I'm in the process of upgrading the horrible stock suspension on my 2004 RK. I've got a set of Ohlins 2-2B shocks on order through Howard at MotorcycleMetal. Now I need to address the front end. I would prefer a drop in setup that I don't need to constantly tinker with. I've been looking at the Ohlins cartridges, but there isn't a lot of useful reviews out there. I don't mind spending the money if they're worth it.

Anyone here running them? If so, what's your honest assessment?

 

They were announced about 2 years ago, but from what I can make out they have only recently become readily available. If you use Search for 'FKC 101' you will find there are only 15 threads about them in here, so it seems that it is early days right now! I have to admit they are a very attractive idea.....

 

i rode a bike ohlins had set up last year at their booth in sturgis. It was very smooth. The roads in the area were smooth compaired to my area and lacked a lot of undulations or many imperfections so I am not sure how they do in potholes and concrete bridge lips etc.

 

I'm a little leery of vendor demo products. They usually have them worked over to the point they are way better than actual results with a particular product.

 

I'm Not sure about all of that but I too was hesitant on buying them. I was offered free installation after purchase in their facility so they could document the process via video as they wanted use the video to help promote the item. I had to bring the bike in or ship my forks. while a very nice offer I didn't buy a set. I haven't had good luck with their top of the line rear shocks. Infact I have not tried the new set they sent me replacing the set I sent back. They are sitting in a box in my garage since last summer and more than likely will remain there.

The front suspension was very nice when I rode it though.

 

As I mentioned above there are only 15 threads on HDF that mention these cartridges, most of which I have now read through. It seems they produced a small batch last summer and a few were sold through limited suppliers. I suspect the demo bike at Sturgis and the set Hog was offered were probably from that batch.

As for their shocks I've been riding on mine for around five years now and they are the only way to travel!

 

Aren't electrically/electronically adjustable shocks and cartridges right around the corner?