Front fork Help
Front fork Help
Hey guys, going to pull my font forks apart on my 1997 FLHT to powder coat my lower legs and cowbells, and figured while I'm there might as well eliminate my non working Air anti dive in front end. Questions I have are: can I use stock springs after eliminating the air fittings? also has any one tried using later model IE: 2000+ springs in there fork tubes??
thanks!
thanks!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As an economical upgrade I recommend using Race Tech single-rate springs. They are available in a range of spring rates, unlike most brands, so you can match them to your weight. One of the reasons H-D used the air system was to provide a one size fits all solution, which the owner could adjust to match their own weight.
That deals with providing a good solution to replacing the air system. The Emulators that Tony mentions are also made by Race Tech, but I have to admit to being disappointed with them (in my Sporty). An alternative are Intiminators, which get good reviews over in the Touring section. Both those products upgrade the damping system, which should improve ride quality.
Personally I am replacing both springs and dampers on my Glide with Ohlins FKC101 cartridges, which should achieve your ambition, with a healthy improvement in ride quality, although they do cost a bit more!
That deals with providing a good solution to replacing the air system. The Emulators that Tony mentions are also made by Race Tech, but I have to admit to being disappointed with them (in my Sporty). An alternative are Intiminators, which get good reviews over in the Touring section. Both those products upgrade the damping system, which should improve ride quality.
Personally I am replacing both springs and dampers on my Glide with Ohlins FKC101 cartridges, which should achieve your ambition, with a healthy improvement in ride quality, although they do cost a bit more!
So can I replace just the springs or would I also need to add the emulators/intimidators?
Thanks!
Thanks!
As an economical upgrade I recommend using Race Tech single-rate springs. They are available in a range of spring rates, unlike most brands, so you can match them to your weight. One of the reasons H-D used the air system was to provide a one size fits all solution, which the owner could adjust to match their own weight.
That deals with providing a good solution to replacing the air system. The Emulators that Tony mentions are also made by Race Tech, but I have to admit to being disappointed with them (in my Sporty). An alternative are Intiminators, which get good reviews over in the Touring section. Both those products upgrade the damping system, which should improve ride quality.
Personally I am replacing both springs and dampers on my Glide with Ohlins FKC101 cartridges, which should achieve your ambition, with a healthy improvement in ride quality, although they do cost a bit more!
That deals with providing a good solution to replacing the air system. The Emulators that Tony mentions are also made by Race Tech, but I have to admit to being disappointed with them (in my Sporty). An alternative are Intiminators, which get good reviews over in the Touring section. Both those products upgrade the damping system, which should improve ride quality.
Personally I am replacing both springs and dampers on my Glide with Ohlins FKC101 cartridges, which should achieve your ambition, with a healthy improvement in ride quality, although they do cost a bit more!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
You can just add springs, just take care to adjust the sag correctly. Bearing in mind that ride quality of these bikes even when new was pretty poor, it is common to also upgrade the damping in some way. That's why there are so many options available!
Trending Topics
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I went with Progressive springs and Ricor Intiminators a few years back. This improved the handling considerably, but gave a somewhat rougher ride. At first I didn't mind, but after living with it for a few years I've decided to switch to the Racetech system. I got the kit - single rate springs with the emulators. Not yet installed so I can't talk about results yet.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I went with Progressive springs and Ricor Intiminators a few years back. This improved the handling considerably, but gave a somewhat rougher ride. At first I didn't mind, but after living with it for a few years I've decided to switch to the Racetech system. I got the kit - single rate springs with the emulators. Not yet installed so I can't talk about results yet.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post