Front Fork/Suspension Options
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
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Front Fork/Suspension Options
I have a 1989 FLHTC and the LH fork has started leaking enough for me to have to do something about it.
Anti-Dive has not worked since I got the bike and future plans include new bars. I don't really care if I keep the front air shocks or not.
So where does that leave me with options?
I know i can reseal and put them back on or have my indy do it, but I'd love to upgrade while the fairing is off and they are being resealed. Progressive springs? or what else?
Anti-Dive has not worked since I got the bike and future plans include new bars. I don't really care if I keep the front air shocks or not.
So where does that leave me with options?
I know i can reseal and put them back on or have my indy do it, but I'd love to upgrade while the fairing is off and they are being resealed. Progressive springs? or what else?
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 18,575
Likes: 4
From: Norfolk, VA
I installed a set of front Progressive Springs back in 2005...They are still working fine today and made a great improvement in handling...
The springs that were removed had been "cut" to lower the front...That made the lower fork legs bottom out quite often and reduced the fork travel to 2-inches at best!!
The springs that were removed had been "cut" to lower the front...That made the lower fork legs bottom out quite often and reduced the fork travel to 2-inches at best!!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I have a new Sportster and have already changed the front forks. I fitted single rate springs matched to my weight with Emulators, all from RaceTech. I can't say I'm bowled over by them, but they are an improvement over the stock set-up. With your bike (I also have a 1990 FLHS) it is easy to sort out the air forks, but if you prefer, remove all the external stuff and replace the springs, as they are too soft to work on their own. Dual-rate springs are unnecessary, if you buy springs with the correct spring rate. Go to a suspension specialist who will ensure you get the right rate, don't guess!
I have custom-built Ohlins rear shocks and am waiting for the release of front forks with Ohlins cartridge inserts. I'll turn this ole lady into a Rolls-Royce yet!
I have custom-built Ohlins rear shocks and am waiting for the release of front forks with Ohlins cartridge inserts. I'll turn this ole lady into a Rolls-Royce yet!
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 66,138
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From: Niles Canyon Ca.
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http://www.motorcyclemetal.com/gpage1.html
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
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Which Progressive's did you go with?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
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From: Driftless Area
I would like to get rid of the front air ride also, prob is, is that I have an fxrs-sp that has longer tubes, and no one seems to makes parts for this animal! The springs offered are stock length, no help, mine are longer, can't find my manual at this time, but trust me. Folks claim how great the fxrs-sp is, which I do not disclaim, but try to find parts to fit, my only beef. Otherwise I"ll ride it to hell and back.
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4th Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
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I am new to bikes so I may have some dummy questions...lowering the bike is def out of the question for me as I scrape floorboards/crash bar already.
Im leaning towards the Ricor Intiminators and progressive springs....I am guessing we have 41mm?
Im leaning towards the Ricor Intiminators and progressive springs....I am guessing we have 41mm?
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
I truly don't remember. Whatever the stock length replacement is. I do remember getting them for 'free' as part of a special deal from Progressive when buying their 440 shocks. I just took a look at their site and they are running that same special again this month - check it out here.