Building a solid bagger.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I've owned both Harleys and BMWs since the 1970s, although I have never tried to do 130mph on either brand. As for getting there, I suggest you start at the ground and work up. While H-rated tyres are designed for riding at up to 130mph, if you are serious about exceeding that speed you should consider using V-rated tyres and aftermarket ones. That in turn may require you to find yourself some aftermarket wheels, to fit suitably sized tyres, as I'm not sure there are any V-rated ones the same size as recent stock Touring tyres.
Having solved that and moving up, I suggest you consider installing True-Track stabiliser kits front and rear, to tighten up the rubber mounts; add Ohlins suspension both ends, the top-shelf stuff, with fully adjustable fork cartridges and rear shocks. At speeds above normal levels you should add pressure to your tyres above stock. Should be quite an adventure, so I look forward to learning how you get on!
There is a thread around on high performance baggers, so it is worth seeking that out, to see if any of them have already trodden this path. You will of course need an S&S 143" to top things off!
Having solved that and moving up, I suggest you consider installing True-Track stabiliser kits front and rear, to tighten up the rubber mounts; add Ohlins suspension both ends, the top-shelf stuff, with fully adjustable fork cartridges and rear shocks. At speeds above normal levels you should add pressure to your tyres above stock. Should be quite an adventure, so I look forward to learning how you get on!
There is a thread around on high performance baggers, so it is worth seeking that out, to see if any of them have already trodden this path. You will of course need an S&S 143" to top things off!
Club Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 11,460
Likes: 3,554
From: Idaho
I know a current HD senior tech, who is also a former Harley race bike builder and rider. I've seen the pics. 
We were talking about death wobbles, and "the weave", and I asked him if those Sputhe or Tru-Track stabilizers work.
He said: "Yes they do. And if you need them, you're on the wrong bike."
You're trying to do what you're trying to do starting with the wrong bike. Understand you can absolutely improve the handling of your RK, but it's basically an upgraded '58 Duo-Glide, and you're never going to fix that.
We were talking about death wobbles, and "the weave", and I asked him if those Sputhe or Tru-Track stabilizers work.
He said: "Yes they do. And if you need them, you're on the wrong bike."
You're trying to do what you're trying to do starting with the wrong bike. Understand you can absolutely improve the handling of your RK, but it's basically an upgraded '58 Duo-Glide, and you're never going to fix that.
Last edited by IdahoHacker; Sep 2, 2019 at 11:46 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,879
Likes: 1,894
From: East Coast, USA
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
I have the rear True Trak already and planned for the front.
V Rated Tires and maybe some carbon fiber wheels.
Ohlins to replace the 944’s in the rear.
Probably Inverted forks.
More braking power front and back.
143” S&S
.... That’s a shopping list! Little by little
I know it would be easier to buy something that is built to handle like this but it’s 10x better to do it on a big ol’ bagger.
V Rated Tires and maybe some carbon fiber wheels.
Ohlins to replace the 944’s in the rear.
Probably Inverted forks.
More braking power front and back.
143” S&S
.... That’s a shopping list! Little by little
I know it would be easier to buy something that is built to handle like this but it’s 10x better to do it on a big ol’ bagger.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,879
Likes: 1,894
From: East Coast, USA
Wow! Would you be rolling with that 143" as an everyday all-purpose ride?
Is your 96" dying or end of life (EOL)? You didn't want to spring for the FuelMoto 126" till your motor died.
Is your 96" dying or end of life (EOL)? You didn't want to spring for the FuelMoto 126" till your motor died.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Perhaps you haven't owned a Duo Glide! I have owned a new shovelhead and rode it for many years - I learned how to 'ride' on that bike, it's handling was so poor! The later rubber-mounts, despite their short-comings, are a world apart from that. OP has a vision - I for one would love to see what comes out of it! It will undoubtedly be superior to a DG!
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 2,385
Likes: 1,442
From: Brentwood
Nope 96 is running great... I got a long way to go before a 120 something or a 140 something. And yes its going to be an everyday bike so I will have to carefully balance performance and dependable.
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