Öhlins STX 36 Blackline Shock Absorber Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016) – view 3⟲ 360° — drag me
02 · Data & docs

The facts.

Technical data
BrandÖhlins
Part NumberHD 781
FitmentHarley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016)
Road ApprovalABE (Germany)
Mounting PositionHinten
Length325 +5/-5 mm
Stroke68 mm
Spring Rate30 N/
Piston Diameter36 mm
Spring Part Number00181-05
DescriptionThe whole story▼

Every Öhlins part number covers one machine. HD 781 covers the Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016). Damping that fades turns a predictable VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle into one that has to be ridden around.

Key Features

  • Piston measuring 36 mm across
  • Adjustable overall length for ride-height and geometry changes
  • Fitted spring: Öhlins 00181-05
  • Delivered with a 30 N/mm spring, selected for the VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle
  • Stroke: 68 mm
  • 325 +5/-5 mm between mounting eyes
  • Adjustable rebound damping via the knob above the lower eyelet
  • Bolts to the Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016) using the standard mounting points

The STX 36 Blackline in Detail

The finish suits classic and retro machines where chrome and black dominate. Twin-shock applications are supplied as a matched pair. On a retro or a classic twin the black finish often looks more period-correct than gold, and nothing about the damping changes.

Construction and Material Quality

Anodising is hard-coat rather than decorative, which matters on a component exposed to road salt and stone chips. Spring and damper are separate part numbers, so a rate change does not mean a new unit. Every Öhlins dealer can re-valve the unit, because the shim stack is a documented, serviceable assembly.

Why This Machine Needs It

At 1250 cc the VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle makes enough torque to load the rear hard on corner exit, and the damper has to keep the wheel in contact while that happens. A cruiser is often ridden two-up with luggage, which is the load case the standard suspension rarely handles well. The 2007–2016 generation kept the same chassis dimensions throughout, so one Öhlins number serves the whole run.

Damping and Adjustment

The damping piston measures 36 mm across, and piston area is what keeps damping force stable once the oil is hot. Öhlins identifies the spring as 00181-05. The available stroke of 68 mm sets how much wheel travel the shim stack has to control. Length runs to 325 +5/-5 mm, so rake and trail on the VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle become something to dial rather than inherit. A single click produces a change most riders can detect, which is not true of every adjustable damper. Compression and rebound are adjusted independently, so support under load can be set without changing how fast the wheel returns.

Fitment and Compatibility

The fitment stated here is the Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle in its 2007–2016 form, under Öhlins part number HD 781. It is model-specific rather than universal: length, stroke and valving are all set for this chassis.

Road Approval

Road approval: the Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle is covered by a German ABE for this part number. The certificate is supplied and should stay with the vehicle documents.

Specifications

  • Brand: Öhlins
  • Part Number: HD 781
  • Fitment: Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016)
  • Road Approval: ABE (Germany)
  • Mounting Position: Hinten
  • Length: 325 +5/-5 mm
  • Stroke: 68 mm
  • Spring Rate: 30 N/mm
  • Piston Diameter: 36 mm
  • Spring Part Number: 00181-05
FitmentWhich bikes this fits▼
  • Harley Davidson VRSCF 1250 V-Rod Muscle (2007–2016)
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