I have a 92 FLSTC that bounces or throbs at slow speed braking. This bike is new to me (three weeks / 450 miles). It has a lowering kit and I noticed this after it was put back up to factory height. However, I did not ride it much before that.

My theory is that putting the rear back up to factory height effectively stiffens the rear and puts more pressure on the front shocks and causes them to bounce. Possible?

If so, is there a solution? Front shocks are not adjustable, correct? Is it possible to put a new spring in the front to stiffen it?

Or is my theory off base? Is it more likely to be related to the brakes? Or is this normal softail braking?

 

I would think a bike that's 24 years old and been ridden probably has a lot of worn out parts especially the suspension.

There are front suspension kits out there that people on this forum seem to like.
Progressive Monotubes comes to mind.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com...u-2013-touring

As for the rear, I have a hard time thinking that the shocks if not already changed out are probably worn out.
Again there are some aftermarket ideas out there but they are limited.
Progressive 422 and Shockgun Shock Air suspension come to mind.

 

sounds to me like a warped disc. I'd definitely eliminate that first as its a lot cheaper than digging into the suspension only to find out it still does it when you apply the brakes.

 

I'd say warped disc also.

 

Does it bounce or throb only when the front brake is applied? Or will it also do it when only the rear brake is applied?

I agree with the others that it sounds like a warped disc.

 

I thought something with brakes at first, but it does it either front or rear is applied which made me think it was a suspension issue.

 

Check the fill level of your forks as well as the viscosity used. Tire pressure comes into play with this as well. Would not hurt to check your steering head bearing / adjustment/ grease.

Flush all your entire brake system with a lot of fresh fluid.

For the rear shocks, I am very happy with a Works Performance light duty.

Join us in the Evo section.

 

+ 1 on what Prot said...

I flushed my front tubes at 30K.. book say's 50K.. or every 5yrs or so... I also went with one weight heavier than stock to firm it up a little.. not the Heaviest just the middle weight

HD fork oils..

type e - 5 wt (standard for showa forks)
type b - 10 wt
se heavy - 15 wt
se race - 20 wt

My INDY uses Bel-Ray.. I think it was the 10W he put in.. a bit firmer over the Type E-5W that came in mine new..but after a few miles I liked it..

http://www.belray.com/bel-ray-high-performance-fork-oil





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Like stated above I would check both disc's for warpage first then move on to the suspension. Does it only bounce when the brakes are applied?