drop shipped from Ohlin pre set for my bike.
They arrived two days later and I took them right over to my shop... I was able to do a great comparison between the Bitubo (bags off), Progressive and the Ohlins (see the above first link)
So off on my trip I go and hit my home state crappy roads. Huge craters still rocked my spine, but didnt bottom out the bike. All the little stuff like man hole covers didnt even shake the bike. Once we hit smooth roads she felt like she was on rails. It was a weird feeling, but when i hit bumps, it felt like the tire was actually pushing down, on the rebound. I emailed Howard numerous times and he answered all my questions very quickly from the road... I wanted to make adjustments to the pre-load, but he said to ride it out. I was solo w/ about 40lbs of luggage...
Going thru the Tunnel of Trees in MI (our version of Tail of the Dragon) I was amazed how great the bike handled and how crappy the front end was (I am going to Traxxion for their AK-20 setup soon) Once in the smooth roads of the UP, it was a pleasure... The last night of the trip all of the bikes (about 20 of us) played dealer test ride
swapping bikes... We had everything from a 650cc Bergman Scooter (FAST little sht!) to Goldwings... Everyone was really impressed with the ride (and the 110cc!) I had a very jealous RoadKing owners!
Today was the true test... Took momma out for a ride (her first on the new setup) Emailed Howard to see if I should change anything and he said just go.... She is 110lb so it was not a big weight difference. From the 2nd thread at the top you will she the problems she has with bumps...
I was blown away that the bike rode BETTER with her weight on it! Other than a few craters we hit, nothing was bad at all.. I went over a few that previously actually launched her in the air with the stock air shocks, and while it wasnt a cush ride, we stayed on the seat and didnt have to get our spines checked. Momma is very happy...
All in all I am very pleased... I want to fiddle with the adjustments, but I think I am going to let it alone... Going to talk to Howard in the am about getting the preload better set for solo as I was jealous of the dual ride today...
Quality and customer service is what I got... And they didnt cost more then the Bitubo's and just a tad more then the Progressive 440's..... A 100+ % improvement over the stock crap from harley!
Just to be clear, I dont work for howard and I paid full price for them (he does give a discount for HD Forum Members)
I look forward to doing the Traxxion or XFactor front end VERY soon!
Scott
Author
Topic: Best Shock Upgrade - 08 Serk (Read 1572 times)