My front shocks seem to be very soft and bottom out when ever I brake hard or hit a decent bump. I've heard that I need to drain and replace my fluid. But dont know how much the correct level should be. Its hard for me to believe that this is the only thing wrong. Could somebody explain to me how the front shocks work. Thanks alot, Nate

 

Harleys are notoriously undersprung from the factory, put very many miles on them and they get worse. Changing fluid is a normal maintenance item, consult an owners manual or call the local harley dealer for the amount and type of fluid for your machine... my '93 manual says 9.2-10.5 oz per leg depending on the model FXR you have.

You might consider dropping a set of Progressive springs in there. They're less than a hundred bucks a set. They're a progressive rate spring and offer a much stiffer ride than stock. You might also look into the Race Tech springs and cartridge emulator setup for $250 or so.

 

If you want cheap get yourself 2 one inch pieces of pvc pipe add one of these to each tube at the top and put the threaded cap back on This will pre load the weak springs Pipe size say 1 in or 3/4 in

 

I'm Going to change the oil out and put the stock amount back in. see where that puts me. any thoughts on going heavier on the oil weight?

 

It will help with increasing the damping effect but you'll still most likely bottom out... You need to increase the spring rate and oil has no effect there. Increasing preload, as suggested earlier, may help somewhat but longterm you probably should just ditch the stock springs in favor of something more substantial.

 

copy that I appreciate the help! just trying to make her last until I find the bills to get a paughco springer front end.

 

Well you're losing me there Nate... this is the best handling Harley ever built and you're putting a springer on it?? (shakes head.... ;-) Oh well, best of luck to you..

 

so I got the springs out and they are progressive springs that have been cut...replaced oil and while trying to put the pvc spacers in I cant preload the shocks enough to get the end threaded back on....any tips???

I'm thinking this is the reason the springs where cut in the first place

 

Get yourself a buddy I can remember doing this project with another set of hands

 

The front end is up in the air right ?