When/what where the fork upgrades?
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
When/what where the fork upgrades?
Hey folks,
I'm talking touring here, obviously. I am looking for some front end fork upgrade improvements, but before I do that, I would like to know when/what updates were done on the front forks in the recent past. From what I understand the forks underwent a change with the Rushmore rollout - if that is true, what year was that and what did they do?
Additionally, I was told when I bought my 2019 RG that there was another recent upgrade to the forks (possibly 2017?) that involved significant changes. I would like to know what you folks know to be true about this? I'm heading towards a front end upgrade, but this info will help in my research.
Thanks in advance....
I'm talking touring here, obviously. I am looking for some front end fork upgrade improvements, but before I do that, I would like to know when/what updates were done on the front forks in the recent past. From what I understand the forks underwent a change with the Rushmore rollout - if that is true, what year was that and what did they do?
Additionally, I was told when I bought my 2019 RG that there was another recent upgrade to the forks (possibly 2017?) that involved significant changes. I would like to know what you folks know to be true about this? I'm heading towards a front end upgrade, but this info will help in my research.
Thanks in advance....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 10,065
Likes: 5,320
If you go to Ronnie's Parts Finder, you can pull up the parts diagram for 2015, 2017 and 2019 Road Glide Special models for comparison. You'll see that there are new part numbers for certain suspension components from one year to the next. What "improvements" those parts make to the ride, I can't say, but I'm sure it was for the better.
If you're looking to upgrade your front suspension, what does it matter about the changes? Skip all that and do your research on Progressive, Fox, Ohlins, etc... You'll probably ask for everyone's opinion and get 100 or so. That should help you out.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
Yup understand, but where I was going with this is to use a lot of the feedback already on here but pay closer attention to those that actually have the same setup as I do for comparison sake. It seems with all that I've read, some of these products are more effective in the older models than in the newer. For instance, monotubes get mixed, but better reviews from people with pre-Rushmore bikes. Post Rushmore, or even 2017-up not so much. Just trying to sift through all the suggestions and drama before I make my decision.
Club Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 21,759
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From: North Carolina
I know first hand having owned a 2016 Limited and a 2017 Limited that improvements were made. I updated the rear suspension on both bikes with Pro-Action. They were doing the final R&D on their front system at that time. I spoke with George at Pro-Action week before last and while the 2017 is better it is obviously not as good as it can be. I plan to install their kit this fall. Call George at Pro-Action and let him explain it do you can make accurate comparisons and the best final decision.
Last edited by Cosmic Razorback; May 7, 2020 at 05:57 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,372
Likes: 250
From: NW Kentucky
2014 is when the Rushmore bikes came out. The front tubes went from 41mm to 49mm I believe. Not sure if any changes have been made since. I think they also made some changes to the steering head also.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 704
Likes: 45
From: Western Washington
I know first hand having owned a 2016 Limited and a 2017 Limited that improvements were made. I updated the rear suspension on both bikes with Pro-Action. They were doing the final R&D on their front system at that time. I spoke with George at Pro-Action week before last and while the 2017 is better it is obviously not as good as it can be. I plan to install their kit this fall. Call George at Pro-Action and let him explain it do you can make accurate comparisons and the best final decision.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
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From: Nor Cal
The older bikes just start out worse,the end result is the same which is why some say they make more of a difference on the older bikes.
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