Öhlins STX 36 Twin Shock Absorber Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron (2016–2018)⟲ 360° — drag me
02 · Data & docs

The facts.

Technical data
BrandÖhlins
Part NumberHD 916
FitmentHarley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron (2016–2018)
Road ApprovalABE (Germany)
Mounting PositionHinten
Length338 mm
Stroke103 mm
Spring Rateprog. 16-26 N/
Piston Diameter36 mm
Spring Part Number00480-02
DescriptionThe whole story▼

HD 916 is the Öhlins number for the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron as sold between 2016 and 2018. Damping that fades turns a predictable Sportster XL 1200 Iron into one that has to be ridden around.

Key Features

  • Öhlins fits a prog. 16-26 N/mm spring to this application
  • Overall length 338 mm as specified by Öhlins for this model
  • Monotube damper layout
  • Emulsion-type damper without a separating piston
  • Piston measuring 36 mm across
  • 103 mm of damper stroke
  • Listed by Öhlins for the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron (2016–2018) and no other machine
  • Öhlins spring 00480-02 included

The Sportster XL 1200 Iron in Particular

This part number spans model years 2016 to 2018; earlier and later generations take different numbers. The 1200 cc engine sets how quickly weight transfers, and damping has to be matched to that rather than to a class average. Short travel and substantial mass are a hard combination: there is little room to absorb anything, so damping quality matters more.

How Öhlins Builds It

Seals are specified for temperature stability rather than for the lowest unit cost. Shafts are hardened and surface-treated so the seal has a consistent surface to run against. The unit is rebuildable: seals, shims and oil are catalogue items, not a reason to buy a new one.

How It Behaves on the Road

prog. 16-26 N/mm is the rate Öhlins selected after testing on the Sportster XL 1200 Iron. At 338 mm it matches the standard unit's installed length exactly. The fitted spring is 00480-02, and Öhlins lists neighbouring rates under their own numbers. Öhlins specifies 36 mm for the piston on this number. A single click produces a change most riders can detect, which is not true of every adjustable damper. The two adjusters do genuinely separate jobs, which is what makes methodical setup possible.

About the STX 36 Twin Range

The 36 mm piston suits the shorter stroke and steeper mounting angle typical of a twin-shock frame. Preload is set by a threaded collar on each side, and both sides must be set equally. Rebound adjustment is at the lower eyelet on most numbers in this range.

Fitment and Compatibility

What follows applies to the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron built 2016–2018, which is the machine HD 916 is listed for. Because the settings are model-specific, fitting it to a related machine would mean running the wrong specification.

Road Approval

Road approval: ABE (Germany) for the Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron. That means no TÜV appointment and no entry in the registration document — the paperwork comes in the box.

Specifications

  • Brand: Öhlins
  • Part Number: HD 916
  • Fitment: Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron (2016–2018)
  • Road Approval: ABE (Germany)
  • Mounting Position: Hinten
  • Length: 338 mm
  • Stroke: 103 mm
  • Spring Rate: prog. 16-26 N/mm
  • Piston Diameter: 36 mm
  • Spring Part Number: 00480-02
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
  • Harley Davidson Sportster XL 1200 Iron (2016–2018)
07 · Support

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