Ricor Intiminator install questions
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Ricor Intiminator install questions
I have read many posts regarding the Ricor intiminators install on the softail Fatboy. But I haven't been able to confirm the following:
1. The service manual fork illustrated parts diagram for the 2012 Fatboy Lo does not show a fork "spacer" above the fork spring. There is only a "plug" and the cap screw. So how do I adjust for the 5/8" increase in the "effective spring height"? Do I cut the plug down, or do I have to by shorter springs? If I do nothing will the ride be stiffer?
2. If I don't have a spacer, can I hacksaw or dremel cut off 5/8" of spring to get back to standard sag?
3. The manual warns the the fork cap screw is under preload pressure, but it appears there is a plug under the cap screw for my model. Is this plug screwed in or just held in by the cap screw?
4. Can I use less fork oil to increase air space to provide a less stiff ride?
1. The service manual fork illustrated parts diagram for the 2012 Fatboy Lo does not show a fork "spacer" above the fork spring. There is only a "plug" and the cap screw. So how do I adjust for the 5/8" increase in the "effective spring height"? Do I cut the plug down, or do I have to by shorter springs? If I do nothing will the ride be stiffer?
2. If I don't have a spacer, can I hacksaw or dremel cut off 5/8" of spring to get back to standard sag?
3. The manual warns the the fork cap screw is under preload pressure, but it appears there is a plug under the cap screw for my model. Is this plug screwed in or just held in by the cap screw?
4. Can I use less fork oil to increase air space to provide a less stiff ride?
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 153
Likes: 0
From: Livingson, Texas
I have read many posts regarding the Ricor intiminators install on the softail Fatboy. But I haven't been able to confirm the following:
1. The service manual fork illustrated parts diagram for the 2012 Fatboy Lo does not show a fork "spacer" above the fork spring. There is only a "plug" and the cap screw. So how do I adjust for the 5/8" increase in the "effective spring height"? Do I cut the plug down, or do I have to by shorter springs? If I do nothing will the ride be stiffer?
No spacer...only 1/2" in extra preload with the intiminators, just go with it.
2. If I don't have a spacer, can I hacksaw or dremel cut off 5/8" of spring to get back to standard sag?
NO...new spring.
3. The manual warns the the fork cap screw is under preload pressure, but it appears there is a plug under the cap screw for my model. Is this plug screwed in or just held in by the cap screw?
Yes, but its not the top cap screw you use to change the oil...you have to pull the forks and unscrew the second plug and it is under spring load!
4. Can I use less fork oil to increase air space to provide a less stiff ride?
Yes, probably use 5.5"
1. The service manual fork illustrated parts diagram for the 2012 Fatboy Lo does not show a fork "spacer" above the fork spring. There is only a "plug" and the cap screw. So how do I adjust for the 5/8" increase in the "effective spring height"? Do I cut the plug down, or do I have to by shorter springs? If I do nothing will the ride be stiffer?
No spacer...only 1/2" in extra preload with the intiminators, just go with it.
2. If I don't have a spacer, can I hacksaw or dremel cut off 5/8" of spring to get back to standard sag?
NO...new spring.
3. The manual warns the the fork cap screw is under preload pressure, but it appears there is a plug under the cap screw for my model. Is this plug screwed in or just held in by the cap screw?
Yes, but its not the top cap screw you use to change the oil...you have to pull the forks and unscrew the second plug and it is under spring load!
4. Can I use less fork oil to increase air space to provide a less stiff ride?
Yes, probably use 5.5"
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
From: Florida
turtle,
Thanks for the direct answers. You confirmed what I thought, even though I don't like the answers so much, LOL. Oh well, I was hoping to be able to adjust sag and ride with preload, but I didn't want to have to buy new springs to do it....
Thanks for the direct answers. You confirmed what I thought, even though I don't like the answers so much, LOL. Oh well, I was hoping to be able to adjust sag and ride with preload, but I didn't want to have to buy new springs to do it....
Crap, I have the same questions for mine and THAT is all the answer this site gives? TBH, I let out about 8 seconds total of oil from each fork, and that helped, but it's still stiff on the little stutter bumps.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,994
Likes: 653
From: bklyn,ny
Give Ricor a call...............
Trending Topics
Waiting to hear from Ricor now.
FYI, I didn't remove my tubes...didn't wanna take off wiring, brakes, fenders and all.
Using my lift, I picked her up until almost lifting the wheel, removed bars and tins and headlight.
Then, fork caps off, loosened pinchbolts and wiggled the front wheel while pushing the lift pedal until the fork tops were between the triple trees. At this point you can take a 2x4 and a ball joint breaker or similar wedge and keep tension on the spring plugs until unthreaded, assuming you have covered the tank and fender with protection. You an also put them back in this way without busting your butt or having a nasty flip-out.
I liked the idea someone posted about taping the plugs and tubes where the thread catches too. Saves you all that guessing where it's gonna catch.
Getting the tubes to slide back up may require a bit of light lube and some wiggling; only letting the jack down a small pop at a time.
FYI, I didn't remove my tubes...didn't wanna take off wiring, brakes, fenders and all.
Using my lift, I picked her up until almost lifting the wheel, removed bars and tins and headlight.
Then, fork caps off, loosened pinchbolts and wiggled the front wheel while pushing the lift pedal until the fork tops were between the triple trees. At this point you can take a 2x4 and a ball joint breaker or similar wedge and keep tension on the spring plugs until unthreaded, assuming you have covered the tank and fender with protection. You an also put them back in this way without busting your butt or having a nasty flip-out.
I liked the idea someone posted about taping the plugs and tubes where the thread catches too. Saves you all that guessing where it's gonna catch.
Getting the tubes to slide back up may require a bit of light lube and some wiggling; only letting the jack down a small pop at a time.
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Talked to Don at Ricor and he also thoughtt I had too little sag, so I cut 1" off the springs and resquared them, putting my cut ends up top. Flushed the tubes with gasoline before adding all new Belray 5w. She STILL is nowhere near a plush ride, even making me nervous on the fast cloverleafs where I'd drag the boards before. Gonna drain a little oil and try again, but taking care of wife after surgery right now.
Road Master
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 789
Likes: 3
From: Utah
If you are looking for a plush ride I don't think you will get it with the intiminators. They are going to give a more sporty/responsive ride. IMO you don't want a plush front end anyways. That leads to less control.