Suspension Setup
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 118
Likes: 69
From: TX
Suspension Setup
OK, This post will probably expose me for the complete HD novice I am, but that's OK. I am 60 years old, and have been riding for more than 40 years, but this is my first HD or cruiser of any sort. Started out on Japanese standards, then went to sport bikes. My last bike was an Aprilia Tuono. I know this ride will never be that, but that doesn't keep me from looking for the very best in handling I can get out of it.
Do any of you guys have any more sporty/aggressive suspensions setups. I am planning to raise the tail to the limits of the adjustment to give myself maximum clearance and to see if I can get another degree or so out of the forks. Later I will look at some aftermarket shocks, but for now I just want to maximize what I already have. Also, I realize that there is virtually no adjustment for the forks, but have any of you guys played with oil weight, adding preload spacers, or increasing oil volume in the forks(makes the spring rate more progressive).
Overall, I am pleased with the handling. It is what sold me on the bike I bought. It is very stable in a straight line, and I was surprised to find it is also very neutral in a curve. Set it on the line you want to follow, and it tracks like it is on rails unless you add or subtract steering input. I don't want to lose that. On the other hand, If I can find some improvement.....
I know it isn't a sportbike, and I am not trying to turn it into one. I love it for exactly what it is. Just looking to set it up to be the best it can be for me.
Do any of you guys have any more sporty/aggressive suspensions setups. I am planning to raise the tail to the limits of the adjustment to give myself maximum clearance and to see if I can get another degree or so out of the forks. Later I will look at some aftermarket shocks, but for now I just want to maximize what I already have. Also, I realize that there is virtually no adjustment for the forks, but have any of you guys played with oil weight, adding preload spacers, or increasing oil volume in the forks(makes the spring rate more progressive).
Overall, I am pleased with the handling. It is what sold me on the bike I bought. It is very stable in a straight line, and I was surprised to find it is also very neutral in a curve. Set it on the line you want to follow, and it tracks like it is on rails unless you add or subtract steering input. I don't want to lose that. On the other hand, If I can find some improvement.....
I know it isn't a sportbike, and I am not trying to turn it into one. I love it for exactly what it is. Just looking to set it up to be the best it can be for me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,484
Likes: 272
From: Canton, GA
Suspension tuning is a trade off based on weight and riding characteristics. I'm a light weight and found the thinner weight fluid gives the front suspension more travel and is comfortable to ride .... correct, it isn't a sport bike but it cruises for many miles of smiles per gallon.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 10,908
Likes: 7,533
From: OH
I would investigate what RICOR offers for the front of your model
No direct experience with a Softail but,
I was pleased with their products for my RK
No direct experience with a Softail but,
I was pleased with their products for my RK
Last edited by eighteight; Sep 27, 2021 at 08:51 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 3,029
Likes: 449
From: Michigan
There aren't a lot of options out there for the old Softails as far as suspension goes. I recently swapped my stock shocks over to Progressive 422 shocks and it rides and handles a lot better now. The only other options are air shocks or a set of Legends Softail shocks but I haven't seen a lot of reviews for them. They seem like a nice product but you would have to lower one shock to get access to the transmission drain every time you you have to change the oil... Good luck on your search.
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 118
Likes: 69
From: TX
Thanks guys. Not really looking to aftermarket right now.
Mostly just interested in tuning what is there already. Just because there aren't any adjustment screws, doesn't mean that there aren't any tuning options. I realize the rear is limited to preload only, but there is quite a bit of tuning you can do on the forks. I was mostly looking for what others had done in that realm.
It's all good. I will buy a couple of quarts of different weight fork oil, and start experimenting.
Will start a thread with the changes I make and the results.
Mostly just interested in tuning what is there already. Just because there aren't any adjustment screws, doesn't mean that there aren't any tuning options. I realize the rear is limited to preload only, but there is quite a bit of tuning you can do on the forks. I was mostly looking for what others had done in that realm.
It's all good. I will buy a couple of quarts of different weight fork oil, and start experimenting.
Will start a thread with the changes I make and the results.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,121
Likes: 1,541
From: Black Hills of SD
Similar story to yours - First HD, first cruiser. The first thing I found is that for a heavy-duty, it handles pretty darn nice. Stable and secure. The second thing I found is the scrape zone is far sooner than I was expecting or hoping. It's just a lug along and know what you got kind of bike.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 5,004
Likes: 2,086
From: Newport,TN area
If this is truely 'original' from 2009, then I would recommend a
front fork rebuild kit when you change the fork oil.
HD #49377-09A $36.05 each at Surdyke
https://surdyke.com/PartsMain.aspx?PartNumber=49377-09A
hope this helps,
T.
front fork rebuild kit when you change the fork oil.
HD #49377-09A $36.05 each at Surdyke
https://surdyke.com/PartsMain.aspx?PartNumber=49377-09A
hope this helps,
T.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 118
Likes: 69
From: TX
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
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 84
Likes: 49
From: MN
I got my 2006 Deluxe this spring, changed the fork oil to 15 weight and it had a noticeable improvement over the 15 year old smelly slurry that came out... I used the stock volume/level. Improved damping and reduced a bit the dive under braking.
Dialed one turn of preload on the rear shocks too.
There are aftermarket springs, progressive and linear rates. You can certainly play with oil levels and viscosities. There are cartridges in the market too, but I am not sure if they fit the older bikes.
The bike is great as a cruiser. It does not like uneven pavement on a turn at speed so slow down. Be prepared to scratch the boards all the time.
Also make sure you get used to the brakes! it certainly feels different that your Tuono...
Dialed one turn of preload on the rear shocks too.
There are aftermarket springs, progressive and linear rates. You can certainly play with oil levels and viscosities. There are cartridges in the market too, but I am not sure if they fit the older bikes.
The bike is great as a cruiser. It does not like uneven pavement on a turn at speed so slow down. Be prepared to scratch the boards all the time.
Also make sure you get used to the brakes! it certainly feels different that your Tuono...
