New fork springs or monotubes
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Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,096
Likes: 107
From: Joplin, MO
New fork springs or monotubes
Rebuilding the front forks on my 06 Glide and was looking for some help deciding between the two. Lovin the idea of easy install and no maint. of the monotubes, but most posts Ive read refer to them as being stiff riding. What I am tryin to cure is the jar felt through the bars on the smaller, sharper bumps. Budget has me looking at the Progressive stuff, monotubes or springs with intiminators. I have to tear the forks all the way down to replace bushings, seals, etc, so I can go either direction. What experiences have you guys had with these products? And yes I have searched and read tons of info, just not convinced which way to go. I am 240 and the little woman is around 185, so....
I did the Progressive monotubes after I replaced my rear shocks with Öhlins. Like the Öhlins, they were a huge leap forward from stock. They may not be the best, but theyre the best for the money.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 420
Likes: 60
From: USA
I ran monotubes in my 2013. Back then the monotubes were one cartridge for each fork leg. Nowadays it's one cartridge and one spring. I enjoyed them and still have the bike. It is definitely firmer than stock and allows for better handling and nearly no brake dive, however I feel that there are other factors that should be taken into consideration as well. If you are looking for a super smooth ride I don't think this is the setup for you. I Found it to be harsher in some ways, and it might be the fork oil that was used on my install. I cannot remember what we used as it has been 7 years. IT was never enough of an issue to cause me to change it, but ask yourself what type of ride you want. I'd describe monotubes as a sportier ride.
If your goal is to get rid of the fork dive these will do this, but many people say ta the ride is too harsh for them. Like I said, no problem here. There are numerous other cartridges available on the market today than when I used these back in 2013. When I do my front on my 2019 I am going to taller forks and suspension as I prefer lean angle and additional travel over anything at stock height, although I am not tall in any way, shape, or form.
Another factor to consider is that if you are going lower for some reason, losing travel in suspension will affect how stiff the front end as well. The less travel there is, the stiffer the ride is. I've been advised by a friend who rides similarly to me to go with racing bros on my bike which is what I will do.
Almost forgot to mention he brands that make cartridges now adays.
Legends
RWD
Racing Bros
Progressive
Fox
Racetech
If your goal is to get rid of the fork dive these will do this, but many people say ta the ride is too harsh for them. Like I said, no problem here. There are numerous other cartridges available on the market today than when I used these back in 2013. When I do my front on my 2019 I am going to taller forks and suspension as I prefer lean angle and additional travel over anything at stock height, although I am not tall in any way, shape, or form.
Another factor to consider is that if you are going lower for some reason, losing travel in suspension will affect how stiff the front end as well. The less travel there is, the stiffer the ride is. I've been advised by a friend who rides similarly to me to go with racing bros on my bike which is what I will do.
Almost forgot to mention he brands that make cartridges now adays.
Legends
RWD
Racing Bros
Progressive
Fox
Racetech
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 250
Likes: 63
From: Chicago
I just bought a 2005 Road Glide that has the Progressive monotubes and the 412s in the back and the bike rides so damn nice. It actually rides better than the 2018 Road King it replaced. Front end rides so much nicer, not harsh like the stock front end. Rear just soakes up the nasty potholes we have here in Illinois.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 1,703
Likes: 909
From: SE Michigan
Had the progressive monos in my 05 and Ohlin's on the rear, worked very well.
If I could do my 19 limited over, I'd use progressive instead of the Legends I have in their now.
Better than stock...but I'm not impressed with them 7K miles later.
If I could do my 19 limited over, I'd use progressive instead of the Legends I have in their now.
Better than stock...but I'm not impressed with them 7K miles later.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,344
Likes: 173
From: Watertown, CT
I hope you won't be sorry switching to progressives but we all like different things.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
Likes: 6,217
From: In your head rent free
I had Progressive springs in my 10 RK, huge improvement over stock.
After getting some front end damage, caused by someone else, most of the front end had to be replaced. I talked to the dealer, if I provided the Monotubes, they would install them as part of the repairs, no charge.
I found the monotubes to be too sensitive. Felt every imperfection, small object, even painted lines, on the road. Control was great, but not a huge upgrade from the Progressive springs.
I think it’s very subjective, some like them, some don’t. But it’s always better than stock.
After getting some front end damage, caused by someone else, most of the front end had to be replaced. I talked to the dealer, if I provided the Monotubes, they would install them as part of the repairs, no charge.
I found the monotubes to be too sensitive. Felt every imperfection, small object, even painted lines, on the road. Control was great, but not a huge upgrade from the Progressive springs.
I think it’s very subjective, some like them, some don’t. But it’s always better than stock.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
Likes: 1,962
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
I also have Ohlins in rear and Progressive monotubes up front. On decent roads, the monotubes are great. As mentioned, you will feel the rough road a bit more, but they work for me. I've gone x-country a couple of times on them and the handling is way much better than stock.
No one has yet mentioned Ohlins monotubes, but have read they are pretty good. I have a 21" front wheel, so I might be looking to go with Ohlins soon. They are pricey but one of our sponsors give discounts. Not to highjack the thread, but any reviews here might also help out the OP.
No one has yet mentioned Ohlins monotubes, but have read they are pretty good. I have a 21" front wheel, so I might be looking to go with Ohlins soon. They are pricey but one of our sponsors give discounts. Not to highjack the thread, but any reviews here might also help out the OP.
Last edited by RKZen; Nov 29, 2020 at 08:26 AM.