Improving the front suspension
#1
Improving the front suspension
There are lots of threads about rear shocks. I think I know what I want back there but I'd like some feedback about how to improve the front. The front suspension is important for handling and handling is important to me.
I'm thinking of 3 options. If there's others I should be considering let me know.
All these options entail replacing all the internals of the stock forks. There are also options that entail replacing the entire forks. That doesn't interest me. Too expensive and I'm not even sure I can get my front fender back on.
Ohlins has the most adjustability and a great reputation. I think that would cost almost $1000. Adjustability may not be all that great if the adjustment is hidden inside my faring (I have an Electra Glide).
Legend AXEO is made in the US and costs $750
Progressive Suspension is only $360?!? What gives there? Too good to be true? I've heard good things about Progressive Suspension. The preload is set by inserting clips in the springs instead of a threaded collar. Inexpensive is good if it performs.
Has anyone else tried Progressive Suspension Monotube Kit?
I'm thinking of 3 options. If there's others I should be considering let me know.
All these options entail replacing all the internals of the stock forks. There are also options that entail replacing the entire forks. That doesn't interest me. Too expensive and I'm not even sure I can get my front fender back on.
Ohlins has the most adjustability and a great reputation. I think that would cost almost $1000. Adjustability may not be all that great if the adjustment is hidden inside my faring (I have an Electra Glide).
Legend AXEO is made in the US and costs $750
Progressive Suspension is only $360?!? What gives there? Too good to be true? I've heard good things about Progressive Suspension. The preload is set by inserting clips in the springs instead of a threaded collar. Inexpensive is good if it performs.
Has anyone else tried Progressive Suspension Monotube Kit?
Last edited by Durango Dave; 02-11-2016 at 09:25 PM. Reason: Progressive Suspension is $360
#2
In addition to improving the dampening, something needs to be done with the flimsy front forks. CCE makes an clamped upper triple tree which includes longer fork tubes to make it work which tightens up the front end. I'll likely go that route as well. The fork brace helped tighten things up a great deal. By the way, there is no bolt on fork brace. I had to order a fork brace for a 2000 to 2005 Wide Glide fork brace (for the 41 mm fork), I bought used take off fork sliders, took both to a local union machine shop and had them mill the fork slider clamps from the brace to fit the oblong tubes, ditch the cow bells and install gator boots on the forks.
#4
#5
Harley hand adjustable shocks are like that too.
Last edited by Durango Dave; 02-11-2016 at 10:29 PM.
#6
A agree a stiffer set of forks (or swingarm, or frame) would help with performance of the suspension. I hear of forks or shocks that offer compression dampening on one side and rebound dampening on the other and I'm thinking that would only make loose or vibrating forks or frame worse. The Ohlins fork cartridge system works that way. I don't know. http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage35.html
Harley hand adjustable shocks are like that too.
Harley hand adjustable shocks are like that too.
Last edited by mongomark; 02-11-2016 at 10:39 PM.
#7
There are lots of threads about rear shocks. I think I know what I want back there but I'd like some feedback about how to improve the front. The front suspension is important for handling and handling is important to me.
I'm thinking of 3 options. If there's others I should be considering let me know.
All these options entail replacing all the internals of the stock forks. There are also options that entail replacing the entire forks. That doesn't interest me. Too expensive and I'm not even sure I can get my front fender back on.
Ohlins has the most adjustability and a great reputation. I think that would cost almost $1000. Adjustability may not be all that great if the adjustment is hidden inside my faring (I have an Electra Glide).
Legend AXEO is made in the US and costs $750
Progressive Suspension is only $360?!? What gives there? Too good to be true? I've heard good things about Progressive Suspension. The preload is set by inserting clips in the springs instead of a threaded collar. Inexpensive is good if it performs.
Has anyone else tried Progressive Suspension Monotube Kit?
I'm thinking of 3 options. If there's others I should be considering let me know.
All these options entail replacing all the internals of the stock forks. There are also options that entail replacing the entire forks. That doesn't interest me. Too expensive and I'm not even sure I can get my front fender back on.
Ohlins has the most adjustability and a great reputation. I think that would cost almost $1000. Adjustability may not be all that great if the adjustment is hidden inside my faring (I have an Electra Glide).
Legend AXEO is made in the US and costs $750
Progressive Suspension is only $360?!? What gives there? Too good to be true? I've heard good things about Progressive Suspension. The preload is set by inserting clips in the springs instead of a threaded collar. Inexpensive is good if it performs.
Has anyone else tried Progressive Suspension Monotube Kit?
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#9
Monotubes here too, great improvement. You have to get the # of clips right, or it can be a problem. Before I installed I read a ton of posts. I'm 180 and 1 clip (despite the instructions which say 2) is perfect.
I'm always fascinated by the posts decrying "flimsy" front forks. I have a '13, so I guess that qualifies as having flimsy front forks. I dont know what yall are doing on your bikes, but I've never had a problem with the rigidity (or lack) of the front forks. I suppose if I had a chance to ride a '14+ bike I would have an "I was blind and now I can see" moment, but I'm perfectly happy with my setup. Maybe its more apparent with heavier riders?
I'm just an old guy chugging down the 2-lanes at 60mph, on what my wife refers to as a "loud couch", so what do I know?
I'm always fascinated by the posts decrying "flimsy" front forks. I have a '13, so I guess that qualifies as having flimsy front forks. I dont know what yall are doing on your bikes, but I've never had a problem with the rigidity (or lack) of the front forks. I suppose if I had a chance to ride a '14+ bike I would have an "I was blind and now I can see" moment, but I'm perfectly happy with my setup. Maybe its more apparent with heavier riders?
I'm just an old guy chugging down the 2-lanes at 60mph, on what my wife refers to as a "loud couch", so what do I know?
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NAILIT RK (04-08-2016)
#10
I went with the Legend AXEO front suspension and have been very happy. Had Progressive monotubes on my last bike and prefer the Legend option. I also installed the Legend Revo shocks at the same time. It's like a different motorcycle. Besides being a great suspension, Legend has great service. A Lifetime Warranty, Every component is made at there facility in Sturgis S.D. by Americans, I like that. They are adjustable to your weight too.
I have since found one place that sells the Legend suspension at a discount. Iron Aces Speed Shop. As you know, the Legend AXEO list for $749.95, they offer for $674.96. I assume you could save on the sales taxes as well.
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/leg...-davidson-flh/
These are the shocks I went with
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/leg...rley-davidson/
I went with the standard Legend Revo shocks and have been real happy with the ride, honestly, I sometimes wish I had stepped up to the Revo-A's for damping control. Would have cost me close to $200 more.
If you have not seen the Legend AXEO technical walk through, here is it
I have since found one place that sells the Legend suspension at a discount. Iron Aces Speed Shop. As you know, the Legend AXEO list for $749.95, they offer for $674.96. I assume you could save on the sales taxes as well.
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/leg...-davidson-flh/
These are the shocks I went with
http://www.ironacesspeedshop.com/leg...rley-davidson/
I went with the standard Legend Revo shocks and have been real happy with the ride, honestly, I sometimes wish I had stepped up to the Revo-A's for damping control. Would have cost me close to $200 more.
If you have not seen the Legend AXEO technical walk through, here is it
Last edited by scottt; 02-12-2016 at 10:51 AM.