These high-performance nitrogen over-oil shocks were designed with Öhlins specifically for Screamin’ Eagle Factory Team race bikes. They are monotube design with a remote reservoir that are completely adjustable to match a riding style using an tune-able preload spring to set sag and fine tune adjustments for compression at the reservoir and rebound at the bottom of the shock.
Installation is straight forward and easy if you have Sockets, Torx Bits, Allen Bits, and of course a Torque Wrench.
You will need to have the rear suspension off the ground. It’s much simpler if you have a lift with a jack under the frame.
1) PREPARE FOR REMOVAL
a) Set vehicle upright.
b) Secure with tie-downs.
c) Raise rear of vehicle.
d) Remove saddlebags.
2) REMOVE OLD SHOCKS
a) Remove upper and lower shock absorber mounting bolts, lock washers and flat washers and remove shock absorber.
i) Save screws and washers for later use.
b) Remove OE screws from fender strut.
a) Install appropriate spacers into mounting bracket. Apply thread locker to mounting spacers. Loctite 262 High Strength (Red) and tighten and torque to 8 ft-lbs.
i) NOTE
(1) For spacer selection, reference the accessory that is used on the vehicle.
(a) Short Spacer: Use with Tour Pak or saddlebag support insert. Other accessory inserts can be used like the 4-Point Docking Hardware Kit.
(b) Long Spacer: Use with fender strut insert.
bb)b) Apply thread locker to long screw. Loctite 262 High Strength (Red)
i) Note
(1) The installation calls for Loctite 262 High Strength (Red), I chose to use Loctite 243 Medium Strength (Blue) which would make for easier disassembly in the future without stripping Allen heads.
c) Install mounting bracket and install screws. Tighten and torque to 20 ft-lbs.
d) Install flat head screw in reservoir clamp. Do not tighten completely.
4) INSTALL SHOCK ASSEMBLY
The shock lengths are set to stock at factory. You will most likely run into issue with holes not being perfectly aligned on both sides for both shocks. I found the easiest way to do this was to start on the right-hand side of the motorcycle. Partially install lower bolt assembly into shock and swingarm. Raise and or lower the jack to line up the hole with top bolt assembly and install bolt into upper frame. Then continue to the left side and repeat the same steps to install the bolts. If you don’t do this pressure will be required to align the hole for the bolt and you can easily cross thread hardware and fight yourself starting the bolt. Do not forget to use the provided washers on the inside of the shock as the stock assembly only used washers on the outside.
a) Note:
i) Reuse original OE mounting hardware.
b) Apply thread locker to each mounting bolt. Loctite 243 Medium Strength (Blue)
c) Important:
i) Install screw to shock assembly using original washer on outside and the provided kit washer to the inside of the shock to the frame side.
d) Install screws to frame. Do not tighten completely.
e) Repeat procedure for other screw.
f) Tighten screws and torque to 63–70 ft-lbs.
5) INSTALL RESERVOIR
a) Install reservoir in clamp bracket.
b) Adjust as needed for proper hose routing.
c) Install clamp bracket to mounting bracket.
i) Note:
(1) I found it easier to install the brackets to the mounts then insert and tighten the reservoir.
d) Install screws and tighten and torque to 62 in-lbs.
e) Tighten screw flat head screw and torque to 27 in-lbs.
f) Secure hose with cable straps.
6) NOTE
a) Öhlins shocks are pre-set at Harley-Davidson’s original equipment length.
b) Adjusting length could result in tire and fender contact or axle and muffler contact at travel limits on some vehicles.
c) Reference Öhlins owner’s manual for: Setting up, adjustments, spring preload, compression damping, rebound damping adjust length and general setup.
7) Install saddlebags.
8) Lower rear wheel.
I chose to leave the shock preload alone and rebound alone while only adjusting compression to 15 clicks. This is handled by turning clockwise until it stops and turning adjuster to first click. This will be 0 for both rebound and compression. Then count your clicks for the appropriate setting.
After the first mile on these I was totally impressed and sold with a night and day difference. I started to try and find as many bumps as possible, as I couldn’t believe the difference this setup makes. It is so much smoother, as the compression and rebound work perfectly with my ass staying in the seat without feeling like I would be ejected sometimes or crushing my spine on a bump.
-Misled
