Lower fork job
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: north jersey
Lower fork job
just trying to get some opinions here. I am having the lower forks, cowbells and riser bushings on my 2016 Street glide replaced. My mechanic is strongly suggesting I get rid of the springs and replace them with progressive cartridges. I really don't want to have to spend another $500 on a cartridge kit. I would rather just keep the springs. Are the progressive cartridges that much better than the stock springs in the forks?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
Imo, if you have upgraded rear shocks, then i would do it because the labor is free. If the shocks are stock and your springs in front are still good, id leave it. I have changed the rears with out doing the fronts with good results but the one time i did only fronts, the bike seemed out of whack a bit...
I rebuilt the forks on my '14 a few months ago. I was amazed by the difference. The wear sneaks up on you, so you don't notice it much, but oh boy is it better rebuilt.
I often wonder if the people who rave about the 'Night and Day' difference their (brand name here) kit made realize the difference a simple fork rebuild makes.
Doing it myself was easy, did the chrome cowbells and chrome lowers while I was there. (Did the whole thing because the neck bearings were going bad). The one thing I do recommend is heavier oil than the factory. I went with the mid range 10 weight and I'm happy with the results.
I often wonder if the people who rave about the 'Night and Day' difference their (brand name here) kit made realize the difference a simple fork rebuild makes.
Doing it myself was easy, did the chrome cowbells and chrome lowers while I was there. (Did the whole thing because the neck bearings were going bad). The one thing I do recommend is heavier oil than the factory. I went with the mid range 10 weight and I'm happy with the results.
Last edited by Ultra103; Mar 6, 2024 at 04:54 PM.
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Stage IV
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 4
Likes: 1
From: north jersey
My mechanic is awesome. He said $450 for labor. I already have the lower forks, cowbells, seals and riser bushings. I was gonna do it myself but for $450 i said screw it. The progressive cartridge kit is another $500. I asked harley for a quote.. $900!! What a rip off. I actually lowered the rear bike 3 years ago. I have Burly Brand shocks in the back..
Last edited by GP097; Mar 6, 2024 at 05:21 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 1,452
Likes: 887
From: Sacto
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Last edited by Harley_ish; Mar 6, 2024 at 05:21 PM.
My mechanic is awesome. He said $450 for labor. I already have the lower forks, cowbells, seals and riser bushings. I was gonna do it myself but for $450 i said screw it. The progressive cartridge kit is another $500. I asked harley for a quote.. $900!! What a rip off. I actually lowered the rear bike 3 years ago. I have Burly Brand shocks in the back..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 9,238
Likes: 5,784
From: On the Big Blue marble
My mechanic is awesome. He said $450 for labor. I already have the lower forks, cowbells, seals and riser bushings. I was gonna do it myself but for $450 i said screw it. The progressive cartridge kit is another $500. I asked harley for a quote.. $900!! What a rip off. I actually lowered the rear bike 3 years ago. I have Burly Brand shocks in the back..
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 798
Likes: 726
From: Moncton, NB
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I don't hear anyone complaining about a suspension upgrade. Cartridge vs springs is at least a 50 year jump in technology.
Also, $500 is just a down payment on a cam chest upgrade. A cartridge upgrade is on my list...
I don't hear anyone complaining about a suspension upgrade. Cartridge vs springs is at least a 50 year jump in technology.
Also, $500 is just a down payment on a cam chest upgrade. A cartridge upgrade is on my list...
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