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I'm at a crossroads right now. Last time my FLSTF forks were changed of fluid was around 8 or 9 years ago.
Springs are sacked some now and need to be swapped out as well as fluid change. I picked up some cartridge emulators about a year ago and they sit in a box in my garage.
Some new HD progressive springs came in a month ago and are sitting.
Here's my issue, I modified the factory fork rods back then by welding up the bleed holes and then re-drilling them with smaller holes to help reduce the top out, which it did greatly.
The cartridge emulators require a stock set of rods to be drilled out quite a bit and even add more holes. (this part scares me as I know it weakens those rods with all those holes.)
If I just replace the oil and install the new springs, I'll get the ride that was good for my riding style.
I don't know how much better the cartridge emulators would work as I know of no one who used them.
To make it worse, my front end on the FLSTF is not stock and looks like an FLCH type of front end trim which makes it a bitch to make anykind of adjustment on them.
Anyone use fork emulators before and can comment would be great in getting my head around this work.
I have both setups on my two bikes. My Softail just has progressive springs and heavier oil. My Dyna has ricor intimidators, preload adjusters and heavier oil. I prefer just the springs and heavier oil.
Only thing other than the cartridges were the bushings and new seals.Didnt see any recommendations.Oops, were there?
For the emulators I received, they said to re drill anddtional bleed holes in the fork rods in multiple locations.
The damn thing looks like swiss cheese if done to they're spec.
Another way to firm up a set of progressives is too make the plug a 1/2"longer than suggested.. W/20w oil I love the feel in my Fatboy.. Sorry cannot offer advice on the emulators....
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