I started ordering parts for the fork rebuild on my '17 FXDB. This started with my picking up a set of gold emulators from another forum member and turned into "while I'm doing that...".

I contacted RaceTech to get a hi-pro fork spring recommendation for my weight and riding style and ordered an FXDL right fork leg with provisions for the 2nd disc. I'm going to change the fork leg with my rebuild and worry about finishing the 2nd brake this winter. So what else should I have? What type of fork oil? Other things I should replace at the same time?

 

I run the same setup. RaceTech .95kg springs, gold valves and I use TrackerDie +2” damper tubes to raise the front a little. Get yourself the whole rebuild kit too with the bushings, seals, drain plug etc. RaceTech can spec out which oil weight depending on your spring rate and riding style. Think mine is 15wt if I remember right. Been a minute.

 

Nice! The TrackerDie dampers are added to the list. Do you have stock length shocks in the rear?

 

I've never seen those TrackerDie dampers before. It looks like they just basically extend the lower slider out further on the fork tube? Seems like it might be prone to more flex, but maybe not enough to notice. In any case, I wish I would have known about those last fall before I designed my frame geometry around 8" over fork tubes, which are the longest available for 49mm front ends. 10" over would have been so much cooler...

Back on topic, I'm running Racetech springs (.95 I think? I'd have to double check) with Ricor Intiminators with 10wt oil. I'm really happy with the setup, need to dial in the preload by chopping a tiny bit off the spacers, but overall I think it works really well.

 

I have some OEM fxdls brake calipers I'd you're interested. I went with GP 25mm front fork inserts for my setup with .95 racetech springs. Fork oil in using 10w. My take is I should have gone with 1.00 springs. Im adding weight to the front with a crash bar and fxrt fairing. I'm only 155lb wo gear and I'm turning my preload up. Fork extenders are good or I'd you have the funds get a longer fork tube.

Good luck!

 

Forgot to add I also run Speed Merchant preload adjusters as well. I’m running 13.5 Drag Specialties shocks in back. I normally like to run stock FXDX rear shocks but I got these ones for a song so trying em out.

 

Im looking at doing this to my front end as well. right now I have stock spring with the Intiminators. it feels nice but Im sure with racetech springs it would be a lot better. My question for you is, how much do you weigh, and do you have preload adjusters on? If so, whats a good one to get? Its summer in phoenix now so my riding will be slowing down. Figure Id like to upgrade my front suspension.

 

Yup, those were on the list and I ordered them yesterday.

Anyone have recommendations on a rebuild kit?

 

I weight about 190 lbs, and don't have preload adjusters. I ran Intiminators with stock springs for several years, then switched to Racetech springs this winter when I added the long front end. My geometry is quite different than stock, front wheel is a lot further ahead of me than a standard Dyna, so I'm not sure how much my setup really translates. The spring rate was kind of an educated guess on my part, went slightly softer than what was recommended if I had a stock Super Glide, figuring I'd end up pretty close, which I think I did.

 

Here is the deal with emulators. They are an excellent way to tame your fork and you can bring the function to cartridge level performance.

However, the RaceTech emulators only control compression. The fork oil you use controls rebound. So. Go to the RaceTech site and look up their how to instructions with the emulators. There are three adjustments you can make to the emulator to dial in the compression. Once you have that you can decide on what fork oil to use for the rebound but I would recommend starting with at least a 10W oil. I'd probably go 15W myself or maybe mix up some to try about a 12.5W oil Reason being the nice thing about controlled rebound is that you do not want the front end jumping up when you let off the brake and or get on the gas. Trail braking is not always something I was able to do so some of my brake releases and throttle application are not as smooth as they could be. You may also end up tweaking sag with a spacer or you can get some fork caps that allow you to adjust preload to some degree.

The only downside to the emulators is it may take a bit of tinkering to get them exactly where you want them. I have found RaceTech to always be spot on with their initial recommendations for everything. Once you get them dialed in they are just fabulous.

On my dyna I also added a fork stabilizer. Some think this is overkill but I think, especially on a big bike, they are a plus. If you are going to run it a bit aggressively getting that front fork to behave correctly along with all of your other improvements is worth it. Just my .02C worth. Bagger drivers will not understand this, but its why we ride dyna's.

By the way, Magnum cables is outstanding for creating reasonably priced, beautiful cables including brake lines. So you have a great source with them for that second brake line or for a Y set up (I think).

The only other thing I would recommend is getting some sticky tires. I put a pair of Night Dragons on mine and they are totally worth it. The bike sticks like glue to the road, the back brake actually can make the front end dive a bit and while it is true that the tires will not last more than 5000 miles they are great insurance and give you all you need to maximize the turning of the bike without needlessly scaring yourself witless. Go ahead, ask me how I know this......

I have run my Dyna hard enough that I have experienced a small amount of gyroscopic shake when changing directions. If everything is tight and controlled on the front end this is no big deal. The only limit I have found is that with good suspension its easy to scrape the peg so to really get it moving around a corner a little weight shift is needed.