Suspension question
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
All good comments above.
OP perhaps you are bottoming out.
For rear increase spring preload or install longer shocks (or install a more "cushier" seat).
For forks, without spending a lot of money, install fork springs, add preload spacers if need be to set sag.
Be aware adding heavier weight oil will increase compression but can negatively affect rebound. Fresh fork oil never hurts and you can experiment in the oil amount added which can also alter compression and not affect rebound.
Good luck.
OP perhaps you are bottoming out.
For rear increase spring preload or install longer shocks (or install a more "cushier" seat).
For forks, without spending a lot of money, install fork springs, add preload spacers if need be to set sag.
Be aware adding heavier weight oil will increase compression but can negatively affect rebound. Fresh fork oil never hurts and you can experiment in the oil amount added which can also alter compression and not affect rebound.
Good luck.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 486
Likes: 35
From: St. Louis Mo.
Hey everyone, this site is great to talk with many experts in Harley maintenance. My question, I have a 2008 1200 sportster with about 9500 miles, the ride is harsh when hitting a hard bump in the road. I was wondering if the front fork oil has anything to do with the harshness of the front end. I tried putting in progressive springs but that didn't help. Any ideas what the problem if any might be?
Can't emphasize enough how important it is to clean out the fork tubes and damper rods by removing them, and thoroughly flushing all the orifices.
We had a Customer that changed the fork fluid 3 different times (without disassembling)... a different weight each time, trying to get his forks not to be so harsh when hitting even medium bumps.
He even flushed them with kerosene (while still assembled). It was not until he removed the springs and damper rods from the tubes that he discovered big globs of congealed fluid that were partial blocking the damper orifices.
Once he got it fully cleaned, the forks operated as designed and the ride was much improved.
We had a Customer that changed the fork fluid 3 different times (without disassembling)... a different weight each time, trying to get his forks not to be so harsh when hitting even medium bumps.
He even flushed them with kerosene (while still assembled). It was not until he removed the springs and damper rods from the tubes that he discovered big globs of congealed fluid that were partial blocking the damper orifices.
Once he got it fully cleaned, the forks operated as designed and the ride was much improved.
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DKCustomProducts.com
DKCustomProducts.com
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2017
Posts: 195
Likes: 55
From: Apex, NC
I was researching those "Intiminators" last night, and they look like a next-level in design over the simple RT emulators. For the price, I'd be inclined to re-spring (based on your average weight with gear on the bike, if necessary) and try those out with recommended oil viscosity. If it's just the forks that need attention, you're looking at ~$300 + labor unless you DIY. Alternate shocks would drive the cost up quite a bit, but ultimately if you're going to keep the bike for a long time, the price/mile is worth it, IMO.
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