49mm Fork preload adjusters?
49mm Fork preload adjusters?
I see a few places make them, and are a supposed drop in. I added some preload to the rear and that's made a noticeable difference in handling for the better, so I'd like to do the same to the front. I'm not the average rider being a pretty light guy, so I was wondering is it really worth the $100+ for about an inch worth of front preload adjustment?
Also who makes the best and easiest to adjust ones? I like the RSD's with just over an inch in adjustment, but I'm a little unsure of how they work or how easy they are to install. I'm not afraid to open up the forks but will I need fork oil or anything?
Also who makes the best and easiest to adjust ones? I like the RSD's with just over an inch in adjustment, but I'm a little unsure of how they work or how easy they are to install. I'm not afraid to open up the forks but will I need fork oil or anything?
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Nov 1, 2014 at 12:39 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 542
Likes: 4
From: Louisville, KY
Do you really need them? What do you currently measure for static sag and rider sag? You know once installed and adjusted they are pretty much a set and forget deal with cosmetics being the only residual benefit after that.
Edit: For the $100, look as aftermarket springs first.
Edit: For the $100, look as aftermarket springs first.
Last edited by Mr Bentwrench; Nov 1, 2014 at 12:48 PM.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 498
From: Alberta
The fully adjustable suspension on my FXDXT included pre-load on the front forks and I used it whenever riding conditions could be improved by a change (as well as the other settings that were available) A lot depends on your riding style...slow, relaxed cruising is not nearly as demanding on the suspension as more aggressive riding on a high torque/high HP bike for sure. I've sold the FXDXT and now tour on an FXDF; it could use some pre-load as I bottomed out the front end on a panic stop once or twice (deer) and the back shocks aren't even so-so; but it's hard to find traditional looking shocks with re-bound control. Having said all that, I'll definitely be going with adjustable pre-load and maybe heavier old when the bike is down this winter for mods; it seems a cheap add-on that will help with front end dive and ride. But; the rear shocks AND the tires are all part of the same handling package...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,960
Likes: 26
From: Sonoma County, CA
I think the install is the same no matter what brand you get (Speed Merchant, RSD, etc.) I have the RSD adjusters. Install is fairly simple and no oil change, etc. is needed at the time of install. Once installed, you can adjust the preload with an allen wrench on the RSD units. Just follow the instructions and you should be fine. Btw: There was some confusion about the pricing in some other postings. The price listed is for BOTH units.
Do you really need them? What do you currently measure for static sag and rider sag? You know once installed and adjusted they are pretty much a set and forget deal with cosmetics being the only residual benefit after that.
Edit: For the $100, look as aftermarket springs first.
Edit: For the $100, look as aftermarket springs first.
I'm also considering progressive springs, could be a simple one stop shop while installing if I do both...
I think the install is the same no matter what brand you get (Speed Merchant, RSD, etc.) I have the RSD adjusters. Install is fairly simple and no oil change, etc. is needed at the time of install. Once installed, you can adjust the preload with an allen wrench on the RSD units. Just follow the instructions and you should be fine. Btw: There was some confusion about the pricing in some other postings. The price listed is for BOTH units.
I guess I was a little worried about install as I hate messing with front forks much on a bike and dont have a shop manual for my bike yet!
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,718
Likes: 15
From: Bay area, CA
Looks like I'll be picking up the RSD's most likely, and I saw those few posts about the RSD price of "each" thing lol thanks for some positive confirmation!
I guess I was a little worried about install as I hate messing with front forks much on a bike and dont have a shop manual for my bike yet!
I guess I was a little worried about install as I hate messing with front forks much on a bike and dont have a shop manual for my bike yet!
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 449
Likes: 4
From: Florida
I have the Speed Merchants. While maybe not as pleasing to the eye as the RSD to some ( they are to me ), I like the fact that the adjustment stem has grooves machined in them which makes adjustments almost idiot proof.
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