Progressive suspension issue
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I'm surprised at your weight that you don't like the HD springs. I have the 440's at stock height with HD springs. When I turn the adjuster all the way up (softest setting) those HD springs are perfect for me solo at 220lbs.
I do have a stock front end running 10 weight amsoil shock therapy fluid.
I do have a stock front end running 10 weight amsoil shock therapy fluid.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 0
From:
Well I've been tinkering...put 1" longer spacers in(max acc to Progressive)...which gave me another inch of travel and it's transformed the bike...we're not talking sportsbike handling but I certainly have more confidence in the way it's set up now...went out for a short run(15-20mls) will give it a better test tomorrow as its night here now.
Obviously its not as low as it was but a good enough compromise.
Also gave the side(jiffy) stand a tweak while I was in the garage as I wasn't too happy with the degree of lean when it was parked up...it looked like any strong breeze would tip it over...sits much better now and no chance of crushing any passing small children!
Obviously its not as low as it was but a good enough compromise.
Also gave the side(jiffy) stand a tweak while I was in the garage as I wasn't too happy with the degree of lean when it was parked up...it looked like any strong breeze would tip it over...sits much better now and no chance of crushing any passing small children!
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 36
From: Alberta, Canada
If you lower the front the same amount, the rake does not change.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
But if the front ends up lower than the rear then you decrease rake and then it gets real twitchy in turns.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 118
Likes: 1
it has to be how the preload is set up on the shock have you adjusted that? sound like it is way to stiff... did you swap fork oil or still running the crappy stock stuff? i would highly suggest you swap out to 15w fork oil... i run spectro in all HD's i just like it... you take 26.9oz per leg on that bike
I had the same issues when I first lowered my bike(but I have 412). I had my dealership swap out my fork oil, and it made a big difference. I also had them make sure the preload in the back was at the "softest" setting (both as JRK5892 mentioned). Now the bike rides stiff but not STIFF. I like the ride now. low enough for my low crotch and enough suspension not to make me feel grounded to the road. My two cents... hope it helps.
HEY... I did not have to try this last suggestion... but as a last resort... before I switched it all back to stock.... somebody suggested cutting down the front spacer to give you more travel. I weigh 215lbs.
Devil's Advocate
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,070
Likes: 36
From: Alberta, Canada
If you lower the front more than the rear, you shouldn't be picking up a wrench! You are a danger to yourself and others!
Cutting the front spacer down more will only lower the front more.
Changing the fork oil is a good thing. The heavier the oil, the less movement and the stiffer it gets. That is why I left my oil as stock...for now.
1st Gear
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Over The Rhine Ohio
I just dropped mine 2" about a month ago via the Burly Slammer Kit. I didn't mind the stiff rear but front felt too harsh over rough roads. I dropped in a set of Ricor Intiminators in the front forks, swapped the stock HD fork oil for Amsoil #5 (lighter than what HD calls for) and reduced the amount of oil (put in 20oz vs. what manual gives). I really like the way it rides now. Front soaks up bumps really nice. I weigh 165lbs (no bottoming issues riding solo - have not tried 2up yet). If I still wasn't happy w ride was going to step up to Amsoil #10 in front forks but I stopped at my current set up b/c I was fully satisfied.
I bought my Dyna like this and those are Progressives on the back. Wish I had the part # handy. Will say this,,,no compression strength whatsoever! I'm 220 lbs and these damn things bottom out on a 30mph bump. Don't know if they are adjustable or not, but im tired of the harsh ride.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,553
Likes: 17
I bought my Dyna like this and those are Progressives on the back. Wish I had the part # handy. Will say this,,,no compression strength whatsoever! I'm 220 lbs and these damn things bottom out on a 30mph bump. Don't know if they are adjustable or not, but im tired of the harsh ride.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
A couple of comments ...
(i) increasing the spacer in the top of the fork tube increases the amount of pre-load on the spring ... (this is the same as 'notching up' the rear shocks to a higher number (on 1-5 scale)) ... this means the spring will have less travel before the coils are fully collapsed upon each other ...
(ii) decreasing the fluid level in the forks increases the volume of air in the forks ... when the fork is compressed, the fluid is forced through the damper rods and up into the fork ... which in turn compresses the air on top of the fluid ... conversely, by having more fluid in the fork, it will ride harder as there is less air to compress (and the fluid does not compress (or hardly at all, in comparison)) ...
(iii) the weight of the fluid dictates how fast or slow it flows through the holes in the damper rods ... of course, installing Ricor Intiminators or Race Tech Gold Valves will meter the flow of oil through the damper rods and improve the performance, too ...
But, you must consider that the functioning of the forks is a combination of all three factors ...
R/
'Chop
* * *
Found this diagram on the Race Tech website and added some labels to (hopefully) make it a little clearer what you are looking at ... obviously not drawn to scale ...
(i) increasing the spacer in the top of the fork tube increases the amount of pre-load on the spring ... (this is the same as 'notching up' the rear shocks to a higher number (on 1-5 scale)) ... this means the spring will have less travel before the coils are fully collapsed upon each other ...
(ii) decreasing the fluid level in the forks increases the volume of air in the forks ... when the fork is compressed, the fluid is forced through the damper rods and up into the fork ... which in turn compresses the air on top of the fluid ... conversely, by having more fluid in the fork, it will ride harder as there is less air to compress (and the fluid does not compress (or hardly at all, in comparison)) ...
(iii) the weight of the fluid dictates how fast or slow it flows through the holes in the damper rods ... of course, installing Ricor Intiminators or Race Tech Gold Valves will meter the flow of oil through the damper rods and improve the performance, too ...
But, you must consider that the functioning of the forks is a combination of all three factors ...
R/
'Chop
* * *
Found this diagram on the Race Tech website and added some labels to (hopefully) make it a little clearer what you are looking at ... obviously not drawn to scale ...
Last edited by SURFOR Chop; Sep 6, 2012 at 05:05 PM.
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