Improving Touring-model Handling
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Haven't read the entire thread, but consider a Super Tree as well. A friend of mine makes them. Same idea as the CCE tree, but it uses the stock tubes and is about a third of the cost.
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 755
Likes: 9
From: Phoenix, AZ
Hello...
I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve the handling of my first touring-class Harley (2000 Ultra, 45,000 miles). Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations for shocks and springs that will suit my riding style, plus whatever other recommendations you fine folks might want to make.
The Ultra doesn't handle as well as my last Harley did (a 98 Dyna Wide Glide, that I sold 3 years ago): In turns, road defects are absorbed so deeply by the suspension that the geometry of the bike is altered causing it to track poorly. On one broad freeway on-ramp that I was powering through at about 70 (not exceedingly fast for this interchange), I experienced a slow side-to-side oscillation of the handlebars that made me think I was about to have a speed wobble, though it subsided before anything came of it.
I'll have the tour pack and passenger arm rests off most of the time, as I usually ride solo, though I'm hoping to convince my lady to ride with me now and then as well (she's gotten resistant due to some bad experiences others she knows have had). I'm 5'11" and 200 pounds, and my riding style s somewhat on the aggressive side.
Thanks for your input!
I'm looking for recommendations on how to improve the handling of my first touring-class Harley (2000 Ultra, 45,000 miles). Specifically, I'm looking for recommendations for shocks and springs that will suit my riding style, plus whatever other recommendations you fine folks might want to make.
The Ultra doesn't handle as well as my last Harley did (a 98 Dyna Wide Glide, that I sold 3 years ago): In turns, road defects are absorbed so deeply by the suspension that the geometry of the bike is altered causing it to track poorly. On one broad freeway on-ramp that I was powering through at about 70 (not exceedingly fast for this interchange), I experienced a slow side-to-side oscillation of the handlebars that made me think I was about to have a speed wobble, though it subsided before anything came of it.
I'll have the tour pack and passenger arm rests off most of the time, as I usually ride solo, though I'm hoping to convince my lady to ride with me now and then as well (she's gotten resistant due to some bad experiences others she knows have had). I'm 5'11" and 200 pounds, and my riding style s somewhat on the aggressive side.
Thanks for your input!
There are tons or articles about this very issue. Seems to be on your bike new front suspension, rear shocks, and a true trac? Maybe going through the bike with all of the engine mounts, swing arm bushings, and neck bearings, etc.? Sounds like about at least a $1500 upgrade to me...
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I already have a CCE kit, so too late for me, but do you have a photo of his solution, or a website where we can check it out?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
No, but you can call the number in that photo. He basically modifies a stock tree to do what the CCE does. I've seen the finished product and I've ridden his personal bike with the tree installed. Same results as the CCE at 1/3 the price and an easier install.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 2,091
Likes: 304
From: mid Michigan
Just did my bushings on swing arm, pressed two bushing's into a steel sleeve. Handles way better but did pick up some vibes. Know I understand that the shaft does not pivet on the bushings, the bushing and shaft move with the isolater. If I would of known that I would of just used a steel bushing and steel used the stainless spacer that goes up against the trans. That's the only thing that is moving parts is there and the shaft inside the trans. What a poor design there is so many flaws in the way this swing arm works. At least with the solid bushings the arm don't rock back and forth. You can grap it and move from side to side a couple thousands so can still see a need for the link to stop that. Sure it will get worse when isolaters get worn in.
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TimLScheffer
2014-2024 Touring Models
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Jul 22, 2020 01:49 PM
