fork rebuild kit recomendation.
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix
fork rebuild kit recomendation.
My forks are bottoming out on my 92 xl so I need a good seal kit but I'm not sure which to buy. The drag specialties kit looks like it has more components than the james gaskets kit, but the price difference is huge. What has anybody found to be reliable?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If your forks are bottoming out you need more than just a seal kit! I suggest you buy a fresh set of springs to match your weight - try Race Tech, who sell single-rate springs and have a calculator so you can get the correct spring rate for you. There is a fixed number of replaceable components in a set of forks, which you can check with any on-line parts website.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,400
Likes: 284
From: Fort Worth, TX
We use the James fork rebuild kits along with the Drag Specialties upper/lower bushings and Amsoil 10wt fluid when we do forks at the shop. Do yourself a favor and replace the bushings, a lot of people don't and end up with leaking forks shortly after a rebuild because they didn't change them. That being said, I agree with Graham, if the forks are bottoming you should replace the springs with something a bit stiffer. The 10wt fluid is a bit of an improvement over the stock fluid but the forks on HD's are notoriously soft resulting in front end dive and poor handling, stiffening them up will improve the ride dramatically.
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 50
From: The USofA
If your forks are bottoming out you need more than just a seal kit! I suggest you buy a fresh set of springs to match your weight - try Race Tech, who sell single-rate springs and have a calculator so you can get the correct spring rate for you. There is a fixed number of replaceable components in a set of forks, which you can check with any on-line parts website.
We use the James fork rebuild kits along with the Drag Specialties upper/lower bushings and Amsoil 10wt fluid when we do forks at the shop. Do yourself a favor and replace the bushings, a lot of people don't and end up with leaking forks shortly after a rebuild because they didn't change them. That being said, I agree with Graham, if the forks are bottoming you should replace the springs with something a bit stiffer. The 10wt fluid is a bit of an improvement over the stock fluid but the forks on HD's are notoriously soft resulting in front end dive and poor handling, stiffening them up will improve the ride dramatically.
I realize the suspension on my little 17 Iron is really lacking (mostly on 2up riding). Looking to do the rear first but after a few rougher rides the front sucks too. Thanks again.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Not only did I use Race Tech springs, but also set sag correctly, which lifted the front end significantly. I also replaced the shocks with longer better quality ones, so my bike is now a Super-not-so-Low! But it does ride better, although it is only ever ridden solo.
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 50
From: The USofA
I would agree that the fronts are 'ok' if I don't hit anything really big. We have the same pot hole as everyone else. I think part of my problem is I wish it was just a bigger front end. But I knew what I was getting when I bought the Iron.
My problem with the rear is that I'm 150' and my GF is 180'. I have to go from one extreme to the other on the shock adjustment from solo to 2up. It's getting to be a pain in the *** with the little wrench and I don't like the way it handles when adjusted all the way for 2up, and little spring travel. Some of the weight charts for some shocks I'm looking at don't over lap well for 150' solo to 330' 2up. Falls between standard and heavy duty.
I was just looking at the Legend Revo-A. Big price tag! But seems like a good shock.
My problem with the rear is that I'm 150' and my GF is 180'. I have to go from one extreme to the other on the shock adjustment from solo to 2up. It's getting to be a pain in the *** with the little wrench and I don't like the way it handles when adjusted all the way for 2up, and little spring travel. Some of the weight charts for some shocks I'm looking at don't over lap well for 150' solo to 330' 2up. Falls between standard and heavy duty.
I was just looking at the Legend Revo-A. Big price tag! But seems like a good shock.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I've been riding for over fifty years and while bigger forks may look good they are not necessary, be assured! You and your GF are no bigger than 'normal' folks over the last half-century, nor are roads worst now than fifty years ago. What has changed is that H-D hasn't upgraded their suspension in line with modern developments that are widely available on most other brands, in fact they have gone backwards in some ways. You bike has a lower ride height and shorter suspension travel than Sporties of just a few years ago and when the model was first introduced a lifetime ago. The two of you are not alone in expecting better from your bike.
As for shocks, take yourself a shortcut to HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal, he will build a pair for the two of you taking into account your weights etc. In my experience of ours, I find I don't need to keep adjusting the springs between solo and duo rides. His Ohlins are good enough that you also may be able to find a great compromise set-up.
As for shocks, take yourself a shortcut to HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal, he will build a pair for the two of you taking into account your weights etc. In my experience of ours, I find I don't need to keep adjusting the springs between solo and duo rides. His Ohlins are good enough that you also may be able to find a great compromise set-up.
Trending Topics
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 50
From: The USofA
I've been riding for over fifty years and while bigger forks may look good they are not necessary, be assured! You and your GF are no bigger than 'normal' folks over the last half-century, nor are roads worst now than fifty years ago. What has changed is that H-D hasn't upgraded their suspension in line with modern developments that are widely available on most other brands, in fact they have gone backwards in some ways. You bike has a lower ride height and shorter suspension travel than Sporties of just a few years ago and when the model was first introduced a lifetime ago. The two of you are not alone in expecting better from your bike.
As for shocks, take yourself a shortcut to HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal, he will build a pair for the two of you taking into account your weights etc. In my experience of ours, I find I don't need to keep adjusting the springs between solo and duo rides. His Ohlins are good enough that you also may be able to find a great compromise set-up.
As for shocks, take yourself a shortcut to HDF sponsor Howard at Motorcycle Metal, he will build a pair for the two of you taking into account your weights etc. In my experience of ours, I find I don't need to keep adjusting the springs between solo and duo rides. His Ohlins are good enough that you also may be able to find a great compromise set-up.
I have to remember I'm riding the smallest bike HD makes, pretty much. I can't expect it to do everything and the price was right.
I've rode since I was a teenager but stopped about 20 years ago for employment that would have meant little to no riding. Now I just retired at 64 and just wanted to get back into the wind so the Iron is doing me good for the most part. I see me upgrading in a year or two.
Thanks again for your time.
Edit: If I don't have to constantly re-adjust that would be great! Can't believe what they get $$$ for a good pair of shocks though.
Last edited by Old Rust; Aug 10, 2017 at 08:49 AM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
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
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 257
Likes: 50
From: The USofA
Thanks, these don't sound bad for the price. Could be a good upgrade.
A little confused at 2 models that are available for and 17 Iron.
They don't make it clear on the difference between the 3" and the 1"Low.
I guess I could all them.
A little confused at 2 models that are available for and 17 Iron.
They don't make it clear on the difference between the 3" and the 1"Low.
I guess I could all them.