Front end performance?
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 419
Likes: 223
From: Florida
Front end performance?
I just installed REVO-A rear shocks on my 2010 RK.
Several members have mentioned doing the front end also.
What should I be looking for/feeling that would indicate the need to upgrade the front also?
It seems solid.
Doesn't dip excessively when hitting front brakes.
Appears to take bumps well.
So........what should I expect?
Tx!
Several members have mentioned doing the front end also.
What should I be looking for/feeling that would indicate the need to upgrade the front also?
It seems solid.
Doesn't dip excessively when hitting front brakes.
Appears to take bumps well.
So........what should I expect?
Tx!
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2023
Posts: 509
Likes: 390
From: So Western Ohio
I've read of front suspension upgrades for Sportsters, and like you I have to wonder why. On my 2014 the front end is compliant, comfortable, well controlled in turns, and not being a racer type I don't want to take it apart just to give it a harsh ride. Under hard braking- well, I don't know if it dives excessively because I avoid grabbing handfuls of front brake. So it dives a little- so what?
If it meets your needs and you have to ask about the need for an upgrade, I'd say you don't need one.
Some riders can't leave things alone and more power to them. It's a hobby and the 'upgrades' never end for some of them.
If it meets your needs and you have to ask about the need for an upgrade, I'd say you don't need one.
Some riders can't leave things alone and more power to them. It's a hobby and the 'upgrades' never end for some of them.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,653
Likes: 9,113
From: Snow Hill, NC
You can just change the fluid and add about an ounce more, use screaming Eagle heavy if you want it stiffer. You cou,d install Ricor Intiminators like I did or if you ride really aggressively then cartridges.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1,785
From: Newnan, GA
I just installed REVO-A rear shocks on my 2010 RK.
Several members have mentioned doing the front end also.
What should I be looking for/feeling that would indicate the need to upgrade the front also?
It seems solid.
Doesn't dip excessively when hitting front brakes.
Appears to take bumps well.
So........what should I expect?
Tx!
Several members have mentioned doing the front end also.
What should I be looking for/feeling that would indicate the need to upgrade the front also?
It seems solid.
Doesn't dip excessively when hitting front brakes.
Appears to take bumps well.
So........what should I expect?
Tx!
Some don't like it. I Love mine. The first thing I noticed was the "Dive" was gone.
The bike rides like it is on a rail around corners, sweepers. The bike performs very well in the twisties too.
Riding over a speed bump is not an issue. You don't need to slow down to a crawl to negotiate the speed bump, the Axeos absorb it without shooting me in the air or bottoming out.
There are now 3 different choices.
The Axeo is available is 3 different types: Comfort, Performance and a Performance +2.
Comfort Axeo
Last edited by Mongo1958; Apr 4, 2024 at 09:45 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 6,860
From: NC
Check on the manufacturers rebuild schedules for the fork cartridges. Legends, Ohlins and Progressive used to state 15k-20k rebuild intervals because the cartridges do not have much fluid.
The DK Custom Intiminator is going into my 2019 FLHTP shortly. Along with springs for my weight. This "rebuild" is simply a fork fluid change every 20k-25k. No need to send it off.
Harley springs are, like many manufacturers, under spring for folks over 200 pounds. Old springs are probably sagging due to age.
The DK Custom Intiminator is going into my 2019 FLHTP shortly. Along with springs for my weight. This "rebuild" is simply a fork fluid change every 20k-25k. No need to send it off.
Harley springs are, like many manufacturers, under spring for folks over 200 pounds. Old springs are probably sagging due to age.
I changed fork oil to SE heavy and would not change anything. Works perfect for my riding style (Geezer Glide)
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When I upgraded to Ohlins rear, I felt the front end deficiencies. It felt soft, and during hard riding, the front would dive. I upgraded to GP cartridges (a step up from Ohlins) and the best cartridge you can get without going with inverted forks. It made taking corners so much more controlled. I could load the front tire before hitting a corner, and rip through it at stupid speeds.
For normal riding, it's overkill.
Your shocks are definitely better than stock, but as I understand, are not a racing shock. They still have quite a bit of sag and provide a nice ride. My shocks have nearly zero sag by design and are not harsh, but very firm, the way I like them. I will upgrade my front on the new bike.
Unless you're riding hard, you're not going to notice the front. Changing out the front will increase road feel and compliance. It will feel more stiff and responsive. It won't dip, or dive when you load the front brake. Is it worth the money for just cruising around? No.
For normal riding, it's overkill.
