Lowered Front End Question , Ricor Intiminators Vs. Monotubes
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Lowered Front End Question , Ricor Intiminators Vs. Monotubes
Hi Folks,
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
Hi Folks,
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 4,624
Likes: 189
From: Newcastle, Ca.
Hi Folks,
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
I noticed that my front fork now has lots of oil (I can even see the left fork oil drops as I ride, terrible stuff).. so this is time to replace seals and maybe rebuild my front fork.
4 years ago I did put the lowering springs in there (2" down), now I am thinking of Ricor/Monotubes to improve stability in high speeds and lessen high speed bumps wobble.
Question :
1 - Which one you recommend more Ricor or Monotube ?
2 - Any experience with Intimintors with lowering springs ?
3 - What do I need to source to rebuild the shocks other than the intiminators or monotbues, ? I am guessing I need to replace all seals since I got oil leaked .. anything else to consider ?.
4 - What Oil weight to use (FXST bike and riding Solo most of the time).
I appreciate the input guys.
Depending on how many miles and what the bushings look like you may need bushings and seals. Otherwise, just a James seal kit on eBay - $16.
Fork oil depends on what route you go. Ricors use 5w, Monotubes I dont know.
btw- Shotguns and Ricors changed the bikes ride in a HUGE way! Anyone upgrading either the front or rear suspension is only doing half a job. Doing both is the only way to go. Will write a review soon... Thanks for your input on the SS
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 746
Likes: 5
From: Boston
I installed the monotubes with a 1" drop, love the ride quality up front and the fact that I no longer have to deal with fork oils to get the damping right. One of the best investments I've made to date - cant speak to the Ricors since I've not tried them.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 4
From: Utah
I did the Progressive drop in springs with the Ricors. Dropped it about 1 1/2". Easy to do and great ride. Can't comment on the monotubes, but if you already have the lowering springs it may be cheaper to just add the Ricors.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 3,908
Likes: 19
From: Dayton
I'm curious if anyone has lowered the front 2" and then hiked the *** end up (via Shotguns) to support a passenger. I would think this would nose-dive the bike and ruin handling.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
Although the Monotubes will free me from the Fork Oil change service, it is a bit misleading since Progressive states it is not rebuildable and service time 45-60 K which is the same as the "seal" service time it seems.
I read more 'comparison' reviews where people prefer the ricor over monotubes this morning.
Thank you every body for chiming in.
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,796
Likes: 36
From: Toronto, Ontario
I have an 05 FXSTI. I installed the Monotubes about 3 months ago. Didn't replace anything, although I know I should have replaced my seals. No oil leaks sthough. Ride is a lot better than stock and I use the stock oil as recommended (oil is only used as lube and does not affect ride. the monotube is a sealed system). Only gripe is I wish it would have lowered my front end an inch or so lower. I know I did the 2" drop but it looks like it only lowered 1-1.5".
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Ive used lowering springs and kits, and monotubes. If I was doing it over Id go with Ricor or Race Tech valves and springs not the monotubes.
IMO the monotubes are good, much better than stock but lack the ability to make final adjustments like spring rates, preload and dampening adjustments since they are sealed cartridge units. Using the valves you can change the oil and preload spacer as well as the springs to meet your needs.
if you already have springs that you have been happy with thhe least expensive way is replace the seals, bushings and oil and add either Ricors (169) or Race Tech (159) and be done.
Either way will make an improvement
IMO the monotubes are good, much better than stock but lack the ability to make final adjustments like spring rates, preload and dampening adjustments since they are sealed cartridge units. Using the valves you can change the oil and preload spacer as well as the springs to meet your needs.
if you already have springs that you have been happy with thhe least expensive way is replace the seals, bushings and oil and add either Ricors (169) or Race Tech (159) and be done.
Either way will make an improvement