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Öhlins Suspension for Harley-Davidson: Complete Shocks & Fork Cartridge Buying Guide
Öhlins is a leading manufacturer of premium motorcycle suspension systems, known for its advanced damping technology, precision engineering, and motorsports heritage. From Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles to performance Dyna and Milwaukee-Eight Softail builds, Öhlins suspension upgrades are designed to improve ride quality, handling, traction, and rider control.
At Get Lowered Cycles, we carry Öhlins rear shocks, STX36 Blackline suspension, STX46 Softail shocks, NIX22 and NIX30 front fork cartridge kits, and complete performance front fork assemblies for compatible Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Whether you're upgrading a Road Glide for long-distance touring, building a performance bagger, or improving your Low Rider S suspension, this guide explains the differences between popular Öhlins products and how to select the correct setup.
Öhlins STX36 Rear Shocks for Harley Touring
The Öhlins STX36 is one of the company's most popular rear suspension platforms for Harley-Davidson Touring motorcycles.
Designed around a 36mm monotube damper, the STX36 family includes configurations ranging from simpler preload-adjustable shocks to premium externally adjustable reservoir systems.
Depending on the specific model, STX36 shocks offer:
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Adjustable spring preload
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Rebound damping adjustment
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Compression damping adjustment
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Shock length adjustment
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High-pressure nitrogen gas-charged construction
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Low-friction seals and precision-machined components
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Serviceable and rebuildable designs
Not every STX36 shock includes every adjustment. The exact features depend on the specific Öhlins part number.
Öhlins HD 050 and HD 051 STX Pro Blackline Shocks
The Öhlins STX Pro Blackline represents a premium rear suspension option for Harley Touring riders.
These shocks use external reservoirs and provide independent adjustment capabilities for riders seeking greater control over suspension behavior.
The HD 050 and HD 051 feature an all-black design, including black reservoirs, black hoses, and updated compression adjusters.
HD 050: 12-Inch STX Pro Blackline
The HD 050 provides a nominal 12-inch configuration for compatible Touring motorcycles.
Shop Öhlins HD 050 12" Blackline Shocks
HD 051: 13-Inch STX Pro Blackline
The HD 051 offers a nominal 13-inch configuration, giving riders an alternative when selecting rear ride height and suspension travel.
Shop Öhlins HD 051 13" Blackline Shocks
Both systems are intended for compatible Harley Touring motorcycles and include reservoir mounting hardware.
Öhlins also offers premium STX36 reservoir shocks under other part numbers, including the HD 044 and HD 779.
Öhlins HD 775 and HD 777 Blackline Shocks
The Öhlins HD 775 and HD 777 offer Blackline rear suspension options for compatible earlier Touring motorcycles.
These shocks provide an alternative to the more expensive remote-reservoir configurations.
The HD 775 is a nominal 12-inch option, while the HD 777 is a nominal 13-inch option.
For riders who prioritize improved damping and suspension quality without requiring the full range of premium external adjustments, these models are worth comparing.
The exact adjustment capabilities, mounting requirements, and available spring rates should be confirmed for the selected part number.
Öhlins Rear Suspension for Harley Dyna
Harley-Davidson Dyna motorcycles are particularly popular platforms for suspension upgrades.
The Dyna's conventional twin-shock rear suspension allows riders to select different shock lengths, spring rates, and damping configurations to suit street riding or more aggressive performance applications.
Öhlins HD 764LE Dyna Shocks
The Öhlins HD 764LE is a premium STX36 Blackline rear suspension option for compatible Harley Dyna models.
Its features include:
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36mm monotube damper
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Piggyback reservoir construction
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Adjustable rebound damping
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Adjustable compression damping
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Adjustable spring preload
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Adjustable shock length
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High-pressure nitrogen gas-charged design
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Multiple available spring rates
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Serviceable construction
These features make the HD 764LE a strong option for performance-oriented Dyna riders seeking independent damping adjustments.
Shop Öhlins HD 764LE Dyna Shocks
Choosing 12-Inch vs. 13-Inch Dyna Shocks
Shock length affects rear ride height and motorcycle geometry.
A longer shock can raise the rear of the motorcycle, potentially increasing cornering clearance and changing steering response.
However, the actual effect depends on the motorcycle's original shock length, loaded sag, tire dimensions, and suspension configuration.
Before installing longer shocks, verify:
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Rear tire and fender clearance
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Belt or chain clearance
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Exhaust and foot-control clearance
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Suspension travel
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Available extension and compression clearance
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Loaded suspension sag
Longer shocks are not automatically the best choice for every Dyna.
Öhlins STX46 Rear Shocks for Milwaukee-Eight Softail
Unlike Dyna and Touring motorcycles, 2018-up Milwaukee-Eight Softail models use a single rear shock mounted beneath the seat.
Öhlins offers its STX46 suspension platform for selected Softail applications.
Öhlins HD 516 Softail Shock
The Öhlins HD 516 uses a 46mm monotube damping system with a high-pressure gas-charged design.
