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I currently ride a 2022 RG with Ohlins HD 044 shocks and Traxxion AR-25 fork kit. I've fiddled with the shocks (thanks Fuel Moto for your compression / rebound suggestions) and they are superb, however, the fork, while noticeably better than stock, still isn't where I want it. I'd guess it could be made better, however, to fiddle with anything would require opening up the fork, removing it and so on. I'm looking for something that has external adjustability and great performance.
There are other fork kits, such as ProActions, but my guess is they are all pretty similar in action. This leads to me to a fork cartridge setup. I've become a believer in having full adjustment for preload, compression and rebound to really dial in the performance. The only 2 fork cartridge kits I know of that offer this level of adjustability are Ohlins and Bitubo.
What are your recommendations for a cartridge kit?
I had Progressive cartridges on my 07 FLHTC, they were stiff to start but the softened up after a while. I rode pretty aggressively back then in the NC mountains often. Now with a trike I wanted something more than stock and I went with Ricor Intiminators . I was not sure I made the right decision but the more I ride the more I think I made the right choice. Not saying cartridges are wrong or not the right choice, the same about new springs but with the type of riding I’m doing now which is more highway and secondary roads riding I feel the choice I made is the right one and was easy on my budget. Good luck with your search.
I currently ride a 2022 RG with Ohlins HD 044 shocks and Traxxion AR-25 fork kit. I've fiddled with the shocks (thanks Fuel Moto for your compression / rebound suggestions) and they are superb, however, the fork, while noticeably better than stock, still isn't where I want it. I'd guess it could be made better, however, to fiddle with anything would require opening up the fork, removing it and so on. I'm looking for something that has external adjustability and great performance.
There are other fork kits, such as ProActions, but my guess is they are all pretty similar in action. This leads to me to a fork cartridge setup. I've become a believer in having full adjustment for preload, compression and rebound to really dial in the performance. The only 2 fork cartridge kits I know of that offer this level of adjustability are Ohlins and Bitubo.
What are your recommendations for a cartridge kit?
RWD also has externally adjustable cartridges about $1200 a set. I would really like it if you guinea pigged the Bitubos as I love the price and seemingly great set up.
Cartridges will be my next adventure. I did the Pro Action kit when I rebuilt the forks and it stiffened it up quite a bit, but there is no adjustability and it is borderline too harsh. I have always been a fan of Ohlins from my metric days and have been eying the Nix cartridges as they seem to offer all of what I am looking for. Will be watching to see which direction you go and how you like them.
RWD also has externally adjustable cartridges about $1200 a set. I would really like it if you guinea pigged the Bitubos as I love the price and seemingly great set up.
Before having the Ohlins HD 044's, I had bought a set of RWD RS-1 shocks. That version had a low and high compression adjuster. I could never ever get the ride quality I was looking for on those shocks. I understand, there is now a V2. I'd be curious to see how they perform vs the previous version. I looked at their cartridge setup. I see damping before referenced for adjustability, but not specifically rebound and compression. Also, in looking at the adjusters on the fork cap, looks like a special tool is needed to adjust preload. Based on the very limited space between the bottom of the handlebar and the fork cap, I'm not sure it's possible for the tool to even reach the fork cap to adjust.
The Bitubos I've been investigating for a while. My wife has a set of their Twin Adjustable shocks for her 2013 Dyna Switchback, and for the money, IMHO they are the best value shock out there. I've read here and there that for those that have tried both Bitubo and Ohlins cartridges (a very small sampling of people who have done this), there are some that liked the feel of the Bitubos better.
When I bought the RWD RS-1 shocks, I had also been contemplating getting the HD 044 shocks from Ohlins, but I went value, and wound up not following the adage of "buy once, cry once". I bought 2x and cried 2x. My sense is, while the Bitubos are very interesting indeed, I'll be going with Ohlins.
Also, in looking at the adjusters on the fork cap, looks like a special tool is needed to adjust preload. Based on the very limited space between the bottom of the handlebar and the fork cap, I'm not sure it's possible for the tool to even reach the fork cap to adjust.
So, I had Kevin from Big Bear Choppers build these NIX type cartridges for my 14 SGS and after loosening the fork tube clams a few time to adjust rebound/compression, (preload can be done with an open end wrench), I decided to drill out two quarters and braze a small piece of a 3mm allen wrench to them, put them in the adjusters, and reinstalled the forks. Now I can grab the quarters with the ridges on them and adjust to my hearts content. Just need to remove the dash panel for the switches to gain access to them. Saved me a lot of hassle!
Add edit- I changed handlebars between pics.......
Last edited by MotoJockey; Jun 5, 2024 at 10:59 PM.
So, I had Kevin from Big Bear Choppers build these NIX type cartridges for my 14 SGS and after loosening the fork tube clams a few time to adjust rebound/compression, (preload can be done with an open end wrench), I decided to drill out two quarters and braze a small piece of a 3mm allen wrench to them, put them in the adjusters, and reinstalled the forks. Now I can grab the quarters with the ridges on them and adjust to my hearts content. Just need to remove the dash panel for the switches to gain access to them. Saved me a lot of hassle!
Add edit- I changed handlebars between pics.......
do you have to pull the bars to get to the Allen adjustment??
Another option is to just replace the springs and use the RaceTec Gold Valve Emulators or DK Custom Intimators valving. Be sure to read the cartridge maintenance requirements. All I have read required that the cartridges be rebuilt every 10k-20k miles which means sending them back to the manufacturer. The RaceTec or DK Customs a "rebuild" is a fork oil change and cleaning.
Unless you will not put those miles on that machine before replacing with a new machine.
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Fork Cartridge options
