About the Product

Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers for Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster

Product Overview

Elevate the performance and comfort of your Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster with the Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers. Engineered using race-proven suspension technology and specifically tuned for American V-Twin motorcycles, these premium twin shocks deliver outstanding ride quality, improved chassis stability, and enhanced rear-wheel traction while maintaining the classic styling that defines the Sportster platform.

Developed for riders who demand superior control without compromising comfort, the STX 36 series features a 36 mm monotube piston design, high-pressure gas technology, and precision hydraulic damping that transforms the motorcycle's handling characteristics on city streets, winding backroads, and long-distance touring routes. Öhlins offers the STX 36 in emulsion, piggyback, hose reservoir, and inline configurations, each tailored and tested for specific Harley-Davidson applications.

Key Features

• Genuine Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers
• Designed specifically for Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster models
• Single Tube Technology (STX) monotube construction
• 36 mm piston diameter for superior hydraulic control
• High-pressure nitrogen gas charged
• Precision shim-stack valving
• Adjustable mechanical spring preload
• Model-specific spring and damping calibration
• Fully rebuildable and serviceable
• CNC-machined aluminum construction
• Premium corrosion-resistant finishes
• Manufactured in Sweden

STX 36 Single Tube Technology

At the heart of the STX 36 is Öhlins' Single Tube Technology, utilizing a large 36 mm piston operating within a high-pressure gas-charged hydraulic system.

This design minimizes cavitation and oil aeration while maintaining consistent damping performance under a wide variety of riding conditions.

Compared to conventional OEM twin shocks, the STX 36 offers:

• Superior hydraulic precision
• Improved heat dissipation
• More consistent damping characteristics
• Reduced suspension fade
• Better wheel control over uneven surfaces
• Increased rear tire contact with the road
• Enhanced rider confidence

The result is a suspension system that responds quickly and predictably while maintaining excellent ride comfort.

Race-Proven Hydraulic Performance

Every STX 36 shock incorporates precision-engineered internal valving developed from decades of championship-winning motorsport experience.

The advanced hydraulic system provides:

• Controlled chassis movement
• Progressive suspension response
• Improved acceleration stability
• Better braking composure
• Reduced oscillation
• Increased cornering precision

Whether cruising highways or riding aggressively through technical roads, the suspension remains composed and confidence inspiring.

Mechanical Spring Preload Adjustment

Each shock features adjustable mechanical preload, allowing riders to optimize suspension sag for different rider weights, passengers, or luggage loads.

Proper preload adjustment improves:

• Steering response
• Chassis balance
• Ground clearance
• Brake stability
• Cornering performance
• Rider comfort

Correct suspension setup ensures the shock operates within its intended travel range for maximum performance.

Premium Engineering

Every Öhlins suspension component is manufactured using premium materials and precision machining techniques designed for exceptional durability and long-term reliability.

Construction highlights include:

• CNC-machined aluminum bodies
• Hard-anodized corrosion-resistant surfaces
• Precision-ground piston rods
• Low-friction sealing system
• High-quality suspension oil
• Replaceable internal wear components
• Fully serviceable architecture

Unlike disposable suspension systems, Öhlins shocks can be rebuilt and re-valved, restoring original performance while extending product life for years of continued use.

Performance Benefits

Improved Ride Comfort

The STX 36 absorbs road imperfections with greater efficiency than factory suspension, reducing harshness and rider fatigue during everyday riding and long-distance touring.

Enhanced Chassis Stability

Improved hydraulic control minimizes unwanted suspension movement during acceleration, braking, and cornering, resulting in a more composed motorcycle.

Superior Rear Tire Traction

Consistent damping allows the rear wheel to maintain better contact with the pavement, improving grip and overall stability.

Increased Rider Confidence

The motorcycle responds more predictably to rider input, providing improved feedback and greater control across a variety of riding conditions.

Reduced Suspension Fade

The monotube gas-charged design maintains consistent performance even during prolonged riding where conventional shocks may lose effectiveness due to heat buildup.

Technical Features

Because Öhlins offers multiple STX 36 variants for Harley-Davidson applications—including emulsion, piggyback, hose reservoir, and inline designs—exact specifications such as shock length, stroke, spring rate, and adjustment features vary depending on the selected model.

Fitment

Designed for Harley-Davidson XLH Sportster and related twin-shock American V-Twin applications.

Multiple model-specific configurations are available for various Sportster generations and ride heights. Always verify the correct Öhlins part number and OEM shock length before ordering to ensure proper fitment.

Installation

The STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers are designed as direct replacements for the original rear suspension and utilize factory mounting locations.

For maximum performance, professional installation and setup are recommended to ensure:

• Correct installation torque
• Proper rider sag
• Optimized preload adjustment
• Balanced chassis geometry
• Maximum suspension performance

A properly set up suspension significantly enhances comfort, handling, and tire performance.

Service and Maintenance

Like all premium Öhlins suspension products, the STX 36 Twin shocks are fully rebuildable. Routine servicing replaces hydraulic oil, seals, bushings, and wear components, restoring factory-level damping performance and extending service life.

Regular maintenance ensures:

• Consistent ride quality
• Long-term reliability
• Maximum hydraulic performance
• Protection of your suspension investment

Why Choose Öhlins?

For nearly five decades, Öhlins Racing has set the global standard in suspension technology, supplying championship-winning teams in MotoGP, World Superbike, Endurance Racing, Motocross, and numerous international motorsport disciplines.

The same engineering philosophy and precision manufacturing techniques are incorporated into every street suspension product, delivering exceptional comfort, control, and confidence for riders around the world.

Whether you're restoring a classic XLH Sportster, building a custom café racer, or simply seeking a dramatic improvement in ride quality, the Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers provide a premium suspension solution engineered to maximize the performance and enjoyment of every ride.