I have read absolutely wonderful reviews about Ohlins shocks, and specifically Howard from Motorcycle Metal and how helpful and patient he is. I took all of this into concideration, the comments about him explaining the difference between his products, how his customer service is second to none. I called him last week to help with my decision between the 2-2b and the 3-3's and was in my opinion given the brush off. He actually said "Where did you hear about me" I responded HDforums, and he told me to go back to the forum and do the research! I was a little put out so I thanked him and ended the call. I figured he might be busy, be having a bad day, etc. I then emailed him with my questions and that was 6 days ago without even a response! I was contacting him to order a set of shocks! If this is the level of service when I am trying to give him money, what can I expect if I have a warranty issue??? Am I alone in this, or is this what is to be expected?

 

Isn't Daytona Bike Week this week? And/or he maybe getting

ready packing/driving to this event.


Either way, good Luck!

YB

 

Bike week is next week, I did not think of that. Thank you for the imput, I feel much better now. I am sure you are right and he is getting ready. I think I will give him the benefit of the doubt and wait a couple weeks and call again. I live in Michigan, so it is a month or so till the snow melts anyway!

 

No it's not what's to be expected. There are a great many happy customers on HDF, including from around the World. I am sure we can answer most of your questions between us, so you are better prepared when Bike Week is over! Be aware that while many of us have Ohlins, Howard is now supplying JRIs as an alternative, so there are plenty of choices.

Fire away!

 

I've spoken with Howard a few times. I'll be nice and say he can be somewhat rude at times. And other times he is a virtual fountain of information he gladly shares.

I guess it depends on what side of the bed he got up on.

And you can always call these guys. Great folks to deal with.

http://www.ohlinsusa.com/

 

I checked his website. He is from New Jersey, and a Vietnam Marine vet. Cut him some slack. Midwesterner's can be put off by Northeastern "brusqueness".

Interested to see how this turns out.

 

I have never dealt with Howard at Motorcycle Metal but I would treat him the way I treat anyone who is rude to me, I would not give him my hard earned money. I have too much self respect for that crap.

 

Go onto Motorcyclemetal's web site. Clinck on Touring Suspension. One will take you to the Ohlin Site and if you scroll to the bottom on the page you will see a link to his JRI shock's. In each site you will be able to download and questionaire. Fill it out and scan/email it to Howard along with a message telling Howard that you will give him a call once he gets back from Daytona. It will be during that converation that Howard will ask you some specific question the answers of which will help YOU make a decision on what brand of shock.

 

I've bought from Howard many times and he is a wealth of knowledge and very straight forward guy , however he is a small shop and my guess would be he is very busy and getting ready for Daytona , when Howard is busy and has a lot going on he can be short and to the point , some may see this as rude , when he has the time he'll talk your ear off , I'd give him another shot , he sells great products , gives forum members a huge discount and stand behinds you after the sale