Have never been pleased with the stock suspension on most HD bikes (Softail, Dyna, Touring). After a lot of research I found many positive reviews about Ohlin suspension and lots of folks on this forum mentioned Howard Messner at motorcyclemetal.com. Checked out his website and narrowed down my selection to #3s that would lower the bike but still provide enough travel. After talking with Howard, describing my setup and riding conditions, he recommended the #2-2A. His price was great, shipping was fast and shocks arrived within a week. Followed his instructions for installation and tuning. It's been about 3 months now and after having them on my 15 RoadGlide Special, I deinstalled them and transferred them to my new 2020 RGS. Definitely a marked improvement over stock HD shocks. No more spine rattling jolts when hitting pot holes or bumps. Might need to lower the front a little as the geometry has changed and I do notice a little push-out when going into tight turns. Other than that, great shocks and great experience.

Ohlin #2-2a on 2020 RGS.

 

I had a great experience with Howard too.

 

Ohlins are great you will love them!

 

After researching rear shocks for 3 months before pulling the trigger, I got my Ohlin #2-#3s from Howard a little over a month ago and very happy with the much improved ride (both solo and 2-up), price and service. Couldn't be happier, except for the realization how bad I now need front shocks!

 

I really need to do my garage floor & want to coat it like yours. Is it easy to find dropped parts such as bolts, washers, and the like? You need to fill up your garage with stuff. I am sure I can help you out. Thanks for all.

 

Hey Howard, Interesting you ask about the floor. I love the look and feel of the garage floor but can't find a darn thing when I drop it..especially nuts&bolts. Just built the garage last year so it's gonna take some time to fill it with toys/tools.

Thanks for supporting us!

 

Nice ride and nicer Ohlins. I also have the 2-2a on my King and I agree with your assessment. I'm looking to get a pair for my Sporty, but I don't ride it much.

On the garage floor, I had the same in my garage when I lived in SoCal. The only way I found the small stuff was to turn the lights out, get down on my hands and knees and shine a flashlight.

 

Ditto on the epoxy garage floor.... same issues as above... but I wouldn't trade it for anything else...

FWIW... I thought about just going the grey color, no flakes.... but I was assured by many that the flakes keep the surface from being really slippery... Even with the flakes, my floor gets a little slick, when wet... it would be like ice without them...




PS-
GlidinRide.... It doesn't take too long to fill up the garage space... if you are motivated...

 

Another thumbs up for Howard and Ohlins. We spoke on the fone for a while, before and after the sale. Even gave me advice with the girl I was dating at the time. Hahaha...good guy to talk to. The shocks are a big improvement over stock yes.

 

While I am in this thread, I need to give Howard a shout out, too. After many years of Harleys and 'other' shocks, I finally got some Ohlins from Howard. Now I am pissed I waited so long to do it. While I do not know Howard personally, I can say, he has integrity, he is a perfectionist, and he is extremely busy! The shocks were worth the wait.

My FLH is now amazing! It is more compliant in corners, and has a more connected feel to the road. Sure you still feel bumps, but they are different, more controlled, more absorbed. The dips that used to send a shock wave up my spine, are not problem anymore. I don't think about freeway overpasses anymore. Hitting a dip in a fast sweeper does not upset the bike. Even my seat is more comfortable! My back thanks you Howard! Now I just need to slow down, I am grinding up my floorboards!