True Track Test Ride Review
#1
True Track Test Ride Review
Finally got my True Track installed today, as well as a new pair of Metzeler ME880s. I just got back from a nice test ride, including some twisties, some sweeping curves and plenty of straight country road blasting. Here's how my bike's set up:
FXDXT shocks
Works front springs, 15w oil
Superbrace
ME880 tires
True Track
My main concern with the True Track was an increase in vibrations after install. It only seemed to make sense that clamping two big pieces of metal over rubber engine mounts would make the engine transfer more vibes to the rider. Well, that actually couldn't be any further from the truth. Actually, quite the contrary. The bike does not shake at idle quite as much as it did before, and I noticed a smoother ride once moving, both through my hands and feet. For some, this upgrade might be worth it just for this alone. I bought the TT used off AdrianVall, and I left the bolts and adjustment nuts pretty much right where they were when he installed it on his bike. That one bolt with lock nut on the front one appears to have no purpose whatsoever, so I left it cranked down all the way. I can see how if you didn't, it could contact the other piece of the TT, causing some unwanted vibes.
Now, on with the ride. Well, I had to take it kind of easy due to the new tires, since they're a bit slick when first mounted. But, I was happy to discover that the combo of TrueTrack and ME880s has really made this bike totally different. And for the better. It's kind of hard to describe how it feels when just running down straight roads. It almost feels like the bike is heavier, less upset by bumps and cracks and things like that. I guess the name is accurate, the bike seems to 'track true'. During cornering, well, the TT really shines. The bike is planted. It drops in really nice, much better than before, and seems to straighten itself out easier. Very sportbike-ish. Very responsive, and not upset at all during cornering. I also romped on the throttle a few times while exiting, and no wobbly funny-business at all. Just nice power right to the ground.
While on the way home, I started hearing some rattling that was quite concerning. I kept eying the TT, trying to see if it was contacting something it shouldn't be, or something like that, and couldn't narrow it down until I got home. I then discovered that I hadn't tightened down the pinch bolt on the right fork and the nut was nowhere to be found But, I had a spare nut in my toolbox that fit just right. Glad I noticed that, it's always a good idea to double-check your work!!!
All in all, I'm happy with the upgrades. I think a new set of ME880's and a True Track is the best $600 you can spend on a Dyna. I can't say for sure which one of the two upgrades was most noticeable, but together they really shine. I still think the TT is a bit pricey for what it is, but I suppose it is a totally custom piece, and it looks really well made. It really should just come with the bike, plain and simple.
No more wrenching, only riding. Bring on the Tail of the Dragon!!!
FXDXT shocks
Works front springs, 15w oil
Superbrace
ME880 tires
True Track
My main concern with the True Track was an increase in vibrations after install. It only seemed to make sense that clamping two big pieces of metal over rubber engine mounts would make the engine transfer more vibes to the rider. Well, that actually couldn't be any further from the truth. Actually, quite the contrary. The bike does not shake at idle quite as much as it did before, and I noticed a smoother ride once moving, both through my hands and feet. For some, this upgrade might be worth it just for this alone. I bought the TT used off AdrianVall, and I left the bolts and adjustment nuts pretty much right where they were when he installed it on his bike. That one bolt with lock nut on the front one appears to have no purpose whatsoever, so I left it cranked down all the way. I can see how if you didn't, it could contact the other piece of the TT, causing some unwanted vibes.
Now, on with the ride. Well, I had to take it kind of easy due to the new tires, since they're a bit slick when first mounted. But, I was happy to discover that the combo of TrueTrack and ME880s has really made this bike totally different. And for the better. It's kind of hard to describe how it feels when just running down straight roads. It almost feels like the bike is heavier, less upset by bumps and cracks and things like that. I guess the name is accurate, the bike seems to 'track true'. During cornering, well, the TT really shines. The bike is planted. It drops in really nice, much better than before, and seems to straighten itself out easier. Very sportbike-ish. Very responsive, and not upset at all during cornering. I also romped on the throttle a few times while exiting, and no wobbly funny-business at all. Just nice power right to the ground.
