Suspension upgrades
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 374
From: Queanbeyan, Australia
Suspension upgrades
Just got fitted my hand adjustable touring shocks as well as fork cartridge kit - the handling is greatly improved.
Much smoother over small corrugations and firmer ride without being jarring. It soaks up the bumps way better now.
While I was at it I also fitted chrome disk calipers and front end kit as well as chrome vent trim - looks awesome- will post pics when I get around to it...
Much smoother over small corrugations and firmer ride without being jarring. It soaks up the bumps way better now.
While I was at it I also fitted chrome disk calipers and front end kit as well as chrome vent trim - looks awesome- will post pics when I get around to it...
Senior Rider
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 251
Likes: 12
From: Vancouver Canada
Upgrades
Interested in the parts you used for your upgrades.
I'm looking to do some handling upgrades on my 09 Electra Glide and frankly, I'm confused about what's practical and the cost.
I know the front end needs work, and I'm coming up to my first fork oil change, so it's a good time.
What did you use? I see you didn't beef up the triple tree - was it part of your decision process?
Thanks.
I'm looking to do some handling upgrades on my 09 Electra Glide and frankly, I'm confused about what's practical and the cost.
I know the front end needs work, and I'm coming up to my first fork oil change, so it's a good time.
What did you use? I see you didn't beef up the triple tree - was it part of your decision process?
Thanks.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,610
From: along the shore of Mishigami
Just had the progressive monotubes put in the front forks on my'13 Road Glide. Once they are installed, no more fork oil changes or preventative maintenance on the forks. I paid $249.00 for the monotubes.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
i wanna do the monotubes too next year. just did progressive 444s on back and like the op said, bike rode awesome. no more hard hits. kinda floats over the bumps now. cant wait to fix the front
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 1,076
Likes: 374
From: Queanbeyan, Australia
Upgrade cost
Interested in the parts you used for your upgrades.
I'm looking to do some handling upgrades on my 09 Electra Glide and frankly, I'm confused about what's practical and the cost.
I know the front end needs work, and I'm coming up to my first fork oil change, so it's a good time.
What did you use? I see you didn't beef up the triple tree - was it part of your decision process?
Thanks.
I'm looking to do some handling upgrades on my 09 Electra Glide and frankly, I'm confused about what's practical and the cost.
I know the front end needs work, and I'm coming up to my first fork oil change, so it's a good time.
What did you use? I see you didn't beef up the triple tree - was it part of your decision process?
Thanks.
G'day, Owyagoin'?
Here is the parts list I compiled for the upgrades - dollar values are AUD (I'm in Australia). The dollar values I ended up paying were slightly more than this quote (but not by much) as it was an old quote by the time I got round to buying the items.
Overall the parts themselves weren't too expensive (I think the hand adjustable shocks are especially good value for money for what you pay), the main hit was the cost of fitting - this worked out to be about $1170 AUD. They put new brake pads in to fit the chrome calipers and used some brake fluid which bumped up the fitting cost from that quoted of $1000 labour.
Parts bought for upgrade were:
Premium ride single cartridge fork kit: Standard height: part # 45500158 - $459
Touring shocks (hand adjustable): part # 54000008 - $719
Front end kit – chrome: part # 45800037 - $749
Brake caliper kit – chrome: part # 42012-06A - $1150
PS I didn't mess with the triple trees because the 2014 and later Rushmores already come standard with a wider (can't exactly remember how many millimetres - it's in the specs - I think it might be 49 mm) fork stance.
PSS You'll need to check the HD catalogue for part numbers to fit your '09 as I think some of the parts I ordered are designed to fit '14 and later Rushmores.
They seem to stock parts in the catalogue for older models - the part numbers are different that's all - you'll need to check this.
Regards,
Clacka
Last edited by clackavosticus; May 25, 2015 at 06:30 PM. Reason: Additional content
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 239
Likes: 2
From: Leesburg
Just got fitted my hand adjustable touring shocks as well as fork cartridge kit - the handling is greatly improved.
Much smoother over small corrugations and firmer ride without being jarring. It soaks up the bumps way better now.
While I was at it I also fitted chrome disk calipers and front end kit as well as chrome vent trim - looks awesome- will post pics when I get around to it...
Much smoother over small corrugations and firmer ride without being jarring. It soaks up the bumps way better now.
While I was at it I also fitted chrome disk calipers and front end kit as well as chrome vent trim - looks awesome- will post pics when I get around to it...
Overall, much more comfortable to ride, but we are still trying to figure out the appropriate preload setting on the rear shocks when we are riding two-up. Coming back from Rolling Thunder two-up on West I-66 at 70 mph was a bit jarring and we bottomed out several times. We have only ridden a couple times, so it is just a matter of time I think...we will figure it out. Solo, with the preload at its minimum setting, is quite comfortable and the forks are much more responsive. I did have them use SE fork oil, and it may have been a little overkill. A lighter weight fork oil may be more suitable with the double cartridge setup on the front.
By the way, the Ward fans and crotch cooler worked excellently in the DC stop and go traffic yesterday. Me, and the motorcycle kept our cool.
I am happy with all the modifications, but think some tuning and breaking in will make it even better.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 117
From: Southeast NC
if i had to pick between the 2 settings, id take a smooth ride and accept the bottoming out on the big holes. i will not sacrifice a overall smooth ride for a big hit once in awhile. i say this because sometimes its frustrating trying to find that sweet spot unless you spent 1200 bucks on shocks alone and another grand on the front end.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Bottoming out on a touring bike isn't acceptable IMHO! And you do not need to blow over a grand on decent shocks like Ohlins if you shop at the right place!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
Graham , how's your front end project coming along ??
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
TJ, I'm awaiting a delivery from Howard due tomorrow! Look out for a new thread with photos....... 
Last edited by grbrown; May 27, 2015 at 12:56 PM.