The Everything 2018+ Heritage Thread
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 103
Likes: 54
From: Minnesota
It's not belief, it's fact. As someone that has done this, there are no holes in the fork tube prior to, or after installing emulators. There are holes in the DAMPING ROD, which is inside the fork tube.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 545
From: MN
Ok, I'm settled on front fork suspension upgrade, thanks to all.
For '18+ softails with rear mono shock/spring, does a $1,000 aftermarket shock/spring improve ride enough to justify the pricey swap?
i.e. - if you've already upgraded the too-mushy front forks, is the factory rear relatively bad also, or did they make it 'passable' (unlike the fronts)?
Thanks
For '18+ softails with rear mono shock/spring, does a $1,000 aftermarket shock/spring improve ride enough to justify the pricey swap?
i.e. - if you've already upgraded the too-mushy front forks, is the factory rear relatively bad also, or did they make it 'passable' (unlike the fronts)?
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
Just in case someone were to become confused about this disagreement, can you please post a picture of exactly where these holes get drilled in the fork tube? I can't find it in the info you posted.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 545
From: MN
https://racetech.com/emulators-how-they-work/
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 7,147
From: Las Vegas
Yes - my terminology is off - I am talking about the bolted-in, fixed damper tube. Bolted to the bottom of the bottom fork tube. It has a fixed orifice for oil flow. If it were too small, the forks would be overdamped because oil couldn't flow fast enough through it, making a harsh ride. But they are too SOFT, meaning the hole is already too big. So making the hole bigger or adding another hole is the opposite of what is need and adds expense of tearing the whole fork apart.
https://racetech.com/emulators-how-they-work/
https://racetech.com/emulators-how-they-work/
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,998
Likes: 2,084
From: Newport,TN area
Just because you have "newer" larger (49mm tube) bikes, it doesn't meant that the "traditional"
suspension has been improved (unless you have the upside down forks)....
Just sayin....
T.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 103
Likes: 54
From: Minnesota
The dual bending valve is a slight improvement, but still leaves much room for improvement.
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Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 103
Likes: 54
From: Minnesota
*if using a sufficiently light weight oil with the DK Intiminator valves, which may work great, but it limits your tuning ability and also limits your fork oil choices. The Racetech method does not rely on specific weight oil, so you have more options to tune it to your liking. Apples to oranges, similar result (although I still think the Racetech method is better). That's about enough 
. I hope it works out and you like the results, and maybe even learn some things about suspension in the process.
. I hope it works out and you like the results, and maybe even learn some things about suspension in the process.