How sure are you guys about this handling issue ?

I got an opinion on another thread (can't find it now so trust me ), which suggests handling change goes in accordance with the amount you extend the forks and that up to 4" has been done without issue.

I'm thinking, as posted above, of adding a 2" extension which can apparently be done for 120 bux without extending brake lines or introducing jiffy stand issues. Stock Rake and Trail are 35 deg and 146mm respectively already. Without doing the math, extending the entire fork length (projected onward to the ground (42" +-)) by 2" (50.8mm), (less than 5%) ain't gonna make much difference IMHO. Am I missing something ?

 

My opinion also comes from what I've read, and my experience when going from a 19" to 21" wheel on my Rocker. It only raised the front end 1" but there was a definite drop off in handling, especially at slower speeds. tphykitt didn't say if he plans on lowering the rear, but that would make the bike angle up even more, which wont look great, and the handling seemed to get worse when I lowered the rear, and it didn't improve until I dropped the front end 2" with a Progressive spring kit. I just think if he is wanting more of a chopper look, the best way to get it would be to change the rake with new trees and keep the bike more level, both for looks and handling. It will push the wheel/tire forward without raising the front end......

 

Hi All i'm Joe from Wausau, WI! This is my first post...and considering I just ordered a 2017 Breakout FXSB last week its an appropriate place to make that first post. That said its why i don't have any pics next to my name yet....but will soon. About the only changes during order process was: full chrome turbine wheels, windscreen, saddlebags and Hard Candy Hotrod Red color. Can't believe the amount of customization possibilities, i'm already putting together a wishlist. This is my first HD so will keep reading your posts and learning.

 

Welcome! Although it'll take a while, read this thread and check out any links that might be posted in here, or at least bookmark them...they'll come in handy!

-WRM

 

welcome to the breakout black hole. Hide your wallet from yourself! Lmao

 

Yeah, and hide your wallet from us or you'll not only end spending more than you want but even more than you have, LOL.

 

BMM48 the bike looks class! Is that a 7" headlight on there too? The stock one isn't worth turning on at times and I'm looking to upgrade.

Cheers

Ade

 

All back together after new paint.

 

^^ Wow- Very nicely done. Top notch!

 

Very sure. Very very very sure.

Any time you change geometry it will affect handling (good or bad) to some degree.

Case and point- Change the crap front stock 130 tire for a *correct sized* 120/70, and wow- the bike immediately turns in faster and does not have low speed turn flop. So with just that one, very small change to front geometry of the tire, you really notice the handling difference.

Drop the rear of bike down 1.5". You'll again notice a change in handling response especially if you have already put on better tires.

That said- Doing a 2" or 2.5" extension of tubes might not eff things up much at all - Best case it will remain as sucky as it was with the shorter tubes but end up sitting an inch or so higher. lol. . But! please pay attention here - any present issues with the sloggy stock suspension can potentially be made worse with the longer tubes. I don't want anyone to get the idea that slapping on some slightly longer fork tubes is going to fix anything in regards to handling- because it will not

IMHO- do the ricor or racetech dampers and the single rate ractech springs, add a 120/70 front tire, and that is all that will be needed to permanently fix the peg scraping and washy handling. (technically you could do these upgrades in conjunction with adding longer fork tubes, just cut your preload spacers 2"-2.5" longer, and use the same amount of fork oil as for the FXDWG spec. The same internals from your shorter tubes will work fine.)

but- if you are a DIY king fu bad @$$ and know WTF you are doing, and understand front suspension and already have done reasonable improvements like good tires, dampers, proper single rate springs, and are just going for more of the "Easy Rider" look with some tube extensions, then hell ya- go for it!!

Success of adding longer fork tubes and reduction of any potential handling issues will more come down to the skill level of the person doing the work.
(HKMark I know you are one of the knowledgeable folks here - A lot of this this is general comment for others).