Progressive Suspension® - Fork Spring Kit
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 170
Likes: 17
From: Bridgeport Ohio
I assume you mean with intiminators? To drill the dampers? I drilled out mine when ai went with the "R" tubes, and had to take them back out and weld the new holes up. Was WAY to quick to compress with 4 holes. So I went back to 2 holes in the dampers and used Screaming Eagle fork oil. Problem solved. Good ride and no more nose dive.
Yeah it's too bad they make these motorcycles to look a certain way but you end up having to make them more like a regular height Sportster after all.
that's why I have to watch too.
I have 12 inch air shocks but I don't want to get it Too Tall either, or I would put the 13s on but I'm worried about my knees right now actually they should be replaced but I don't want to get it done right now so I have to be able to flatfoot it real nice.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 170
Likes: 17
From: Bridgeport Ohio
I assume you mean with intiminators? To drill the dampers? I drilled out mine when ai went with the "R" tubes, and had to take them back out and weld the new holes up. Was WAY to quick to compress with 4 holes. So I went back to 2 holes in the dampers and used Screaming Eagle fork oil. Problem solved. Good ride and no more nose dive.
it's a different bike, but yes, it is Race Tech Emulators. I'm still on my phone.
https://www.ex-500.com/threads/drill...install.27381/
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 6,055
Likes: 1,819
From: Kalifornia
Yea they want those extra holes, because the factory holes are what actually does the damping, or the control of the speed the fork oil can travel thru them. It slows the compression and the expansion. The emulators, and intiminators take over that function, so they want the extra holes so the damper tubes no longer control any flow, but rather the new device.
My OEM dampers had 4 holes, so like the genius I am, I drilled the new ones too. Well that was before I knew the tiny bit about suspension, that I know now. I learned a LOT from the guys on here, and it really helped my understanding of what goes on in the forks when we ride.
Good luck. By the way, I was born in Xenia, and grew up in the Dayton and Centerville areas, till I turned 18 and joined the Army, back in '72. Been on the west coast ever since.
My OEM dampers had 4 holes, so like the genius I am, I drilled the new ones too. Well that was before I knew the tiny bit about suspension, that I know now. I learned a LOT from the guys on here, and it really helped my understanding of what goes on in the forks when we ride.
Good luck. By the way, I was born in Xenia, and grew up in the Dayton and Centerville areas, till I turned 18 and joined the Army, back in '72. Been on the west coast ever since.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 170
Likes: 17
From: Bridgeport Ohio
Yea they want those extra holes, because the factory holes are what actually does the damping, or the control of the speed the fork oil can travel thru them. It slows the compression and the expansion. The emulators, and intiminators take over that function, so they want the extra holes so the damper tubes no longer control any flow, but rather the new device.
My OEM dampers had 4 holes, so like the genius I am, I drilled the new ones too. Well that was before I knew the tiny bit about suspension, that I know now. I learned a LOT from the guys on here, and it really helped my understanding of what goes on in the forks when we ride.
Good luck. By the way, I was born in Xenia, and grew up in the Dayton and Centerville areas, till I turned 18 and joined the Army, back in '72. Been on the west coast ever since.
My OEM dampers had 4 holes, so like the genius I am, I drilled the new ones too. Well that was before I knew the tiny bit about suspension, that I know now. I learned a LOT from the guys on here, and it really helped my understanding of what goes on in the forks when we ride.
Good luck. By the way, I was born in Xenia, and grew up in the Dayton and Centerville areas, till I turned 18 and joined the Army, back in '72. Been on the west coast ever since.
I see it's the damper tubes you changed to get you additional height. And the stock fork tubes are the same, and the damper length determines the Front Height, If I understand correctly.
Here is that PDF
Yeah, I lived in s Calif for a few years Circa 1976 to 1979 Don't think I could afford to live there now. Too "Fast" of a lifestyle compared to WV and Ohio. If you joined the Army in 72, you must be around my age. I got out of High school in 73.
Last edited by mrbreezeett1; Mar 29, 2020 at 02:09 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,256
Likes: 522
From: USA
07 1200N. I like the Prog. Sus. spring.
Install with spacers can be challenging because of the pressure required to get the caps back on.
Some asked - Proper fork cap socket (with o-ring) IMO is highly recommend.
Fork oil is available in 2.5 viscosity/weight increments.
Do a search to confirm I believe OEM is 10 weight and HD heavy duty is 20 weight.
Many have switched to HD heavy, but I don't like that as it slows rebound too much, yet definitely slows compression (brake drive).
7.5 may make the suspension too "springy".
It will all depend on how you prefer your suspension.
You can also vary the oil height slightly, 1/4 inch, no more to avoid a seal blow out from pressure, which can increase response both rep. and comp.
So I'd start with an oil drain and refill of OEM 10 weight to OEM level and see if you like it.
If too soft you could mix fork oil so "suck out" 1/2 the 10 and add 15 (for example) to OEM level. Do you like the suspension feel.
When you like the feel then adjust sag.
That would be an easy way disregarding increasing oil level and complete oil draining and weight experimenting.
Yes, it is a science but more importantly it is feel to the rider.
All FWIW.
Good luck.
Install with spacers can be challenging because of the pressure required to get the caps back on.
Some asked - Proper fork cap socket (with o-ring) IMO is highly recommend.
Fork oil is available in 2.5 viscosity/weight increments.
Do a search to confirm I believe OEM is 10 weight and HD heavy duty is 20 weight.
Many have switched to HD heavy, but I don't like that as it slows rebound too much, yet definitely slows compression (brake drive).
7.5 may make the suspension too "springy".
It will all depend on how you prefer your suspension.
You can also vary the oil height slightly, 1/4 inch, no more to avoid a seal blow out from pressure, which can increase response both rep. and comp.
So I'd start with an oil drain and refill of OEM 10 weight to OEM level and see if you like it.
If too soft you could mix fork oil so "suck out" 1/2 the 10 and add 15 (for example) to OEM level. Do you like the suspension feel.
When you like the feel then adjust sag.
That would be an easy way disregarding increasing oil level and complete oil draining and weight experimenting.
Yes, it is a science but more importantly it is feel to the rider.
All FWIW.
Good luck.
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