Your shocks are definitely better than stock, but as I understand, are not a racing shock. They still have quite a bit of sag and provide a nice ride. My shocks have nearly zero sag by design and are not harsh, but very firm, the way I like them. I will upgrade my front on the new bike.
Unless you're riding hard, you're not going to notice the front. Changing out the front will increase road feel and compliance. It will feel more stiff and responsive. It won't dip, or dive when you load the front brake. Is it worth the money for just cruising around? No.
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Supporter
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 418
Likes: 451
From: Montana
I have the original Axeo installed in my 2009 FLHTCU.
Some don't like it. I Love mine. The first thing I noticed was the "Dive" was gone.
The bike rides like it is on a rail around corners, sweepers. The bike performs very well in the twisties too.
Riding over a speed bump is not an issue. You don't need to slow down to a crawl to negotiate the speed bump, the Axeos absorb it without shooting me in the air or bottoming out.
There are now 3 different choices.
The Axeo is available is 3 different types: Comfort, Performance and a Performance +2.
Comfort Axeo
Some don't like it. I Love mine. The first thing I noticed was the "Dive" was gone.
The bike rides like it is on a rail around corners, sweepers. The bike performs very well in the twisties too.
Riding over a speed bump is not an issue. You don't need to slow down to a crawl to negotiate the speed bump, the Axeos absorb it without shooting me in the air or bottoming out.
There are now 3 different choices.
The Axeo is available is 3 different types: Comfort, Performance and a Performance +2.
Comfort Axeo
I've got a totally built 2017 RGS (with Tour Pak and Lowers) that I spent over $10K on the motor and I was trying to save money on the suspension out of guilt. My wife actually admitted that she had questioned the money I had spent on the motor, but she could really feel the difference and our next bike would need to go like this one. Then she informed me that we were through spending money on that bike!
When I admitted to her that I was considering some upgrades to the suspension to improve the ride quality, she quickly approved the funding for that project.
I did the rear first with the Revo A shocks, still trying to save a little, then I did the front with the Axios.
After her first ride with the new front end, she told me she felt the improvement at our first stop. Then she asked me, "What were we thinking? We should have done both front and rear at the same time!"
Now she loves the bike for riding two-up and wants to keep it and buy me a new CVO Road Glide ST for riding solo. Go Figure!
Last edited by Beartooth Rider; Apr 5, 2024 at 11:13 AM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,735
Likes: 1,785
From: Newnan, GA
Totally agree with Mongo 1958 and NoRegerts!
I've got a totally built 2017 RGS (with Tour Pak and Lowers) that I spent over $10K on the motor and I was trying to save money on the suspension out of guilt. My wife actually admitted that she had questioned the money I had spent on the motor, but she could really feel the difference and our next bike would need to go like this one. Then she informed me that we were through spending money on that bike!
When I admitted to her that I was considering some upgrades to the suspension to improve the ride quality, she quickly approved the funding for that project.
I did the rear first with the Revo A shocks, still trying to save a little, then I did the front with the Axios.
After her first ride with the new front end, she told me she felt the improvement at our first stop. Then she asked me, "What were we thinking? We should have done both front and rear at the same time!"
Now she loves the bike for riding two-up and wants to keep it and buy me a new CVO Road Glide ST for riding solo. Go Figure!
I've got a totally built 2017 RGS (with Tour Pak and Lowers) that I spent over $10K on the motor and I was trying to save money on the suspension out of guilt. My wife actually admitted that she had questioned the money I had spent on the motor, but she could really feel the difference and our next bike would need to go like this one. Then she informed me that we were through spending money on that bike!
When I admitted to her that I was considering some upgrades to the suspension to improve the ride quality, she quickly approved the funding for that project.
I did the rear first with the Revo A shocks, still trying to save a little, then I did the front with the Axios.
After her first ride with the new front end, she told me she felt the improvement at our first stop. Then she asked me, "What were we thinking? We should have done both front and rear at the same time!"
Now she loves the bike for riding two-up and wants to keep it and buy me a new CVO Road Glide ST for riding solo. Go Figure!
I treated myself to new rear shocks, the bike was paid off and I hated the progressive shock that I had. Plus my Indy Shop gave me a good deal on them.
I was thunder struck how much better the ride was. After a few weeks I stopped in at my Indy shop to chat and the owner asked how I like the Legends, I said I loved them. He mentioned that he has a set of Axeos for the front that he wanted to sell at a big discount to get them off his books. I took the deal and poof, I had a new front suspension.
How long have you had the Axeo front suspension? It will get even better after breaking in (approximately 1K-2K miles).