How much dive does your [older] 39mm Dyna have?
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 1,719
Likes: 91
From: Florida
How much dive does your [older] 39mm Dyna have?
My '96 dives like a seal when I clamp the brakes and I wondered how much of it is worn out suspension versus original design. I'm reading the front end threads and thinking about doing the springs and 10w to help this problem. I probably get a good three or more inches of travel on the highway and more when I stop hard.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
Tube size has nothing to do with spring rates, or damping. The front end dive on the 39mm damper rod (FXDL) and cartridge (FXDX/FXDXT) forks are due to Harley Davidson completely missing the mark on spring rate, and oil selection on these forks. Harley is great at this, my Street Bob was terrible from the factory as well.
Once I am able to unload all of my extra parts I am going to buy the specialized tools to build a FXDX front end from the ground up that works correctly. I will be doing a complete write up with pics, my weight,spring rates, oil selection and oil height. I will be doing this hopefully within the next month or two since I have found NO good info on this on the internet.
I have already done a budget write up on the damper rod style forks that are the same as the FXDL 39mm forks. Below is a link to that write up I did on my budget 49mm damper rod setup, and let me tell you it made a huge difference for very few dollars.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...wered-low.html
Once I am able to unload all of my extra parts I am going to buy the specialized tools to build a FXDX front end from the ground up that works correctly. I will be doing a complete write up with pics, my weight,spring rates, oil selection and oil height. I will be doing this hopefully within the next month or two since I have found NO good info on this on the internet.
I have already done a budget write up on the damper rod style forks that are the same as the FXDL 39mm forks. Below is a link to that write up I did on my budget 49mm damper rod setup, and let me tell you it made a huge difference for very few dollars.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/dyna-...wered-low.html
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 310
Likes: 42
From: Chicago
I bought my 00 (39mm) used a few years ago and had the same thing - it dove like a ****. One of the first things I did was to change the fork oil l to Screaming Eagle Extra Heavy and it rode like a new bike. I figured I would run it for a while and then consider progressives and all. Fact is it has been 3 years and it is holding up just fine, I have never looked back. Also, I did buy a correct fork nut socket that has a rubber O ring to protect the chrome.
Worth the time to try.
Worth the time to try.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
You didnt post your weight, loaded suspension sag, what weight oil you replaced. Without this info your statement leaves alot of variables to interpret.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
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From: Alberta
I had an FXDXT for years and once set up properly the factory front end was great...
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
I sure didn't, & the reason is because the FXDP never came equipped with an FXDX adjustable cartridge-type fork!