Öhlins launch new Harley-Davidson cartridge kits to complement 'Blackline' rear shock range After the success of their Harley-Davidson targeted 'Blackline' shocks, Swedish suspension specialist Öhlins has introduced its Road & Track NIX22 (22mm) front fork cartridge kit for Dyna and Sportster models.
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| NIX22-Series cartridge kit |
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| Universal front fork, available in gold and black |
Developed to give the rider great feedback, support the bike under braking and absorb the shocks associated with varied road riding, the company says that the design emphasis on these custom application cartridges has been on smooth ride comfort and high quality.
Containing the Öhlins proven "NIX" design, the fork internals feature compression damping in the left leg and rebound damping in the right leg, which is said to give a more precise function. Adjustments are made at the top of the fork, together with the spring preload, all designed to make setting changes as easy as possible. The cartridge system is easy to install in standard front forks.
Robert Brinkmark, Öhlins Product Manager Motorcycles, commented "the cruiser market has become very important for us, and it's been great to see the reaction we have had at dealer shows in both the US and Europe to our products. These cartridge kits give yet more options for those owners who appreciate the character of their machines, but want to experience an improved ride."
For FLH/FLT Touring models, their FKC101 and 102 cartridge kits are designed to bring "Öhlins' internationally recognized suspension quality and performance to Touring baggers," with the goal being to "create a high-end cartridge damping system with maximum comfort for the Harley-Davidson forks. The focus for the development of this application has been on vehicle control and a smooth, comfortable ride."
The kit features an 8mm steel shaft, an aluminum damper tube and 25 mm pistons. This kit also features Öhlins NIX technology, with rebound damping in one leg and compression damping in the other leg, which is said to maximize the damping that is available within the confined diameter of the fork leg.
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| STX36 Blackline twin shock absorber |
Due to the mounting requirements of the FLH/FLT fork legs, the kit has no external adjusters but is easy to install in the originally equipped fork legs. Optional spring rates are available for individual rider weights, preferences and motorcycle use.
The front end kits are said to complement their STX36 'Blackline' shocks, which, unlike a lot of the shock absorbers on the market, have been designed specifically for twin shock motorcycle applications. A classic monotube design, it is said that they will withstand the wide temperature ranges and heavy loads associated with cruiser and Tourer riding in all conditions.
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| FKC101/102 cartridge kit for FLH/FLT Touring models |
Available in 'dividing piston' or piggyback gas pressurized system versions, they shocks can be ordered with a number of different damping adjustment options, with or without length adjustment.
Also seen here, Öhlins offer a 43 mm universal upside down fork for any custom builder who wants to give their project "supreme suspension, and at the same time get the familiar Öhlins Racing design in a choice of black or gold."
The technology in this fully adjustable fork is said to have been proven through the years on numerous applications - from cruisers, streetfighters and muscle bikes to performance customs, Cafe Racers and scramblers.
Also featuring top cap adjustment of spring preload and rebound adjustment in each leg separately, the external adjuster on the fork bottom clamps is for compression adjustments. The fork bottoms are without brake caliper mountings, to give the fork leg a clean look for left side brake only applications.
Stroke is 120mm, with 800mm length and 50mm top clamp diameter, 54mm lower clamp diameter; they take a 32mm axle and have an 8.5N/mm spring rate.
ÖHLINS RACING
www.ohlins.com