Next two mods: fork springs (or some front end upgrade) and fork brace
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 1,167
Likes: 20
From: NE Pennsylvania
I went with the standard progressive springs. The springs themselves are shorter than the stock springs, but when paired with the supplied spacers they are the same length.
When I read the instruction, Progressive suggested 1" of preload. So I cut some PVC pipe so they stuck a little bit above the top of the fork tube and installed them - they were about 1 3/4" shorter than the supplied spacers. I just used some Drag Specialities 5W fork oil. I noticed that the forks sagged quite a bit and the amount of available travel was smaller. I wasn't too impressed with the results, I think they were too soft (too little preload) and I was still seeing fork dive when braking.
Yesterday I replaced the shorter spacers with some cut to the length of the supplied spacer. The set I got with my springs were made of thin metal, I used the same PVC pipe for the second set. What a difference!!
The amount of travel is at least as much as stock and the ride is much better. It did raise the front of the bike a bit, but as I'm preparing to put on some 3 degree raked trees, the extra length might be a good thing. Once the trees are installed I'll decide on whether I need to slide the forks up in the trees a bit.
When I read the instruction, Progressive suggested 1" of preload. So I cut some PVC pipe so they stuck a little bit above the top of the fork tube and installed them - they were about 1 3/4" shorter than the supplied spacers. I just used some Drag Specialities 5W fork oil. I noticed that the forks sagged quite a bit and the amount of available travel was smaller. I wasn't too impressed with the results, I think they were too soft (too little preload) and I was still seeing fork dive when braking.
Yesterday I replaced the shorter spacers with some cut to the length of the supplied spacer. The set I got with my springs were made of thin metal, I used the same PVC pipe for the second set. What a difference!!
The amount of travel is at least as much as stock and the ride is much better. It did raise the front of the bike a bit, but as I'm preparing to put on some 3 degree raked trees, the extra length might be a good thing. Once the trees are installed I'll decide on whether I need to slide the forks up in the trees a bit.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 31
From: Dayton, Ohio
I too have gone with the progressive springs (standard height) and the Superbrace. Like Wldhog, I added these at different times and agree the springs got rid of the mushy/softness feeling, but didn't really do anything for cornering. I decided to add the Superbrace to reduce the wobbles I felt up around 70-75 mph. I don't have any experience with other brands, but this took about 5 mins. to install and wow what a difference. Some reviews on their website said they could feel the difference pulling out of the driveway, I didn't experience quite that level of difference, but definitely during cornering and manuvering at speed, it just feels like it actually responds now, not that sluggish/delayed feeling. As for the wobbles, gone. A little pricey for a piece of metal, but hey it works.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,230
Likes: 12
From: Mount Holly, NC
I improved the rear end with taller ohlins shocks. I was asking the guy at my indy shop how to improve the front end and he said progressive springs. I've heard others say just the oil, but the springs aren't that expensive so I figure what the hell, I'll do it right.
My question is, are progressive springs the way to go? Is there a better option? Will it change the ride height or should I change the height if I raised the rear? I'd rather not cuz I'm short.
The other thing I want to get on there is a fork brace. Others swear by them, but I'm not sure what they do, or who makes a good black one for my N. Thanks for the help.
My question is, are progressive springs the way to go? Is there a better option? Will it change the ride height or should I change the height if I raised the rear? I'd rather not cuz I'm short.
The other thing I want to get on there is a fork brace. Others swear by them, but I'm not sure what they do, or who makes a good black one for my N. Thanks for the help.
if you're into no-compromise, you might consider swapping out the front end for a standard-length front end... raised into the clamps so its still low, but you'll maintain the suspension travel.
or, you could keep your lowers and build up a set by ordering the parts listed in the manual.
either way, get the right springs for your weight and things will improve. the ricor drop-in valves are supposed to be fantastic, and if i could afford a pair, i'd give them a go.
the fork brace might stiffen things up but on these shorty front ends i'm not sure its really needed. maybe if you've got excess stiction in one fork.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 381
Likes: 1
From: Daytona Beach, FL
You will want a new set of plugs as when you take out them out they tend to strip. The plugs are the at the bottom for draining out the oil. $5 at J$P...
See this thread I posted a while back.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...-fork-oil.html
Account Deactivated
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
So Far,,,
I added 3/4" front preload, 20wt SE performance "Heavy",,thats 20wt.
Front end dive is way less and bike sits level, still on stock fork springs n R shocks.
Handles great,,stiffer for shure,,
The Superbrace was a biggie.
Watch for fork knock, the 20wt Is a bit heavy for colder weather,
Small fast bumps you will feel.
I will Probly go to 15wt this fall.
Remember,, lower frame rails level or lower to the rear with you on it.
You don't want to Introduce a Hi-speed wobble.
I added 3/4" front preload, 20wt SE performance "Heavy",,thats 20wt.
Front end dive is way less and bike sits level, still on stock fork springs n R shocks.
Handles great,,stiffer for shure,,
The Superbrace was a biggie.
Watch for fork knock, the 20wt Is a bit heavy for colder weather,
Small fast bumps you will feel.
I will Probly go to 15wt this fall.
Remember,, lower frame rails level or lower to the rear with you on it.
You don't want to Introduce a Hi-speed wobble.
Last edited by Osco; Aug 10, 2010 at 04:22 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,161
Likes: 39
From: LOST WAGES
I just put a set of Ricor Intiminators in my wife's low model and WOW what a difference. The funny thing I found was that the front forks had two different oils from the factory one leg had red ATF type fluid and the other leg had a thicker normal colored fork oil
Last edited by Hal64hd; Aug 10, 2010 at 03:52 PM.
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Account Deactivated
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
What a Fork Brace does,,,
Obviously stops fork flex,,
Stock forks bow outwards in the middle as compression starts.
This causes stiction, resistance to fork action can be uneven
from side to side,,thats a wobble.
Stock forks bow outwards in the middle as compression starts.
This causes stiction, resistance to fork action can be uneven
from side to side,,thats a wobble.
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