Fork upgrade question.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
From: Mansfield, Notts
Fork upgrade question.
I have a 2009 xl1200L. The fork is the short 39mm one. As far as I can tell the difference in length is in the damper tube length.
so fine, Ill fit a pair of longer damper tubes from the standard, roadster model from 2008. (The roadster for 2009 is totally different having inverted forks)
now, looking on the Jersey HD site, the main tubes for the 2009 Low, and the 2008R, have different part numbers!
I dont think the length varies, so I wonder what the difference is. Anybody know? Can I just fit the longer damper tubes, and maybe springs to suit?
so fine, Ill fit a pair of longer damper tubes from the standard, roadster model from 2008. (The roadster for 2009 is totally different having inverted forks)
now, looking on the Jersey HD site, the main tubes for the 2009 Low, and the 2008R, have different part numbers!
I dont think the length varies, so I wonder what the difference is. Anybody know? Can I just fit the longer damper tubes, and maybe springs to suit?
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
I have a 2009 xl1200L. The fork is the “short” 39mm one. As far as I can tell the difference in length is in the damper tube length.
so fine, I’ll fit a pair of longer damper tubes from the standard, roadster model from 2008. (The roadster for 2009 is totally different having inverted forks)
now, looking on the Jersey HD site, the main tubes for the 2009 Low, and the 2008R, have different part numbers!
I don’t think the length varies, so I wonder what the difference is. Anybody know? Can I just fit the longer damper tubes, and maybe springs to suit?
so fine, I’ll fit a pair of longer damper tubes from the standard, roadster model from 2008. (The roadster for 2009 is totally different having inverted forks)
now, looking on the Jersey HD site, the main tubes for the 2009 Low, and the 2008R, have different part numbers!
I don’t think the length varies, so I wonder what the difference is. Anybody know? Can I just fit the longer damper tubes, and maybe springs to suit?
The right sliders are different because the L doesn't have right-side calipers. The R has dual front brakes remember?
Just change your damper tubes and get the ones for the 2008 R and you'll be fine.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 349
From: The Biggest Little City, Reno, NV
It makes no difference if the bike has dual disc, the damper tubes are inside. Get the 7 1/2 inch damper tubes and you will be fine. You will gain 2 inchs of lift and travel. You may need to make an adjustment with your spring spacer either longer or shorter to set the proper sag.
Last edited by whylee; Jul 24, 2019 at 12:29 PM.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
From: Mansfield, Notts
The left main tubes (i.e. sliders) are the same for both years: PN 46075-04
The right sliders are different because the L doesn't have right-side calipers. The R has dual front brakes remember?
Just change your damper tubes and get the ones for the 2008 R and you'll be fine.
The right sliders are different because the L doesn't have right-side calipers. The R has dual front brakes remember?
Just change your damper tubes and get the ones for the 2008 R and you'll be fine.
Last edited by nettshubby; Jul 24, 2019 at 02:03 PM. Reason: Missing words
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 48
Likes: 4
From: Mansfield, Notts
BTW, we call them stanchions
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2018
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From: west coast
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,625
Likes: 349
From: The Biggest Little City, Reno, NV
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Tourer
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 340
Likes: 125
From: Nashville
2013 XL1200C, almost 30k miles.
So, if I decide to get a longer damper for my forks, would it be wise to also get a longer top tube/stanchion as well?
Who has actually replaced the dampers with longer ones?
So, if I decide to get a longer damper for my forks, would it be wise to also get a longer top tube/stanchion as well?
Who has actually replaced the dampers with longer ones?
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Translation problems can be a bit sticky sometimes, old chap! 
Before you spend any money, let me tell you my story. I have a 2011 SuperLow, owned from new. What I soon discovered was that my forks sagged more than 50% travel, with me seated on it. My stock shocks were also pretty shocking, despite being new. It was easy to buy new shocks. I chose normal Hagons, but if doing it again would buy their Nitro model, with the hope of a yet better quality ride. They recommend a longer shock, which lifted the rear around an inch.
Turning back to the forks, I replaced the springs with single-rate Race Tech and set the sag correct, which lifted the front just under an inch. My bike sits level once more, with much better suspension travel at both ends. I also installed Race Tech Emulators, but can't recommend them, as they don't seem to add any benefit. I have however used Ricor Intiminators in another bike, which I can recommend.
So those are two things to consider. The suggestion above for longer tubes and dampers is also valid, just a bit more expensive IMHO. I suggest you investigate your fork travel and sag first.
Before you spend any money, let me tell you my story. I have a 2011 SuperLow, owned from new. What I soon discovered was that my forks sagged more than 50% travel, with me seated on it. My stock shocks were also pretty shocking, despite being new. It was easy to buy new shocks. I chose normal Hagons, but if doing it again would buy their Nitro model, with the hope of a yet better quality ride. They recommend a longer shock, which lifted the rear around an inch.
Turning back to the forks, I replaced the springs with single-rate Race Tech and set the sag correct, which lifted the front just under an inch. My bike sits level once more, with much better suspension travel at both ends. I also installed Race Tech Emulators, but can't recommend them, as they don't seem to add any benefit. I have however used Ricor Intiminators in another bike, which I can recommend.
So those are two things to consider. The suggestion above for longer tubes and dampers is also valid, just a bit more expensive IMHO. I suggest you investigate your fork travel and sag first.
