Front suspension on a Softail Custom
Front suspension on a Softail Custom
My 08 Softail Custom front Suspension is really stiff.
When I ride down the freeway above 70 mph the bike bounces all over the place.
At low speeds, when the bike hits a bump the front of the bike jumps up also.
The suspension is definately too stiff.
What can I do to soften it up?
Thanks
Ride Safe
When I ride down the freeway above 70 mph the bike bounces all over the place.
At low speeds, when the bike hits a bump the front of the bike jumps up also.
The suspension is definately too stiff.
What can I do to soften it up?
Thanks
Ride Safe
Banned
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,706
Likes: 7
From: Woodstock, Ont , Can
Yup, my 07 is stiff too. Often wondered if thinner oil was needed to soften it up. Spring itself seems fine , just stiff on the dampening and on a rough road front is like a buckboard. Rear works much better, especially 2 up.
Ron
Ron
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
Never noticed anything 'off' with my 07's front end. But if there is too much oil in the fork tubes it will make them stiffer. Put enough in and it will act like a semi-sold bar of steel.
Cold temps will also make it feel stiffer than normal so using a lighter weight oil in winter, when it gets really cold, will soften up the damping rates a little for you.
Just remember to go back to the standard weight come next summer or your going to bouncing all over the place.
In any case I would hold off on doing anything more than making sure the right amount is in there until you have over 2 or 3,000 miles on the bike. It might just need a little break in time to loosen up some.
Cold temps will also make it feel stiffer than normal so using a lighter weight oil in winter, when it gets really cold, will soften up the damping rates a little for you.
Just remember to go back to the standard weight come next summer or your going to bouncing all over the place.
In any case I would hold off on doing anything more than making sure the right amount is in there until you have over 2 or 3,000 miles on the bike. It might just need a little break in time to loosen up some.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,592
Likes: 6
From: Florida
I think Citoriplus may have nailed it. If you overfill them, they get extremely stiff.
Page 58 has a chart that shows exactly how much oil should be in the forks.
http://allamericanexportsinc.com/pdfs/
I guess you would actually have to completely drain them and then refill with the exact correct amount.
P.S. I guess since the bike is so new, you may want to take it in for them to fix it. It's up to you. It may be a real quick fix...but it may not be, too.
Page 58 has a chart that shows exactly how much oil should be in the forks.
http://allamericanexportsinc.com/pdfs/
I guess you would actually have to completely drain them and then refill with the exact correct amount.
P.S. I guess since the bike is so new, you may want to take it in for them to fix it. It's up to you. It may be a real quick fix...but it may not be, too.
Last edited by mopardave; Jan 11, 2009 at 02:41 AM. Reason: P.S.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 2,035
Likes: 5
From: near Buffalo, NY
Stiff?
The stock HD suspension is incredibly undersprung, so it isn't stiff. It's the jolts you feel from not having enough spring rate to absorb the bump adequetly..
Heavier fork oil may help..
Gold valved springs that correctly match your weight from Race Tech would fix it.
The stock HD suspension is incredibly undersprung, so it isn't stiff. It's the jolts you feel from not having enough spring rate to absorb the bump adequetly..
Heavier fork oil may help..
Gold valved springs that correctly match your weight from Race Tech would fix it.
Last edited by George C; Jan 11, 2009 at 06:16 AM.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 171
Likes: 1
From: new haven,ct
You need to soften up on your back shocks and if u lowered the front u need to soften them up to by shorting up on the pvc tubeing in side and don't over fill the oil not good. by softing up on the back shocks it will let the back squat when u romp on her.
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