Time to start researching suspension mods. What are the best options?
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Time to start researching suspension mods. What are the best options?
I know this has been covered a thousand times, but I'm coming at it from a slightly different angle, I think.
My bike is pretty custom...and getting more so.
I'm not really limited by fork or front end specifics (35, 39, 41, 49 mm...whatever, I can do anything I want).
I'm not looking to lower or raise the rear end.
I'm 100% solo.
I'm considerably lighter than stock.
I'm going wide up front, 150mm+
I'd like to minimize unsprung weight, but also don't really like the look of piggyback shocks or inverted forks.
I'd like tunable and rebuildable.
I will sacrifice a little comfort for performance, but a good balance is preferred.
Cost isn't a primary concern but it is a factor. I'm NOT looking to spend $3k on suspension.
All that said, can you suspension pros point me in a direction?
My bike is pretty custom...and getting more so.
I'm not really limited by fork or front end specifics (35, 39, 41, 49 mm...whatever, I can do anything I want).
I'm not looking to lower or raise the rear end.
I'm 100% solo.
I'm considerably lighter than stock.
I'm going wide up front, 150mm+
I'd like to minimize unsprung weight, but also don't really like the look of piggyback shocks or inverted forks.
I'd like tunable and rebuildable.
I will sacrifice a little comfort for performance, but a good balance is preferred.
Cost isn't a primary concern but it is a factor. I'm NOT looking to spend $3k on suspension.
All that said, can you suspension pros point me in a direction?
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 148
Likes: 9
From: Colorado Springs, CO
I know this has been covered a thousand times, but I'm coming at it from a slightly different angle, I think.
My bike is pretty custom...and getting more so.
I'm not really limited by fork or front end specifics (35, 39, 41, 49 mm...whatever, I can do anything I want).
I'm not looking to lower or raise the rear end.
I'm 100% solo.
I'm considerably lighter than stock.
I'm going wide up front, 150mm+
I'd like to minimize unsprung weight, but also don't really like the look of piggyback shocks or inverted forks.
I'd like tunable and rebuildable.
I will sacrifice a little comfort for performance, but a good balance is preferred.
Cost isn't a primary concern but it is a factor. I'm NOT looking to spend $3k on suspension.
All that said, can you suspension pros point me in a direction?
My bike is pretty custom...and getting more so.
I'm not really limited by fork or front end specifics (35, 39, 41, 49 mm...whatever, I can do anything I want).
I'm not looking to lower or raise the rear end.
I'm 100% solo.
I'm considerably lighter than stock.
I'm going wide up front, 150mm+
I'd like to minimize unsprung weight, but also don't really like the look of piggyback shocks or inverted forks.
I'd like tunable and rebuildable.
I will sacrifice a little comfort for performance, but a good balance is preferred.
Cost isn't a primary concern but it is a factor. I'm NOT looking to spend $3k on suspension.
All that said, can you suspension pros point me in a direction?
They are more towards performance and less towards comfort depending on how you have them sprung and damped. I would call them and tell them what you are looking for and they should be able build you exactly what you need.
Hope that helps
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
Likes: 92
From: Sonoma Co - California Formaly East Bay
As stated, Works makes a great rear shock... I don't run them, but plenty of people speak highly of them. Hagon Nitros is another very nice option, and the price is probably the best out there for a shock with preload, and rebound adjustment... rebuildable as well.
I decided to buy once... I went with Ohlins HD816. They're nearly 13", so probably not for you. They have plenty of options for size and adjustment, and I can say this.... The ride I now have is worth the price.
Ohlins is working on a 49mm drop in cartridge (the 49mm wide glide option is already out). Word is, this drop in kit will be about $1000 USD. With my shocks ($950) and this kit, you're still 1K away form your "I don't want to spend 3K" limit".
I can't speak on the Ohlins fork cartridges, but I have no doubt they will be the best non inverted option for a Dyna. After some heavy thinking, I decided to finally go with the Works Dual rate drop in cartridges up front. The front end stays glued to the road now, and the slow speed "marshmallow" feel is gone. High speed bumps no long feel like the front end will snap off.
Works, Ricor, Ohlins, Race Tech, Hagon, I think you're safe with any of these options.
Up front, the Ohlins will be the way to go, but don't rule out a spring and drop in valve option. Race Tech, and Ricor both have a valve option within a decedent price range.
I decided to buy once... I went with Ohlins HD816. They're nearly 13", so probably not for you. They have plenty of options for size and adjustment, and I can say this.... The ride I now have is worth the price.
Ohlins is working on a 49mm drop in cartridge (the 49mm wide glide option is already out). Word is, this drop in kit will be about $1000 USD. With my shocks ($950) and this kit, you're still 1K away form your "I don't want to spend 3K" limit".
I can't speak on the Ohlins fork cartridges, but I have no doubt they will be the best non inverted option for a Dyna. After some heavy thinking, I decided to finally go with the Works Dual rate drop in cartridges up front. The front end stays glued to the road now, and the slow speed "marshmallow" feel is gone. High speed bumps no long feel like the front end will snap off.
Works, Ricor, Ohlins, Race Tech, Hagon, I think you're safe with any of these options.
Up front, the Ohlins will be the way to go, but don't rule out a spring and drop in valve option. Race Tech, and Ricor both have a valve option within a decedent price range.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 836
Likes: 92
From: Sonoma Co - California Formaly East Bay
100+ pages on the Ricor drop in valve option...
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...e-springs.html
A more recent discussion on the anticipated Ohlins 49mm cartridges.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...artridges.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...e-springs.html
A more recent discussion on the anticipated Ohlins 49mm cartridges.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...artridges.html
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
I do a lot of 70+ mph rust-belt interstate riding so the pavement is pretty broken. Lots of higher speed sweeping corners. I'm using pretty much all of my tires and don't get any scraping anymore at the stock ride height. I meed something that will soak up broken roads and still stay composed on hard corners.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 4,756
Likes: 951
From: Out West
Before I mount new tires I scuff them with sand paper to break the sheen so to speak.
I especially scuff the chicken strips to make it look like I hang-off all the time
I especially scuff the chicken strips to make it look like I hang-off all the time
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Thoughts or opinions on the K-Tech Bullit? Good info on the web seems kind thin but generally positive from those that have them.
http://www.ktechsuspension.com/produ...rod_cats_nid=8
http://www.ktechsuspension.com/produ...rod_cats_nid=8
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
