08 Front Fork Adjustment ?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Mar 13, 2009 | 02:04 PM

Toplink

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

From: Damascus MD

08 Front Fork Adjustment ?

Has anyone adjusted their fount forks or can this be done. I have a 08 low rider and always thought the front was way to soft, has about 4.5" of of compassion from the day I took it home. Took it back to the dealer and they said that it was normal. but I could buy a spring up grade for $100 and they would install. Talked to a friend and he said I could do two things.
1. Add 1 oz of oil.
2. Adjust the rebound setting.

Mar 13, 2009 | 03:47 PM

NoLongerAmember

Banned

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 1,494

Likes: 5

How much sag do you have in the front fork? Are you saying when you sit on the bike it drops 4.5"? Rider sag should be about 1/4 of total travel, approximately 1 to 1 1/4". Sounds as if you don't have enough fluid in them or possibly not enough preload, preload is set with the spacer so unless they have the wrong spacer it is probably close. 1st, Make sure you have the proper oil level in each tube and if not fill to the proper level, not hard except you're supposed to check the level with the tube straight up spacer and spring removed and fork tube all the way collapsed. At least check to see if the levels are even side to side, if not add some to the low side and recheck. On the bike You can get an estimated level if you measure the highest point and the lowest point in each tube split the difference and it will get you close and compare to spec. add if needed and recheck. If you have some miles on them then you probably should just pull the tubes and drain and refill them the proper way and recheck. Something, I feel, the dealer should do for you under warranty. Compare to new bike on the floor and if they are not the same, show them. Kind of depends on how long it has been since you bought it or how many miles are on it.
CB

Oh, add some Ricor intiminators, aka; IAS vaves, while you're at it!

Last edited by NoLongerAmember; Mar 13, 2009 at 03:50 PM.

Mar 13, 2009 | 04:09 PM

Toplink

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

From: Damascus MD

4.5 " when riding or just stoped and pulling the brak and pushing down. Maybe it's me but I thing it should be a little more stiff.

Mar 13, 2009 | 04:11 PM

Gwjvw

Road Warrior

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 1,298

Likes: 0

From: CA Desert

Only my dirtbike moves that much!

Mar 13, 2009 | 04:43 PM

Toplink

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 145

Likes: 1

From: Damascus MD

Hey Gwjvw,

You have a nice bike, do me a favor the next time your sitting on that good looking cycle grab the front brake and push down look to see how much travel.

Mar 13, 2009 | 05:28 PM

rounder

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 7,562

Likes: 11

From: Palm Harbor fl.

your supposed to have 4-5 inches of travel in the fork. Of course you should not be using all of it up while braking or pressing down on the front end. I think a works performance spring kit would make you much happier than the stock springs.