Monotube setup
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,049
Likes: 264
From: Fresno Ca
Monotube setup
I bought a set of Progressive monotubes for my '09 Streetglide from another member and I'm looking forward to trying them. I was able to download the instructions and I have the forks disassembled. My question is about the spacers. The instructions say to use two spacers per side. The Youtube video says two spacers for 175-200 lbs. Should anything be different depending on whether you have a Streetflide or standard ride height model? I don't want to change my ride height. Also I weigh 175, ride solo and other than my yearly vacation trip I don't carry any other weight. Can anybody tell me how many spacers they ended up using at near my weight on a Streetglide? I don't want it to be overly stiff but I don't want to bottom out too often. I really don't want to do this more than once.
I am a buck 75 and originally put two spacers in. Especially coming from the soft OEM forks, the Progressive Monotubes were too firm for me. It is a personal decision. 2 should mean better handling, but I took it back apart and went to one spacer. Glad I did. Still handles well, absorbs more of the road's imperfections. Once you have done the job once, the second time goes much quicker, if you decide you have the wrong setup.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 2,425
From: USA
The specified 0 weight is just a generic fork oil. It's there just to lubricate the bits that slide as the fork extends and retracts, there will be no damping with it. If you've enough SE heavy oil (fork oil), you'll be fine using it. It really doesn't matter the viscosity.
The spacers adjust ride height, they do not change the spring rate. Long or short, it will not make the ride any more or less harsh. It will change the bottoming out or topping out and ride height.
The spacers adjust ride height, they do not change the spring rate. Long or short, it will not make the ride any more or less harsh. It will change the bottoming out or topping out and ride height.
You will find 100's on this site alone that disagree with this statement. Plenty of threads backing that up.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,765
Likes: 9,321
From: Snow Hill, NC
At 175 lbs I would only use 1 spacer. As for the HD oil, it starts at 15 weight from what I can find, I used 2 spacers but I am 275 lbs I also used Belray 10wt fork oil I got it from a metric dealer.
Trending Topics
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 5,928
Likes: 3,918
From: Cape Cod
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom
Verdad Gallardo
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
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,192
Likes: 2,425
From: USA
It's no different than the pre-load adjuster on various rear shock units. You're actually not changing the spring rate, you're changing the pre-load on the spring, which changes the ride height. Does many an owners manual describe it as changing the spring rate? Yes. Doesn't make the claim real.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 525
From: San Angelo, Tx
Im 235 lbs, and used one spacer, rides great with no problems. Monotubes are inherently a little stiffer than stock, which will no doubt improve your handling and brake dive.
Also, if the preload the spacers provide adjusts ride height, its VERY minimal. Not noticeable to me when I pulled the 2nd spacer out.
Also, if the preload the spacers provide adjusts ride height, its VERY minimal. Not noticeable to me when I pulled the 2nd spacer out.