Curing nose dive
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,030
Likes: 1,800
From: Kalifornia
Curing nose dive
One thing I noticed lately, especially after adding taller dampers, is the excessive nose dive my bike has, even solo. Not sure how much, if any, the taller dampers had to do with it, but I do not like it.
I went with 10w fork oil, and wonder if I should have gone with 15. Spring preload is like it was before, I literally have to compress the spring (progressive) about an inch to screw in the top fork cap. Its a real PITA so I would like to get it right if I have to do this again.
I am not sure its possible to put and keep a spacer on top of the spring, while compressing it. Would heavier fork oil do it or do I need to go stronger springs? The progressive springs were in the bike when I got it, so no idea what their specs are. I am third owner.
Suggestions?
I went with 10w fork oil, and wonder if I should have gone with 15. Spring preload is like it was before, I literally have to compress the spring (progressive) about an inch to screw in the top fork cap. Its a real PITA so I would like to get it right if I have to do this again.
I am not sure its possible to put and keep a spacer on top of the spring, while compressing it. Would heavier fork oil do it or do I need to go stronger springs? The progressive springs were in the bike when I got it, so no idea what their specs are. I am third owner.
Suggestions?
Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 717
Likes: 18
From: perry, fl
I had an 09 883l that I changed the dampers to increase travel. I too hated the soft compression when applying the front brakes. I don't know the wt of the screaming eagle fork oil, but that's what I added and it was greatly improved. The springs were the stock fork springs, I didn't change them. Worked great for me
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
I thought of warning you about drilling those extra holes in the R damper tubes...
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,030
Likes: 1,800
From: Kalifornia
Hmmm back to square one.
I wonder, would emulators placed on top of the dampers slow it down?
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
The Best and Worst Harley-Davidson Moves of 2025
Verdad Gallardo
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 1,755
Likes: 253
From: Northern Los Angeles area.
Oh wow, forgot all about that. Yup bet that was a big part of it. But the originals had 4 holes (or at least the ones in my forks) so I figured the ride might be real harsh if I didn't.
Hmmm back to square one.
I wonder, would emulators placed on top of the dampers slow it down?
Hmmm back to square one.
I wonder, would emulators placed on top of the dampers slow it down?
I have intiminators on top of my dampers and believe me... with the type E, it was waaaaay too harsh. In fact, the instructions said to use 5wt fork oil with them intiminators.
The other thing you can play with is how much you overfill or underfill the forks. The forks are filled with oil, and have some air on top. Only the air can be compressed, giving you that mushy feel. The less air you have, the less will its cushioning effect be. Just don't overfill too much otherwise you might bust the seals when you hit a big pothole.
Last edited by lewk; Aug 15, 2019 at 11:18 AM.