Features include:
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STX46 monotube construction
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Adjustable rebound damping
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Adjustable spring preload
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46mm piston diameter
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Multiple spring-rate options
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Precision-machined components
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Low-friction seals
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Serviceable and rebuildable construction
The HD 516 is a popular option for compatible Heritage Classic, Low Rider S, Low Rider ST, and other specified Softail configurations.
Shop Öhlins HD 516 Softail Shock
Other Öhlins Softail Rear Shock Options
Öhlins also offers additional STX46 configurations under part numbers such as HD 514, HD 515, and HD 517.
These are designed for different Softail chassis and ride-height requirements.
For example, a rear shock designed for a Fat Bob should not automatically be considered compatible with a Low Rider ST or Heritage Classic.
Always verify the exact Öhlins product's model-year fitment, shock dimensions, and spring configuration.
Öhlins NIX22 vs. NIX30 Front Fork Cartridges
Front suspension is critical to steering control, braking stability, traction, and motorcycle handling.
Öhlins NIX cartridge systems replace the original fork damping components with performance-oriented assemblies.
The NIX design separates compression and rebound damping functions between the two fork legs.
This allows individual adjustment of each damping function and offers an alternative to conventional factory fork internals.
| Feature | Öhlins NIX22 | Öhlins NIX30 |
|---|---|---|
| Cartridge family | NIX22 | NIX30 |
| Damping design | Separate compression and rebound circuits | Separate compression and rebound circuits |
| External damping adjustment | Yes, on applicable kits | Yes, on applicable kits |
| Spring preload adjustment | Yes, on applicable kits | Yes, on applicable kits |
| Applications | Selected Touring, Dyna and Softail forks | Selected Softail, Touring CVO and other applications |
The number in the product name identifies the cartridge platform. It does not by itself establish that one kit is a direct replacement for the other.
The correct cartridge is determined by the motorcycle's original fork construction and the manufacturer's application listing.
Öhlins FKS 228 / FKS 231 NIX22 for Harley Touring
The FKS 228 and FKS 231 are popular NIX22 cartridge configurations for compatible Harley Touring motorcycles.
They use Öhlins NIX technology with compression damping in one fork leg and rebound damping in the other.
Adjustments are accessible through the upper fork assembly.
Depending on the specific kit configuration, features include:
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External compression adjustment
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External rebound adjustment
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Spring preload adjustment
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Available spring-rate options
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Suspension lowering or standard-height components
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Öhlins fork oil requirements
The FKS 228 and FKS 231 packages can differ in included installation components, so always verify kit contents before ordering.
Shop Öhlins FKS 228 / FKS 231 NIX22 Cartridge Kit
Important fitment note: Öhlins identifies clearance exclusions for certain Road King and Electra Glide Highway King headlight nacelles, along with CVO motorcycles using specified 21-inch front wheel arrangements.
Newer Touring models may also require modification of the factory fork cap covers.
Öhlins FKS 508 NIX30 for Low Rider S, Low Rider ST and Fat Bob
The FKS 508 NIX30 cartridge system is designed for selected Harley Milwaukee-Eight Softail motorcycles with compatible inverted front forks.
Popular applications include specified Fat Bob, Low Rider S, and Low Rider ST models.
The kit features:
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NIX damping technology
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Separate compression and rebound adjustment
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External spring preload adjustment
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30mm cartridge platform
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Multiple spring-rate options
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Model-specific cartridge dimensions
The FKS 508 is particularly appealing to riders seeking more precise front-end damping control on performance Softail builds.
Shop Öhlins FKS 508 NIX30 Cartridge Kit
Before purchasing, verify the motorcycle's exact year and front fork configuration.
Öhlins FKS 527 NIX30 for 2024-Up CVO
Harley-Davidson's newer CVO Touring models use different front suspension components from many earlier Touring motorcycles.
Öhlins offers the FKS 527 NIX30 cartridge kit for compatible CVO Road Glide and Street Glide applications.
The kit provides:
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External compression damping adjustment
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External rebound damping adjustment
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Adjustable spring preload
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Model-specific cartridge construction
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Available spring-rate configurations
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Performance-oriented front suspension tuning
Shop Öhlins FKS 527 for 2024–2026 CVO
Do not assume that a cartridge designed for a conventional Harley Touring fork will fit an inverted CVO fork.
Öhlins FGRT Blackline Front Forks for Harley CVO
For riders seeking an even more comprehensive front-end upgrade, Öhlins offers complete performance fork assemblies.
The FGRT 307 Blackline front fork system is designed for compatible CVO Road Glide applications.
Unlike a cartridge kit that reuses the original outer fork components, the FGRT provides complete replacement fork assemblies.
Features include:
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Öhlins NIX damping system
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Independent compression and rebound adjustment
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External spring preload adjustment
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Premium fork tube and slider construction
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Performance-oriented fork-bottom design
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Blackline styling
Shop Öhlins FGRT 307 Blackline Front Forks
Complete front fork upgrades require careful verification of triple-tree compatibility, brake caliper mounting, front axle dimensions, wheel fitment, fender clearance, and steering geometry.
Choosing Öhlins Suspension for Your Harley
Road Glide, Street Glide and Road King
For Harley Touring motorcycles, STX36 Blackline rear shocks are popular upgrades.
