Item Summary

• S36DR1L type

About the Product

Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber for Harley-Davidson Sportster XL (2004–2022)

Product Overview

Upgrade your Harley-Davidson Sportster with the legendary performance of the Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber Set. Engineered specifically for the Sportster XL platform, these premium shocks combine race-developed suspension technology with classic twin-shock styling to dramatically improve ride comfort, cornering stability, and overall chassis control.

Designed for riders who demand more from their motorcycle, the STX 36 delivers exceptional damping performance whether you're cruising city streets, attacking twisty backroads, or building a high-performance café racer or custom Sportster. Öhlins offers multiple STX 36 configurations—including emulsion, piggyback reservoir, hose reservoir, and inline reservoir models—each specifically valved and tested for individual Sportster applications.

Key Features

• Genuine Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorbers
• Specifically engineered for Harley-Davidson Sportster XL models
• Race-proven STX (Single Tube Technology) design
• 36 mm high-flow piston
• High-pressure nitrogen gas monotube construction
• Model-specific damping calibration
• Adjustable spring preload
• Selected models feature rebound damping adjustment
• Selected models feature compression damping adjustment
• Selected models feature ride height adjustment
• Precision CNC-machined aluminum construction
• Fully rebuildable and serviceable
• Manufactured in Sweden

STX 36 Single Tube Technology

The Öhlins STX 36 utilizes a single-tube monotube hydraulic design incorporating a large 36 mm piston operating within a high-pressure nitrogen gas environment.

This advanced architecture minimizes oil aeration and cavitation while maintaining highly consistent damping performance across varying riding conditions.

Compared to conventional factory suspension, STX technology delivers:

• Superior hydraulic control
• Improved rear wheel traction
• Increased chassis stability
• Better bump absorption
• Reduced suspension fade
• Enhanced rider feedback
• Greater confidence during aggressive riding

The larger piston area allows more precise control of oil flow, producing smoother suspension movement while maintaining excellent support under acceleration and braking.

Model-Specific Engineering

Unlike universal aftermarket shocks, every Öhlins Sportster application is specifically tuned for the motorcycle's geometry, weight distribution, and intended riding characteristics.

Spring rates and damping curves are optimized to provide:

• Balanced chassis dynamics
• Improved steering precision
• Better rear wheel control
• Increased ride comfort
• Enhanced stability during cornering
• Predictable suspension response

This motorcycle-specific calibration allows the suspension to perform exceptionally well immediately after installation while still offering adjustability for individual rider preferences.

Adjustable Suspension Performance

Depending on the selected Öhlins Sportster model, available adjustment features include:

Spring Preload Adjustment

Mechanical preload adjustment allows rider sag to be optimized for different rider weights and passenger or luggage loads.

Benefits include:

• Proper chassis geometry
• Improved steering response
• Better braking stability
• Increased cornering confidence
• Enhanced ride quality

Rebound Damping Adjustment

Available on selected models, rebound adjustment controls suspension extension speed following compression.

Advantages include:

• Improved rear tire grip
• Better corner exit stability
• Reduced chassis oscillation
• Enhanced rider confidence
• More precise suspension response

Compression Damping Adjustment

Higher-specification models include compression adjustment for fine-tuning impact absorption and chassis support.

Compression tuning allows optimization for:

• Road conditions
• Aggressive riding
• Touring
• Passenger loads
• Performance riding

Ride Height Adjustment

Select models feature adjustable ride height, allowing riders to fine-tune steering geometry and ground clearance without altering preload settings.

Premium Construction

Every Öhlins STX 36 shock is manufactured using premium materials and precision machining processes developed through decades of championship-winning motorsport competition.

Construction highlights include:

• CNC-machined aluminum shock bodies
• Hard-anodized corrosion-resistant surfaces
• Precision-ground piston rods
• Low-friction seal head assemblies
• Premium hydraulic fluid
• High-pressure nitrogen charging
• Precision shim-stack valving
• Replaceable internal wear components

Because every STX 36 shock is fully rebuildable, it can be serviced and restored to factory performance, providing exceptional long-term value compared to disposable suspension systems.

Performance Benefits

Improved Ride Comfort

The advanced hydraulic damping system absorbs road imperfections more effectively than factory shocks, reducing harshness and rider fatigue during everyday riding and long-distance touring.

Enhanced Chassis Stability

Better control of suspension movement minimizes unwanted chassis pitch and oscillation during acceleration, braking, and cornering.

Superior Rear Tire Traction

Improved wheel control allows the rear tire to maintain better contact with the pavement, maximizing grip and stability.

More Predictable Handling

The motorcycle responds more accurately to rider input, creating smoother transitions and increased confidence through corners.

Reduced Suspension Fade

The gas-charged monotube architecture maintains consistent damping characteristics even during prolonged riding and elevated operating temperatures.

Technical Highlights

• STX Single Tube Technology
• 36 mm piston diameter
• High-pressure nitrogen gas design
• Motorcycle-specific valving
• Multiple reservoir configurations available
• Adjustable preload
• Optional rebound adjustment
• Optional compression adjustment
• Optional ride height adjustment
• Fully rebuildable construction

Exact specifications vary depending on the selected Sportster application and Öhlins part number.

Fitment

Designed for a wide range of Harley-Davidson Sportster XL models, including:

• XL883
• XL883 Custom
• XL883 Low
• XL883 SuperLow
• XL883 Iron
• XL883 Roadster
• XL1200 Custom
• XL1200 Low
• XL1200 Nightster
• XL1200 Forty-Eight
• XL1200 Forty-Eight Special
• XL1200 Iron
• XL1200 Roadster
• XL1200 Seventy-Two
• XL1200 SuperLow
• XL1200C
• XL1200CX Roadster
• XL1200T SuperLow
• Additional Sportster variants

Model Years: Approximately 2004–2022, depending on the specific Öhlins part number selected.

Always verify your motorcycle's model year and original shock length before ordering to ensure correct fitment.

Installation

The Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Set is designed as a direct replacement for the factory suspension using OEM mounting points.

Professional installation and suspension setup are recommended to ensure:

• Proper rider sag
• Correct preload adjustment
• Optimized damping settings
• Balanced chassis geometry
• Maximum suspension performance

Correct setup significantly improves handling, stability, and overall rider confidence.

Service and Maintenance

Like all premium Öhlins suspension products, the STX 36 Twin shocks are fully rebuildable and supported by an extensive global service network.

Routine servicing includes replacement of hydraulic oil, seals, bushings, and internal wear components, restoring factory-level damping performance and extending service life.

Regular maintenance ensures:

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

Why Choose Öhlins?

For nearly 50 years, Öhlins Racing has been one of the world's most respected names in motorcycle suspension, earning championships in MotoGP, World Superbike, Endurance Racing, Motocross, and countless national racing series. The same engineering philosophy that has made Öhlins the choice of professional racers is built into every street suspension product, delivering exceptional comfort, control, and precision for everyday riders.

Whether you're restoring a classic Sportster, building a custom café racer, or simply looking to dramatically improve ride quality and handling, the Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber Set is one of the finest suspension upgrades available for the Harley-Davidson Sportster platform.