About the Product
Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber for Harley-Davidson XR1200 & XR1200X
Product Overview
Designed specifically for Harley-Davidson's most performance-oriented Sportster platform, the Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber transforms the handling characteristics of the XR1200 and XR1200X, delivering exceptional chassis control, increased rear-wheel traction, and outstanding rider confidence.
Utilizing Öhlins' race-proven STX 36 monotube technology, these premium twin shocks are engineered for riders who demand precise suspension performance without sacrificing ride comfort. Whether carving canyon roads, commuting through the city, or building the ultimate café racer or flat-track inspired machine, the Öhlins STX 36 provides a substantial improvement over the factory suspension.
Key Features
- Genuine Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Set
- Specifically engineered for Harley-Davidson XR1200 and XR1200X
- STX 36 Single Tube Technology
- 36 mm piston diameter
- Monotube high-pressure nitrogen gas construction
- External piggyback reservoir
- Adjustable rebound damping
- Adjustable compression damping
- Adjustable ride height
- Adjustable spring preload
- Precision CNC-machined aluminum construction
- Hard-anodized components for corrosion resistance
- Fully rebuildable and serviceable
- Manufactured in Sweden
STX 36 Race-Derived Suspension Technology
At the heart of the Öhlins STX 36 is a 36 mm high-flow piston operating within a monotube hydraulic body. The high-pressure gas design separates hydraulic oil from nitrogen, reducing cavitation and maintaining stable damping characteristics even under aggressive riding conditions.
Compared to OEM suspension, the STX 36 offers:
- Improved suspension response
- Increased rear tire grip
- Superior bump absorption
- Enhanced cornering stability
- Reduced suspension fade
- More consistent damping under heavy use
- Improved rider feedback
The advanced hydraulic design keeps the rear wheel planted, improving both performance and rider confidence on demanding roads.
External Piggyback Reservoir
The integrated piggyback reservoir increases oil capacity and improves thermal stability, allowing the suspension to maintain consistent performance during prolonged spirited riding.
Benefits include:
- Increased oil volume
- Better heat dissipation
- Reduced damping fade
- Improved hydraulic consistency
- Superior performance during aggressive riding
- Enhanced suspension longevity
This configuration is ideal for riders who regularly push the limits of the XR1200 chassis.
Adjustable Rebound Damping
External rebound adjustment allows precise control over suspension extension speed following compression.
Proper rebound tuning improves:
- Corner exit traction
- High-speed stability
- Suspension recovery over uneven pavement
- Chassis composure
- Rider confidence
- Overall handling precision
The easily accessible adjuster enables quick suspension tuning to match rider preference and road conditions.
Adjustable Compression Damping
Independent compression adjustment allows the rider to tailor suspension firmness during bump absorption.
Compression tuning optimizes:
- Brake stability
- Impact absorption
- Chassis support
- Cornering precision
- Passenger comfort
- Ride quality over rough pavement
Together with rebound adjustment, compression tuning provides a highly customizable suspension setup.
Adjustable Ride Height
Integrated ride height adjustment allows chassis geometry to be fine-tuned without affecting spring preload.
Benefits include:
- Faster steering response
- Increased lean angle clearance
- Improved weight distribution
- Enhanced agility
- Customized riding position
- Optimized handling characteristics
This feature is particularly valuable for riders seeking maximum performance from the XR1200 platform.
Adjustable Spring Preload
Threaded spring preload adjustment allows proper suspension sag to be established for rider weight and intended use.
Correct preload adjustment contributes to:
- Balanced chassis geometry
- Improved steering feel
- Better braking stability
- Increased cornering confidence
- Enhanced traction
- Maximum suspension effectiveness
Proper setup ensures the suspension operates within its designed travel range for optimum performance.
Premium Engineering
Every Öhlins shock absorber is manufactured using precision machining and premium materials developed through decades of international motorsport competition.
Construction highlights include:
- CNC-machined aluminum bodies
- Hard-anodized corrosion-resistant finish
- Precision-ground piston rods
- Low-friction seal head assemblies
- High-pressure nitrogen charging
- Precision shim-stack valving
- Premium Öhlins suspension fluid
- Replaceable internal wear components
The fully rebuildable architecture allows complete servicing and re-valving, making the STX 36 a long-term investment in your motorcycle's performance.
Performance Benefits
Superior Cornering Performance
The STX 36 provides exceptional rear wheel control, reducing chassis movement and allowing the motorcycle to maintain its intended line through corners.
Increased Rear Tire Traction
Improved hydraulic control keeps the rear tire in contact with the pavement, maximizing grip during acceleration and corner exit.
Enhanced Rider Confidence
Consistent damping and improved chassis feedback create a more predictable motorcycle that inspires confidence at all speeds.
Improved Ride Comfort
The advanced damping system absorbs road imperfections more effectively than the factory suspension, reducing rider fatigue without sacrificing performance.
Reduced Suspension Fade
The monotube gas-charged design and external reservoir maintain consistent damping performance even during extended aggressive riding.
Technical Features
- STX 36 Single Tube Technology
- 36 mm piston diameter
- Monotube high-pressure gas construction
- External piggyback reservoir
- Adjustable rebound damping
- Adjustable compression damping
- Adjustable ride height
- Adjustable spring preload
- Fully rebuildable design
- Multiple spring rates available for rider-specific setup
Exact shock length and spring specification vary depending on the selected XR1200 application and Öhlins part number.
Fitment
Designed for:
- Harley-Davidson XR1200 (2008–2012)
- Harley-Davidson XR1200X (2010–2013)
These motorcycles represent Harley-Davidson's most sport-focused Sportster models, featuring upgraded brakes, chassis geometry, and suspension designed for aggressive road riding.
Installation
The Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Set is designed as a direct replacement for the factory rear suspension using OEM mounting points.
Professional installation and suspension setup are recommended to ensure:
- Correct rider sag
- Proper preload adjustment
- Optimized rebound settings
- Optimized compression settings
- Ride height calibration
- Balanced chassis geometry
Proper setup maximizes the performance benefits and allows the suspension to be tailored to individual rider preferences.
Service and Maintenance
Like all premium Öhlins suspension products, the STX 36 Twin shocks are fully rebuildable and supported by an extensive worldwide service network.
Routine servicing includes replacement of hydraulic oil, seals, bushings, and wear components, restoring factory-level damping performance and extending service life.
Regular maintenance ensures:
- Consistent suspension performance
- Maximum ride quality
- Long-term reliability
- Protection of your suspension investment
Why Choose Öhlins?
For nearly 50 years, Öhlins Racing has led the industry in high-performance suspension technology, earning championships in MotoGP, World Superbike, Endurance Racing, and countless national racing series.
The Öhlins STX 36 Twin Rear Shock Absorber for the Harley-Davidson XR1200 and XR1200X brings that same race-developed engineering to one of Harley-Davidson's most capable performance motorcycles, delivering sharper handling, improved comfort, and the precision expected from one of the world's most respected suspension manufacturers.
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