I've posted about suspension upgrades before, and thought it was time for an update for people considering upgrading their suspension. My bike is finally tweaked and set-up and it's a totally different ride, quicker steering response, more stable,better traction,a look and your bike will go there, and way more comfortable. Believe me, suspension mods are the best thing you can possibly do to help you enjoy your bike. You don't know what you are missing if you are running on stock, or marginal upgrades. These are my suggestions, don't get hostile if I step on what you have bought, it's only my opinion, and I've made plenty of purchases along the way I regretted.
1) front. 15W fork oil. works performance or race tech springs( race tech are geared for your weight, works have spacers you can orient to increase or lessen spring duration, especially the triple rate spring kit, accomplishes the same thing) both work. Racetech emulators or Ricor IAS valves, the goal is to keep the front end planted, stock is bouncy, excessive brake dive, stock Showa shocks suck, you want to isolate chassis and wheel movement.
2) stock motor mounts allow too much lateral movement, Sputhe or truetrac upgrade works.
Both are fine.
3) You want to buy shocks geared for your weight, with more than just preload adjustment, at a minimum a single clicker(rebound) if you've got money to spare a double clicker(rebound and compression) This is where most people cheap out, you are not going to get good rear shocks for 400.00 or less. Plan on spending at least 650.00 or more, possibly 1300.00 for a good pair. YSS 366 series, Penske and Ohlins are all good.
4) fork brace, good thing for pre 2006, not so critical after the 49 mm fork upgrade.
Ok products to avoid, if you want good handling, progessive 412 not so good, progressive 440, slightly better, works rear a notch above, progressive frontsprings(I'll sell you a pair), but these are only my opinions. Peace.

 

Yea, it is a shame that they don't do a better job. Even a base FXD is expensive compared to most bikes.

I got a set of rear shocks scheduled to arrive Thursday, lready have the tiple rate front Works. Also have the True track,,will instakk this weekend as well.

I certainly agree re: the front springs, the stock ones were really too soft...hope the rear shocks make as much difference.

 

Which rear shocks did you buy? Just curious. Yep, the stock front sucks, can you say pogo stick? lol.

 

I can't see spending 15K for a bike and having to re-engineer the thing.

 

Me, either. I've ridden tens of thousands of miles for work and pleasure and never really had a problem with the stock set up.

 

Perfection is an elusive commodity and when you get right down to it, very subjective.

 

Yep, wouldn't change a thing on mine.

 

Madden, good work on the upgrades and sharing the info. What part of the North West are you from?

I think that the suspension needs depends on what you expect of the bike. For those of us that don't ride the bike hard and run it on the edge the suspension seems fine. For the people like the OP, they most likely push the bikes and want to know it will be there when needed. I'm not one that notices the little nuances so I have not went for major upgrades.

 

You're not gonna find many Harley riders in the least bit interested in improving the handling of what many are absolutely certain are the finest motorcycles made. Handling?!?...... what is THAT ??? Now if you post a thread about the latest chrome coating for a bolt cover, now you gonna generate some interest.

 

Haha, good post. I agree wholeheartedly with the OP, I've done everything but the True Track, and that's coming this month. I decided to go with FXDX take-off shocks though; they're decent for the $160 I paid.