Diff from FXD and FXDX?
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: Florida
pretty much.
The previous owner probably replaced the rear shocks (shorter) and maybe the front fork springs.
My bike (same year as yours) had the rear shocks replaced with 1" shorter ones from progressive and he slid the front forks up 1" in the triple trees clamps (effectively lowering the front also). I just replaced the rear shocks with stock height (actually I went to the 13 3/8" length which is 3/8' longer than stock) and I slid the front forks back to stock position. The handling and ride dramatically changed for the good.
I bought works shocks verses just buying the stock shocks since the cost was actually less. Course pick your aftermarket brand here - there are several good options and it has been discussed many times in this forum.
The previous owner probably replaced the rear shocks (shorter) and maybe the front fork springs.
My bike (same year as yours) had the rear shocks replaced with 1" shorter ones from progressive and he slid the front forks up 1" in the triple trees clamps (effectively lowering the front also). I just replaced the rear shocks with stock height (actually I went to the 13 3/8" length which is 3/8' longer than stock) and I slid the front forks back to stock position. The handling and ride dramatically changed for the good.
I bought works shocks verses just buying the stock shocks since the cost was actually less. Course pick your aftermarket brand here - there are several good options and it has been discussed many times in this forum.
Yeah looks like that's what he did to mine. Shorter shocks and slide the front forks up in the trees.
thanks
now to search for the shock threads
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
The stock shocks are actually 13.6", so the 13-3/8" are a tad shorter but damn close. I had mine lowered for a little while but put it back to stock. I find it is a much better ride and a lot more fun at stock height.
Photorider, how do you like the works shocks? I wonder how the stock ones compare. I hear that the stock rear are supposed to be pretty good, but the forks can use some work. I don't have anything to compare mine to though. The forks do seem to dive a little easy even with the rebound turned up.
Photorider, how do you like the works shocks? I wonder how the stock ones compare. I hear that the stock rear are supposed to be pretty good, but the forks can use some work. I don't have anything to compare mine to though. The forks do seem to dive a little easy even with the rebound turned up.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
Here a great site for viewing pictures and specs on various brands (mostly newer)
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/
http://www.totalmotorcycle.com/
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 934
Likes: 0
From: PNW, USA
The stock shocks are actually 13.6", so the 13-3/8" are a tad shorter but damn close. I had mine lowered for a little while but put it back to stock. I find it is a much better ride and a lot more fun at stock height.
Photorider, how do you like the works shocks? I wonder how the stock ones compare. I hear that the stock rear are supposed to be pretty good, but the forks can use some work. I don't have anything to compare mine to though. The forks do seem to dive a little easy even with the rebound turned up.
Photorider, how do you like the works shocks? I wonder how the stock ones compare. I hear that the stock rear are supposed to be pretty good, but the forks can use some work. I don't have anything to compare mine to though. The forks do seem to dive a little easy even with the rebound turned up.
I can't compare my Works to stock since the bike had progressive 12" versions when I bought it. However, the Works shocks are really nice. Compared to how the bike was when I bought it its night and day. My friend who rode the bike home stated it was all over the place especially on medium bumps. It simply didn't want to stay where it was pointed. After I changed the shocks and put the forks back to stock it is solid as a rock and more so than my other two bikes. I would buy the Works shocks again.
Stock shocks from what I hear are very nice. The have compression damping adj and preload. The Works I bought (black trackers) only have preload. The compression damping and rebound are set by Works per my weight etc. You can buy a version which has a quick adj for the preload (ARS system) in case you go solo and 2 up.
Yes the front needs some work. I put SE oil in mine and had them rebuilt. It still dive a bit when braking so I am thinking about dual rate springs. You might be able to adj some of it out, but it could be difficult to need your cake and eat it too
Last edited by PhotoRider; Nov 3, 2011 at 06:41 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,016
Likes: 3
From: West New york, NJ
I still have the stock rear shocks and I am quite happy with them. I am going to try the heavier oil in the forks over the winter. I am 270 lbs. And keep the rear preload on #4 out of 5. When I go 2-up I put it on 5. I have ridden on #3 solo and it was ok. More comfy than sport. The adjustable preload is quite nice to have. I did stiffen up the dampening front and rear also. That helped a bit. The previous owner put forward controls on it, but I am 6'3" and need them my knees bend as much as some guys with the mid.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
From: Northern Calif.
im pretty sure the first couple years of the fxd models were 32 degrees but around 95 or so they changed to 28 degrees. the fxdx(t) sit higher due to 13.5" adjustable rear shocks and adj. front suspension, add a tach, dual front discs, optional saddlebags and 1/2 fairing and they handle great. there might be differences in gear ratios & engine specs? i wish they would of brought the fxdx back instead of releasing the dyna switchback since the dresser line has a bunch of bikes to choose from, and there isnt a harley sport tour like the fxdx(t) and fxrt's were. i might have left out some of the dx's options but hard to remember sometimes.
Last edited by ecvjohnny; Nov 4, 2011 at 05:29 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
I agree....an FXDX with the mag wheels BUT
Larger 18x5.5 rear and 21x3 front rim,
49mm fully adjustable mid glide forks,
TRIPLE FLOATING DISCS
Factory installed updated quarter fairing,
Piggyback Long Rear Shocks like the ones that came on the Sportster 1200S
True Track Equipped
Heck while I am dreaming I will go ahead and add in a Thunderheader from the factory!!
103 CUBES please........
I would do bad things to aquire the dough for that scooter.
Larger 18x5.5 rear and 21x3 front rim,
49mm fully adjustable mid glide forks,
TRIPLE FLOATING DISCS
Factory installed updated quarter fairing,
Piggyback Long Rear Shocks like the ones that came on the Sportster 1200S
True Track Equipped
Heck while I am dreaming I will go ahead and add in a Thunderheader from the factory!!
103 CUBES please........
I would do bad things to aquire the dough for that scooter.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,829
Likes: 491
From: Northern WV
Sounds good, parts eeter. Just use Brembo brakes, and make the fairing optional. I'll buy one!
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 7
From: NY shitty
speaking of brakes, my levers are "soft". both front and rear,meaning they go almost all the way to the throttle. they stop the bike o.k. but I brought it to my indie anyway. he said that those non floating calipers are hit or miss. tried to shim to take up some slack but that didnt work. any comments or ideas ? pads were good,fluid was good.