Dropping the front
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 894
Likes: 1
From: NJ
If its a deluxe. you have to take the whole front end apart to get the drop ins to go in. All FL's require you to pull the forks out of the triple tree. It's just a fact. Ive spent the last 2 days researchng all of this myself. I wanted to drop my nose a 1 inch too. Other models, you can just pop off the tops of the forks and pull the spring, not on the deluxe. Its a little more complicated unfortunately.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
Mark, I have enjoyed my ride with the front end dropped 2", and like Si mentioned, I did bottom her out on a nasty hit the first day out.
I had the indy install mine when I had them swap out my lowers and he stated they used a heavy fork oil. Not that I don't trust them, but I'm going to drain it and put oil in myself and then I'll know positively what's in there before I can pass judgement one way or the other.
Also, the nasty hit I took may have bottomed out on stock height just the same. It was a nasty hole that really rocked me hard and I'm really glad I didn't damage a wheel. I mean I had a pain jolt across my chest I hit so damn hard.
I had the indy install mine when I had them swap out my lowers and he stated they used a heavy fork oil. Not that I don't trust them, but I'm going to drain it and put oil in myself and then I'll know positively what's in there before I can pass judgement one way or the other.
Also, the nasty hit I took may have bottomed out on stock height just the same. It was a nasty hole that really rocked me hard and I'm really glad I didn't damage a wheel. I mean I had a pain jolt across my chest I hit so damn hard.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 6
From: Nuevo Mexico USA
If its a deluxe. you have to take the whole front end apart to get the drop ins to go in. All FL's require you to pull the forks out of the triple tree. It's just a fact. Ive spent tp phe last 2 days researchng all of this myself. I wanted to drop my nose a 1 inch too. Other models, you can just pop off the tops of the forks and pull the spring, not on the deluxe. Its a little more complicated unfortunately.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,396
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut :(
Nice work!
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,515
Likes: 6
From: Nuevo Mexico USA
It's not that bad don't let it discourage you, very well worth the effort. You will be pleased with the end result. Nothing to it really.
drain forks
remove brake caliper and hang
remove front wheel
remove fork fill cap
loosen pinch bolts
slide fork 1/2 way down
retighten pinch bolts to hold fork while you break free the fork top cap
loosen pinch bolts again
remove fork from bike, remove top cap and pull out springs
install Ricors, drop in new springs, washers and spacer
(hint: a good plumbers pipe cutter or ratcheting cutter will cut the PVC spacer nice and square)
reinstall top cap, rinse, repeat for other side
put it all back together and fill with oil.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 3
From: North Carolina
It's about an hour for the full kit, I'd say less for the drop ins.
drain forks
remove brake caliper and hang
remove front wheel
remove fork fill cap
loosen pinch bolts
slide fork 1/2 way down
retighten pinch bolts to hold fork while you break free the fork top cap
loosen pinch bolts again
remove fork from bike, remove top cap and pull out springs
install Ricors, drop in new springs, washers and spacer
(hint: a good plumbers pipe cutter or ratcheting cutter will cut the PVC spacer nice and square)
reinstall top cap, rinse, repeat for other side
put it all back together and fill with oil.
drain forks
remove brake caliper and hang
remove front wheel
remove fork fill cap
loosen pinch bolts
slide fork 1/2 way down
retighten pinch bolts to hold fork while you break free the fork top cap
loosen pinch bolts again
remove fork from bike, remove top cap and pull out springs
install Ricors, drop in new springs, washers and spacer
(hint: a good plumbers pipe cutter or ratcheting cutter will cut the PVC spacer nice and square)
reinstall top cap, rinse, repeat for other side
put it all back together and fill with oil.
Agree, it won't be that bad, but you'll also have to drop the light bar and tree tins. A little tedious but do able and worth it.
Mark, the other reason I went with the two inch because I figured it'd be easy to go back up if I decided I didn't like it...but I love it.
What I mean is I could use the same sleeves if I decided to raise up to say 1" drop by just cutting them. If I went with the 1" and decided to go 2" then I'd have to get additional sleeves because they'd have been cut already. Hope that came out right, still a little under the influence with my tooth work meds. LOL And I'm about to go put some wind in my face to clear my head! Go for it!You may also consider adding the Ricors with the drop, it definitely wouldn't hurt and would help a lot. Not sure, they may still be on sale for about $179.
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