While on the way home, I started hearing some rattling that was quite concerning. I kept eying the TT, trying to see if it was contacting something it shouldn't be, or something like that, and couldn't narrow it down until I got home. I then discovered that I hadn't tightened down the pinch bolt on the right fork and the nut was nowhere to be found But, I had a spare nut in my toolbox that fit just right. Glad I noticed that, it's always a good idea to double-check your work!!!
All in all, I'm happy with the upgrades. I think a new set of ME880's and a True Track is the best $600 you can spend on a Dyna. I can't say for sure which one of the two upgrades was most noticeable, but together they really shine. I still think the TT is a bit pricey for what it is, but I suppose it is a totally custom piece, and it looks really well made. It really should just come with the bike, plain and simple.
No more wrenching, only riding. Bring on the Tail of the Dragon!!!
Last edited by MZBuckeye; 04-01-2009 at 07:24 PM.
#2
Told ya you'd like it!
Glad to hear it worked out well. Im sure all that cussing and getting upset over the installation was well worth it in the end!! LOL. The bike really feels like it just rides more 'straight' huh? Pretty good feeling I'd say. Definitely a really good upgrade for sure. Enjoy man!
Glad to hear it worked out well. Im sure all that cussing and getting upset over the installation was well worth it in the end!! LOL. The bike really feels like it just rides more 'straight' huh? Pretty good feeling I'd say. Definitely a really good upgrade for sure. Enjoy man!
#4
I do like the shocks. I got them on Ebay for $160 with only 1000 miles on them. I think dollar for dollar they're real good shocks; preload and rebound adjustable. I'm so impressed with my Works front end though that I might end up with some Works shocks at some point, but for now these are fine. They raised the rear end up about and inch or so, which isn't for everyone looks-wise, but I love it. The Works springs raised the front up probably close to an inch as well. The bike leans a little further over on the jiffy stand, but other than that, the increase in cornering clearance is fantastic. I haven't scraped anything yet since I put them on, but once I get these tires scrubbed in, my pegs are in freakin' trouble!!!
#6
MZ, thanks for the info. Price is right for rebound adjusting to boot. I don't want to mess with the height too much. I don't normally scrape anything other than the pegs anyway, so stock height is fine by me.
I got the Ricor IAS inserts the other day and will install them in a day or two, so I've been looking at shocks to compliment.
I know Works/Werks makes some REAL nice stuff. I was looking at their shocks too. I've heard some not so good reports about Progressive, so I'll look else where. YSS makes good stuff too. I wonder how the Haggan shocks hold up? I think the YSS and Werks are going to have more adjustability that the Haggan, but I'm not sure.
Thanks!
Mike
I got the Ricor IAS inserts the other day and will install them in a day or two, so I've been looking at shocks to compliment.
I know Works/Werks makes some REAL nice stuff. I was looking at their shocks too. I've heard some not so good reports about Progressive, so I'll look else where. YSS makes good stuff too. I wonder how the Haggan shocks hold up? I think the YSS and Werks are going to have more adjustability that the Haggan, but I'm not sure.
Thanks!
Mike
#7
"I still think the TT is a bit pricey for what it is, but I suppose it is a totally custom piece, and it looks really well made. It really should just come with the bike, plain and simple."
I totaly agree with this statement. After closer examination I'm 99% sure I can build my own. Not more than $50-$60 for materials.........................
I totaly agree with this statement. After closer examination I'm 99% sure I can build my own. Not more than $50-$60 for materials.........................
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#9
Here's how my bike's set up:
FXDXT shocks
Works front springs, 15w oil
Superbrace
ME880 tires
True Track
All in all, I'm happy with the upgrades. I think a new set of ME880's and a True Track is the best $600 you can spend on a Dyna. I can't say for sure which one of the two upgrades was most noticeable, but together they really shine. I still think the TT is a bit pricey for what it is, but I suppose it is a totally custom piece, and it looks really well made. It really should just come with the bike, plain and simple.
FXDXT shocks
Works front springs, 15w oil
Superbrace
ME880 tires
True Track
All in all, I'm happy with the upgrades. I think a new set of ME880's and a True Track is the best $600 you can spend on a Dyna. I can't say for sure which one of the two upgrades was most noticeable, but together they really shine. I still think the TT is a bit pricey for what it is, but I suppose it is a totally custom piece, and it looks really well made. It really should just come with the bike, plain and simple.
Duke