Raising the Dyna - suspension upgrades
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
Raising the Dyna - suspension upgrades
There have been quite a few threads recently re: various suspension upgrades to Dynas; front forks, stabilizers,fork braces, and shocks. It seems as though the majority who changed shocks went to a shorter shock, i,e, the FXD stock shock is 12.6", most seem to go to a 12" or even an 11"., which really provides a cool look . However, I thought I would share my experiences with going the other way. I was more concerned with cornering clearances and turn in ( my particular bike (an 07 FXD) always seemed to turn hard...hard to explain, but it took a lot of force to get it to turn)in the twisties). Probably unique to my bike.
Anyway, after some research, it appeared as though the historical great handling Dynas...FXDX and FXR had taller shocks. Plus, raising the rear would reduce the trail, i.e.quicker steering. So, I decided to get 13.2" rears..in my case Ohlin 36E HD215s. I also changed the front springs to Works triple rate springs, added a True Track stabilizer and a Superbrace. Although all helped,with hindsight I think the biggest impact was the taller rear shocks.
The difference is amazing. It turns in much easier, and although I riding much faster thru a familiar set of twisties in the Angeles Crest mountain's, I have yet to scrape anything. The taller shocks also provide more suspension travel (I think) and the ride is much smoother, particularly over the crappy LA freeways.
I have posted these pics in another thread, but thought I would post again to show the profile with the rear end raised up. Definitely not for everyone, but sure helped my bike in the corners.
Many thanks to all of you who have posted re Dyna suspension. Your ideas and insight were invaluable
Anyway, after some research, it appeared as though the historical great handling Dynas...FXDX and FXR had taller shocks. Plus, raising the rear would reduce the trail, i.e.quicker steering. So, I decided to get 13.2" rears..in my case Ohlin 36E HD215s. I also changed the front springs to Works triple rate springs, added a True Track stabilizer and a Superbrace. Although all helped,with hindsight I think the biggest impact was the taller rear shocks.
The difference is amazing. It turns in much easier, and although I riding much faster thru a familiar set of twisties in the Angeles Crest mountain's, I have yet to scrape anything. The taller shocks also provide more suspension travel (I think) and the ride is much smoother, particularly over the crappy LA freeways.
I have posted these pics in another thread, but thought I would post again to show the profile with the rear end raised up. Definitely not for everyone, but sure helped my bike in the corners.
Many thanks to all of you who have posted re Dyna suspension. Your ideas and insight were invaluable
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 1,500
Likes: 0
From: Brunswick, OH
Nice! I went the same route, 13.5" FXDX shocks and Works springs up front. Some say it makes the bike look like a dirt bike, I think it makes it look like a Harley that can actually be ridden, not just sit outside a bar and look pretty.
Well done! I've got to hurry up and get my TrueTrack before the sale is over.
The only downside I've found is the bike leans a bit more on the jiffy stand. But I'm fine with that!
Well done! I've got to hurry up and get my TrueTrack before the sale is over.
The only downside I've found is the bike leans a bit more on the jiffy stand. But I'm fine with that!
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 1
From: MA
Glad to see someone going the other way.
Those Ohlins look nice!
I've gone to 13" Works DSR on the back - not as nice as the Ohlins - but WAY better than stock - great clearance - I'm also 2" over on the front so not a super quick steerer - but still good.
Those Ohlins look nice!
I've gone to 13" Works DSR on the back - not as nice as the Ohlins - but WAY better than stock - great clearance - I'm also 2" over on the front so not a super quick steerer - but still good.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 949
Likes: 1
From: Pacific Northwest
I have the 320 MM Z series YSS rear shocks with another 10MM adjust(13" total), I figured 320mm was minimum for handling, I also have works triple rate spring kit, had to mess with the adapters a couple of times to get it sprung right, I also added sputhe positrac, Ricor IAS valves in front and fork brace and changed fork oil to 15 W. The thing most people don't realize you don't have to go fast to appreciate the difference, it's less tiring to ride
when the suspension is set up properly and way more fun. When you go fast you'll appreciate it even more. Greg throw in the Ricor IAS valves, you'll complete the package, trust me you'll be glad you did. The front will work much better with those Ohlins with the IAS valves, you'll just glide over bumps, for the most part, and when you need more rebound in the front, it's there, automatically. I can't tell you what a difference it made in my bike. I've posted before about suspension upgrades, and I've gotten responses anywhere from "why should I have to re engineer my bike" to it works just fine, to genuine interest. For a little over 1K+ you can make your bike much more fun, and safer, suspension is way more than just steering response, you'll have better traction, more comfort, and as stated previously less tiring, the bike will pretty much go where you look, with less effort. Tires are certainly part of the package, I run Metz
880's, brakes need a little help. Do these things before motor upgrades IMO. For me, suspension first, then everything else.
when the suspension is set up properly and way more fun. When you go fast you'll appreciate it even more. Greg throw in the Ricor IAS valves, you'll complete the package, trust me you'll be glad you did. The front will work much better with those Ohlins with the IAS valves, you'll just glide over bumps, for the most part, and when you need more rebound in the front, it's there, automatically. I can't tell you what a difference it made in my bike. I've posted before about suspension upgrades, and I've gotten responses anywhere from "why should I have to re engineer my bike" to it works just fine, to genuine interest. For a little over 1K+ you can make your bike much more fun, and safer, suspension is way more than just steering response, you'll have better traction, more comfort, and as stated previously less tiring, the bike will pretty much go where you look, with less effort. Tires are certainly part of the package, I run Metz
880's, brakes need a little help. Do these things before motor upgrades IMO. For me, suspension first, then everything else.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,197
Likes: 0
From: The wild, wild, west.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
Yea, took the pics last Saturday. Roads are good though.
Got a really interesting compliment from a couple German guys on BMWs. After talking a bit (they noticed the Ohlins) and them offering several compliments, one of the guys asked "who makes this bike"? At first I didn't really understand the ?. When I told him "Harley" I think the response was German for "No Sh&t... I had no idea Harley made this type of bike" Pretty funny.
Got a really interesting compliment from a couple German guys on BMWs. After talking a bit (they noticed the Ohlins) and them offering several compliments, one of the guys asked "who makes this bike"? At first I didn't really understand the ?. When I told him "Harley" I think the response was German for "No Sh&t... I had no idea Harley made this type of bike" Pretty funny.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
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
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 111
Likes: 3
From: Marriottsville, MD
After raising the rear by installing the longer 13.2 inch shocks did you have to run more pressure in the front tire to compensate for the more forward weight bias ? What tires do you have and what tire pressures do you run ?
Thanks >>>> Inthered
Thanks >>>> Inthered
Thread Starter
|
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 577
Likes: 4
I never even thought about changing the tire pressures. I have ME 880s, 32 fr 36 rear (cold). It might make sense to add a pound up front, although I am not really that conscientious about the checking the pressures as is
.
.