Fork Springs
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 19
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From: Chicago
Fork Springs
I have a new to me 09 Fat Bob and love pretty much everything about it except the soft front fork that dives horribly (to me) under moderate to hard breaking. Yes it's not a sport bike but what mods have you done to your Dyna suspension to firm up the ride without breaking the bank?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,410
Likes: 143
From: Palm Desert,CA
Without breaking the bank the most versatile set up might be springs and emulators. With or without preload adjusters which would add more $. Without the adjusters you can get it done for well under $300 for ricor's, springs, and oil.
Here is a copy of my install thread which has a fair bit of info to help in your research:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...led-today.html
Just looked at pricing these days. $180 for the Ricor Intiminators, $120 for the Traxxion Springs, and about $25 for oil. You can cut your current spacers but if needed PVC replacement pipe is dirt cheap. Add Adjusters if you like another $150 give or take.
Here is a copy of my install thread which has a fair bit of info to help in your research:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...led-today.html
Just looked at pricing these days. $180 for the Ricor Intiminators, $120 for the Traxxion Springs, and about $25 for oil. You can cut your current spacers but if needed PVC replacement pipe is dirt cheap. Add Adjusters if you like another $150 give or take.
Last edited by ChickinOnaChain; Aug 10, 2017 at 12:29 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
Likes: 317
From: CA
I'm going to go springs at some point. I tried heavier oil just to see what the effect would be and it was due anyway. I went with 15 and it's too much. Next time - I'll go with springs for my size plus 10 W (or whatever the manuf recommends).
My Japanese standard bikes had preload adjustments for the front. A couple clicks and bueno.
My Japanese standard bikes had preload adjustments for the front. A couple clicks and bueno.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 227
Likes: 32
From: ok
With the adjusters you're pretty much at Andreani cartridge price which I why I went that route. With those you have compression, rebound, and preload adjustment instead of just preload. Ohlins, Legends, and other higher end cartridge options are nearly double the price of that.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,174
Likes: 1,960
From: Great State of Canada
Lotta good ideas here. Here is a source for more:
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ools-tips.html
I've done this mod and it basically involves installing fixed rate springs, Ricor Intiminators and 5 wt (yes thinner) 5 wt fork oil.
Key to the modification are the Intiminators which override your fixed aperture OEM damper tubes with a (oil) velocity sensitive, valved, variable aperture system. Check this out:
The vid is about RaceTech's Emulators which function like Ricor's Intiminators. They do the same job but the Ricors are a simple drop in install with no modifications to the damper tubes.
You get better small bump absorption, far less front end diving, and the superior ride and control capabilities which come with that combination.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ools-tips.html
I've done this mod and it basically involves installing fixed rate springs, Ricor Intiminators and 5 wt (yes thinner) 5 wt fork oil.
Key to the modification are the Intiminators which override your fixed aperture OEM damper tubes with a (oil) velocity sensitive, valved, variable aperture system. Check this out:
The vid is about RaceTech's Emulators which function like Ricor's Intiminators. They do the same job but the Ricors are a simple drop in install with no modifications to the damper tubes.
You get better small bump absorption, far less front end diving, and the superior ride and control capabilities which come with that combination.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 2,099
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From: Delawere
With the adjusters you're pretty much at Andreani cartridge price which I why I went that route. With those you have compression, rebound, and preload adjustment instead of just preload. Ohlins, Legends, and other higher end cartridge options are nearly double the price of that.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2016
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From: Texas
I have a new to me 09 Fat Bob and love pretty much everything about it except the soft front fork that dives horribly (to me) under moderate to hard breaking. Yes it's not a sport bike but what mods have you done to your Dyna suspension to firm up the ride without breaking the bank?
If all you're wanting is to eliminate the brake dive - get some PVC pipe (home depot / lowes) and cut some spacers - install - test - don't like the result - cut some more at a different length and test - till you get what you want
=============
Btw - just buying replacement springs won't guarantee they will preform as you expect - may need to add spacers to them as well
Ghost
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 1,416
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From: CA
Ghost_13 - what size spacer would you start with? I thought of that when I saw the install routine for Progressive but then my mind went to "it couldn't be that easy" and I forgot about it.
Do you take out any existing spacers or just add to? I don't want a lot more. I do remember about spring rates from my physics class so it sounds like a great possibility.
Is it really that easy - pull of the cap and drop in a washer and spacer?
Do you take out any existing spacers or just add to? I don't want a lot more. I do remember about spring rates from my physics class so it sounds like a great possibility.
Is it really that easy - pull of the cap and drop in a washer and spacer?