Tuning 48 forks

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Mar 27, 2018 | 05:41 PM
  #1  
Haven't read here yet about anyone doing anything to their 48 (2016) forks that isn't include buying new stuff. Some have said they're satisfied once they improved the rear shocks.
Has anyone taken off the caps, drilled them for a plug then sucked out the fluid, installed more or a different weight to get rid of the clang going over bigger bumps? Sounds like the spring collar inside right fork drops down and then returns with a clang as if it's too short. Anyone tried a longer drop in collar? I just bought DK Customs Bitubos 1" over for the rear and it rides much nicer but still lots of room for fork improvement.
Worse case scenario I end up with new internals like some have done but would like to try less expensive intermediate steps first.
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Mar 27, 2018 | 06:22 PM
  #2  
Quote: Haven't read here yet about anyone doing anything to their 48 (2016) forks that isn't include buying new stuff. Some have said they're satisfied once they improved the rear shocks.
Has anyone taken off the caps, drilled them for a plug then sucked out the fluid, installed more or a different weight to get rid of the clang going over bigger bumps? Sounds like the spring collar inside right fork drops down and then returns with a clang as if it's too short. Anyone tried a longer drop in collar? I just bought DK Customs Bitubos 1" over for the rear and it rides much nicer but still lots of room for fork improvement.
Worse case scenario I end up with new internals like some have done but would like to try less expensive intermediate steps first.
If you drain the fluid, replace it, and set the sag correctly, you will have a nice improvement without purchasing any new internals.

Good to hear you're enjoying the shocks.
Reply 1
Mar 28, 2018 | 05:05 AM
  #3  
I've owned Harleys for a very long time! Few of them have ever come with decent suspension. By all means mess around with yours as they are, however IMHO you will use up a lot of time and possibly some spare cash by tinkering, before realising that the right thing to do is to buy new internals! Our stock forks have damper rod internals, which are long overdue for replacement.

In reality your decision is to put off buying new for a while, or do it right now and reap the rewards asap!
Reply 2
Mar 28, 2018 | 10:38 AM
  #4  
Quote: If you drain the fluid, replace it
Thanks for the advice Kevin.
Would you change the weight or the level?
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Mar 28, 2018 | 10:40 AM
  #5  
Quote: I've owned Harleys for a very long time! Few of them have ever come with decent suspension. By all means mess around with yours as they are, however IMHO you will use up a lot of time and possibly some spare cash by tinkering, before realising that the right thing to do is to buy new internals! Our stock forks have damper rod internals, which are long overdue for replacement.
In reality your decision is to put off buying new for a while, or do it right now and reap the rewards asap!
Thanks and I hear you but being retired I get a lot of enjoyment out of the tinkering especially if I get an improvement. Doesn't hurt to use the 'ol "Did it myself honey and saved X$ on buying parts or having the dealer do it"
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