New Susension Now What?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 3,328
Likes: 15
From: Pacific Northwest
This.
Setting the sag is most important - you might need an assistant for this (and a small amount of research). Getting the shocks balanced for sag may seem complicated but all you really need is some common sense.
After that it's adjusting compression and rebound (if you have those adjusters). I know of no suspension supplier that doesn't give you a starting point for those adjusters.
Give it a try - you'll be proud of your self reliance.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 566
Likes: 70
From: The Redneck Riviera
I guess its my old track days and living on the edge type of personality that has me so bummed out. I purchased the Progressive 944 rear shocks, and the premium ride double cartridge fork kit. So I should be excited, right? Well I can not find a suspension guy in Southern California to set me up right. Sure guys who can install them are a dime a dozen but someone who actually understands suspensions, and can set it up. Nope, not one. Youre probably asking why dont I do it myself, well my DIY skills are limited to changing light bulbs, and batteries. Ive read about the guy in Florida, and I wish I lived there to have him set me up, but I went with Progressive and Harley parts, plus I want someone to measure and have me sit on the bike, etc etc . in person.So I am hoping one of you good people could tell me of someone in SoCal who really understands suspensions. My desire was to go with RaceTech, and their products, but I had a HD gift certificate and had to make a decision as to where to use it....
Does anybody know of anyone, who can set my suspension up in SoCal? Preferrably the Simi Valley or within 50 miles ... Thanks...
Does anybody know of anyone, who can set my suspension up in SoCal? Preferrably the Simi Valley or within 50 miles ... Thanks...
'Not bashing, but IMHO you are overthinking this,
The HD Premium cartridges have no adjustments...
From what I can tell the P 944s have pre-load only, (I stand corrected if I'm wrong) and a tool is not required.
Considering the limited adjustments (only preload of the shocks) of the components that you have selected (again, not bashing, as the components that I selected have the same limited adjustments) its an easy, uncomplicated DIY, that if you speak with Progressive about the initial recommended preload for you, adjust to Progressive recommendations, put some miles on the components (the HD Premium forks took 5-700 miles to "settle in" on my '09) and play with the adjustment (remember no tools required), back and forth to the point of hitting your "sweet spot" than I am confident that you can achieve the same or better results of the suspension gurus.
One must take into account that "The guy in FL" and the other "track day gurus" are working with components that have more adjustability, and performing internal modifications as well...
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Agoura Hills, Ca
C'mon man,a track guy buys progressive? You knew better. Ok there may be a guy here in Simi that you could call and see if he is willing to try. Madjack Racing 805-842-1313 He does off road and dual sport. Or you could call Graves Motorsports in Van Nuys 800-867-6480. I don't think they actually spin wrenches but maybe they can steer you in the right direction.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 6,532
Likes: 132
From: SoCal
I'll be around the Agoura area off and on all weekend. Picking up my bike in Ventura tomorrow morning and coming right back to Simi to swap brake pads. I just got new Galfer Wave rotors and Galfer wants their pads on to keep the rotor warranty in effect. My bud that I ride with lives right behind The Old Place on Mullholland just east of the Rockstore by Strauss ranch, so I'm over there from time to time. PM me sometime and maybe we can swap lies, LOL.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
Well, I have your exact setup. OC HD installed the premium double cartridge fork kit and Lifestyle Cycles of Fullerton installed the 944s. Both are an improvement over stock. The damn squishy front end is gone and the harsh ride is much improved especially for the wife. The only "adjustment" is setting the SAG and making manual adjustments by hand on the shocks as the weight on the bike changes (1 up vs 2 up). The shocks are simple to adjust. You can easily adjust the shocks and take test rides to make adjustments and find what works for you. SJ Ron 
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Agoura Hills, Ca
I'll be around the Agoura area off and on all weekend. Picking up my bike in Ventura tomorrow morning and coming right back to Simi to swap brake pads. I just got new Galfer Wave rotors and Galfer wants their pads on to keep the rotor warranty in effect. My bud that I ride with lives right behind The Old Place on Mullholland just east of the Rockstore by Strauss ranch, so I'm over there from time to time. PM me sometime and maybe we can swap lies, LOL.
Last edited by Tony79dr; Apr 17, 2015 at 07:56 PM.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Agoura Hills, Ca
Wow, what a huge difference the Progressive Suspension made. I guess, my expectations were not reasonable, and I know that now. Getting Old sucks..
I highly recommend the upgrade. I'm starting to have fun again on the bike.
I highly recommend the upgrade. I'm starting to have fun again on the bike.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post