The HD 050 and HD 051 offer premium adjustment capabilities for riders seeking additional control over rebound, compression, and rear suspension setup.
On compatible front ends, NIX22 cartridge upgrades can complement rear suspension improvements.
For newer CVO motorcycles with inverted forks, specific NIX30 or FGRT components may be appropriate instead.
Shop Harley Touring Suspension
Low Rider S, Low Rider ST and M8 Softail
For Milwaukee-Eight Softail motorcycles, consider a model-specific STX46 rear shock paired with a compatible front fork cartridge.
The HD 516 and FKS 508 are examples of upgrades to compare for appropriate applications.
Not every Softail model has the same fork geometry or rear suspension dimensions.
Harley Dyna
For performance Dyna builds, STX36 rear shocks and compatible NIX22 cartridges offer adjustment options for both ends of the motorcycle.
Shock length and spring rate should be selected based on the motorcycle's weight, rider, intended use, and target suspension geometry.
Setting Up Öhlins Motorcycle Suspension
Proper suspension setup is essential to getting the full benefit of an Öhlins upgrade.
Spring Preload and Sag
Spring preload adjusts the initial compression of the spring and affects the motorcycle's loaded ride height.
Sag is the amount the suspension compresses under the motorcycle and rider's weight.
Correct sag helps ensure that the suspension has adequate travel available for both compression and extension.
Preload adjustment should not be used to compensate for an incorrectly selected spring rate.
Rebound Damping
Rebound damping controls the suspension's extension after compression.
Excessively low rebound damping can allow the suspension to extend too quickly and feel unsettled.
Excessively high rebound damping can prevent the suspension from returning quickly enough between repeated bumps.
Compression Damping
Compression damping controls resistance as the suspension compresses.
Increasing compression damping can reduce certain types of chassis movement, including excessive suspension compression during braking or cornering.
However, excessive compression damping can reduce compliance over sharp bumps.
Choosing the Correct Spring Rate
The proper spring depends on several factors:
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Rider weight with riding gear
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Passenger weight
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Luggage and cargo
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Motorcycle weight and configuration
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Riding style
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Desired sag and suspension travel
Follow the specific Öhlins setup instructions and available spring recommendations for the selected shock or cartridge.
Öhlins Suspension Frequently Asked Questions
Are Öhlins shocks better than factory Harley suspension?
Öhlins offers upgraded damping technology, model-specific spring options, and additional adjustment capabilities compared with many original Harley suspension systems. Actual improvements depend on the motorcycle and proper suspension setup.
What's the difference between STX36 and STX46?
STX36 and STX46 refer to different shock platforms with nominal piston diameters of 36mm and 46mm, respectively. The systems are used in different suspension configurations and should not be treated as interchangeable.
Are Öhlins Blackline shocks adjustable?
Many are, but the available adjustments depend on the part number. Premium STX Pro Blackline shocks offer extensive damping adjustments, while simpler Blackline configurations may provide fewer external settings.
Which Öhlins shocks are best for a performance bagger?
For compatible Touring motorcycles, HD 050, HD 051, HD 044, and HD 779 remote-reservoir shocks are worth comparing. Spring selection, shock length, and front suspension setup are important to achieving the desired performance.
Is NIX30 better than NIX22?
NIX30 and NIX22 are different cartridge platforms. The appropriate choice depends primarily on the motorcycle's fork architecture and manufacturer-approved application. A larger cartridge designation alone does not establish superior performance for every motorcycle.
Can I install Öhlins cartridges with a 21-inch front wheel?
Not every kit supports oversized wheels. Wheel and fender clearance, available fork travel, and model-specific exclusions must be checked. Certain CVO applications with 21-inch wheels are specifically excluded from particular NIX22 kits.
Do I need to buy fork springs separately?
It depends on the exact cartridge package. Some Öhlins kits include springs or multiple spring-rate choices, while others require additional components. Always check the kit contents before purchasing.
What fork oil should I use with Öhlins cartridges?
Use the Öhlins suspension fluid specified in the individual cartridge installation instructions. Many American V-Twin NIX applications specify Öhlins 01309-series fork oil.
Are Öhlins shocks rebuildable?
Many Öhlins premium motorcycle shocks are designed to be serviced and rebuilt by qualified suspension technicians. Service requirements vary by product, operating conditions, and manufacturer recommendations.
Should I replace the front and rear suspension together?
Replacing both can provide more opportunities to balance chassis response, but it's not always necessary to upgrade both simultaneously. The best starting point depends on the motorcycle's existing suspension and the problems the rider is trying to address.
Shop Öhlins Suspension at Get Lowered Cycles
Whether you're upgrading a Harley Road Glide, improving a Street Glide's touring comfort, building a performance Dyna, or setting up a Low Rider S for aggressive street riding, Get Lowered Cycles carries Öhlins suspension components for a wide range of Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Explore STX36 Blackline shocks, STX46 Softail suspension, NIX22 and NIX30 cartridge kits, and complete premium front fork assemblies above.
Compare available models, select the correct spring configuration, and verify motorcycle fitment before ordering.
Get Lowered Cycles offers free U.S. shipping on every order with no minimum purchase.
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