forks
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
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forks
hey guys ive got an 08 wideglide with about 3000 miles on it now. being my first harley i wasnt really sure how the handeling should be but to me it just isnt right. my forks are super soft im not a big guy but i can sit on it and hold the front brake and push it down about 5 inches. the shop says this is normal for that bike, i dont think so but i dont know. if anyone could help me that would be great.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 596
Likes: 7
From: Illinois
RE: forks
These forks do seem soft, but they are VERY responsive. There are ways to stiffen them up, though. Progressive suspension makes a set of heavy duty springs in different lengths, and the fork oil can also be changed to adjsut the amount of dampening and rebound.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
RE: forks
 \\;
 \\;Strider, \\; an inexpensive way would be to change the fork oil to a 10w fork oil. that is easier said than done. On the newer bikes the forks have to come off to drain and add new oil. I believe the nominal weight for Harley suspension is 150-170 Lbs. I changed my oil from the HD's 5w to Bel-Ray 10W and it made quite a difference.
 \\;Strider, \\; an inexpensive way would be to change the fork oil to a 10w fork oil. that is easier said than done. On the newer bikes the forks have to come off to drain and add new oil. I believe the nominal weight for Harley suspension is 150-170 Lbs. I changed my oil from the HD's 5w to Bel-Ray 10W and it made quite a difference.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,302
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From: SW Corner of NW Corner
RE: forks
ORIGINAL: mikedmeyer
racetech gold valve cartridge emulators
racetech gold valve cartridge emulators
+1
 \\;
Also, I disliked the Progressive front springs very much. \\; I ended up with springs from Race Tech as well.
If you go this route, call them for proper stiffnes. \\; Their online calculator suggested something different than their tech. \\; They will ask your wieght, ridilng style, etc.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
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From: Republic of Texas
RE: forks
You can also add a spacer between the spring and the upper washer. \\; Start with a 1" piece of PVC and see how it feels. \\; It's an inexpensive way to experiment.