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[dayne66]

I'm not dis-satisfied with my Monotubes...but, can't help but wonder what these are like.

http://www.ohlins.com/About-the-company/News-new/Motorcycle-product-news-for-2014/

EICMA also saw the unveiling of an all-new Fork Cartridge Kit developed specifically for the Harley Davidson FLH/FLT Touring Bagger range. The FKC 101 kit has been specifically designed to offer high-end cartridge damping, ensuring riders receive maximum comfort and vehicle control, making riding on the road an ultra-smooth experience.

 With Öhlins NIX technology, which features rebound damping in one leg, and compression damping in the other to maximise the damping that is available. The system is easy to install for an Öhlins trained technician and with a number of optional spring rates available, the FKC 101 kit is suitable for every biker, regardless of rider weight, preference, riding style or motorcycle use.

[FLHTCUSE7]

Perfect!

I am getting a set.

[eleft36]

"which features rebound damping in one leg, and compression damping in the other"

My imagination is running away with this vision, one side resisting the other.
Is all this stress on the axle?
Al

[FLHTCUSE7]

There will be no additional stress on any axle

[grc]

"which features rebound damping in one leg, and compression damping in the other"

My imagination is running away with this vision, one side resisting the other.
Is all this stress on the axle?
Al

Stress on the axle isn't a problem, but "stiction" in the forks is potentially a big problem.  Harley forks are already rather flimsy and flexible (thus the change for 2014 to a larger diameter tube), so anything that creates unequal forces from one side to the other can affect the smoothness of operation as well as long term durability.  Unless the Ohlins folks have some magic in their kit I don't know about to fix the inherent flex problem of the Harley forks I don't see this being a great idea for the long term.  But to each his own.

If you ever installed a fork brace on a motorcycle you were trying to fix the problem I'm talking about, btw.  If it's a problem when both sides are set up the same, it makes sense it will be a bigger problem when each side is set up differently.

Jerry

[FLHTCUSE7]

HD suspension has always been subpar, the 2014 is no exception.

My hope is that with a kit from Öhlins the front can finally be at least acceptable.

Off course it depends in how and where you ride. Someone that just rides from bar to bar or stay on the express ways might feel that the OE suspension is just fine, and it kind off is for that type of riding.

The solution is not new and no magic is needed. Many rear shocks use the same technology today.

[05Train]

Stress on the axle isn't a problem, but "stiction" in the forks is potentially a big problem.  Harley forks are already rather flimsy and flexible (thus the change for 2014 to a larger diameter tube), so anything that creates unequal forces from one side to the other can affect the smoothness of operation as well as long term durability.  Unless the Ohlins folks have some magic in their kit I don't know about to fix the inherent flex problem of the Harley forks I don't see this being a great idea for the long term.  But to each his own.

If you ever installed a fork brace on a motorcycle you were trying to fix the problem I'm talking about, btw.  If it's a problem when both sides are set up the same, it makes sense it will be a bigger problem when each side is set up differently.

Jerry

Agreed.

Going to a clamping top tree (like the CCE) will help keep the forks from moving around, but the flex in the tubes themselves will still be an issue.  Inserts like this in a 2014 should be the cat's ass.

[NYSport]

I'm most likely get a set, it won't cure all of the front suspension ills but it should be a huge step up from the stock garbage.

[INDEPENDENT_1]

Thanks for posting, been waiting for this to be released since I heard about them several months ago. From what I was told then, they are very similar to the AK-20 kits and FWIW, the AK's operate the same way as these are described. They have a high quality, progressive wound, weight specific spring in each leg and one leg dampens compression while the opposite leg dampens rebound. The AK's work fantastic, really, so I see no need to be concerned about some of the things mentioned here. As someone else posted, the larger, more rigid tubes and the pinch bolt on the top tree that is standard on the 2014 models should be more icing on the cake.

Anybody heard anything on pricing?

ADD: A steering damper would nice also IMO.

[NYSport]

I heard sub $1k.

[FLHTCUSE7]

I heard sub $1k.

Worth it in my opinion.

[NYSport]

Worth it in my opinion.

My thought exactly.

[DAW]

I was about ready to order Traxxion AK-20 for my 09 CVO RoadGlide and Bitubo rear shocks. anyone know what the Advantages or Disadvantages of these new Ohlins front suspension would be...

[INDEPENDENT_1]

Going only off the picture from the link and nothing stating otherwise in the article, it appears the Ohlins do not have the ability to adjust the compression and rebound valving externally. If they do, it must not be with a knob on the fork cap like the Traxxion system. Really, that is pure speculation at this point. There's just not much information in the article about them. 

[FLHTCUSE7]

Going only off the picture from the link and nothing stating otherwise in the article, it appears the Ohlins do not have the ability to adjust the compression and rebound valving externally. If they do, it must not be with a knob on the fork cap like the Traxxion system. Really, that is pure speculation at this point. There's just not much information in the article about them. 

I will be surprised if they offer an adjustment. I believe they will offer a few different spring rates but that's about it. (I am guessing)