A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
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A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
I'm a little confused about what I should expect from my from suspension. The '05 EG I'm riding now is my first Harley and first touring bike. My past bikes have been a bit softer and more stable at the front forks when hitting bumps in the road or cornering. The Glide is stiffer and tends to want to bounce when I hit an imperfection. That was a little unsettling, especially when cornering, until I got used to it. I read so much about what is and is not correct for front end performance thatmaybe I think I've confused myself. Am I chasing shadows or should I really be looking to do something with it? I'm not really interested in lowering it, just get the best ride and handling it's able to give without changing everything. I have too many other things I want to do without adding that to the list. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 28,559
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From: Vermont
RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
The simplest thing to start with is trying different weight oils for it. If that doesn't work you can try something like progressive springs. You can also use an emulator. I would start with a simple fluid change to a different weight oil first though.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 32
From: Houston, Texas
RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
I would also check on what your suspension settings are for the rear shocks. That has some affect on the "bounce" through pavement imperfections in a corner. Stiffening it up a bit might help to alleviate the sensation you described. I know that if I leave the air setting for the rear shocks at the same level I've just used for highway touring when I finally get into some twisties, I get the same "unsettled" movement you describe. So I add a bit of air to the rear shocks and it is much better in the turns...
What air pressure to you have in your tires? That might also affect your ride... Just some things that we take for granted, but can't overlook.
Hope that helps...
What air pressure to you have in your tires? That might also affect your ride... Just some things that we take for granted, but can't overlook.
Hope that helps...
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2005
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RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
Thanks for the advice guys. I run 36 psi front tire and 40 psi rear. I keep the shocks at 10-12 psi. when solo and go up to 15-20loaded.Lighter or heavier on the fork oil? How much per tube? I'm a little confused about the way the manual expresses that, too. Thanks again. Jim
ORIGINAL: tphillips
I would also check on what your suspension settings are for the rear shocks. That has some affect on the "bounce" through pavement imperfections in a corner. Stiffening it up a bit might help to alleviate the sensation you described. I know that if I leave the air setting for the rear shocks at the same level I've just used for highway touring when I finally get into some twisties, I get the same "unsettled" movement you describe. So I add a bit of air to the rear shocks and it is much better in the turns...
What air pressure to you have in your tires? That might also affect your ride... Just some things that we take for granted, but can't overlook.
Hope that helps...
I would also check on what your suspension settings are for the rear shocks. That has some affect on the "bounce" through pavement imperfections in a corner. Stiffening it up a bit might help to alleviate the sensation you described. I know that if I leave the air setting for the rear shocks at the same level I've just used for highway touring when I finally get into some twisties, I get the same "unsettled" movement you describe. So I add a bit of air to the rear shocks and it is much better in the turns...
What air pressure to you have in your tires? That might also affect your ride... Just some things that we take for granted, but can't overlook.
Hope that helps...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,415
Likes: 18
From: Belmont, MI
RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
ORIGINAL: backnasaddle
I'm a little confused about what I should expect from my from suspension. The '05 EG I'm riding now is my first Harley and first touring bike. My past bikes have been a bit softer and more stable at the front forks when hitting bumps in the road or cornering. The Glide is stiffer and tends to want to bounce when I hit an imperfection. That was a little unsettling, especially when cornering, until I got used to it. I read so much about what is and is not correct for front end performance thatmaybe I think I've confused myself. Am I chasing shadows or should I really be looking to do something with it? I'm not really interested in lowering it, just get the best ride and handling it's able to give without changing everything. I have too many other things I want to do without adding that to the list. Thanks!
I'm a little confused about what I should expect from my from suspension. The '05 EG I'm riding now is my first Harley and first touring bike. My past bikes have been a bit softer and more stable at the front forks when hitting bumps in the road or cornering. The Glide is stiffer and tends to want to bounce when I hit an imperfection. That was a little unsettling, especially when cornering, until I got used to it. I read so much about what is and is not correct for front end performance thatmaybe I think I've confused myself. Am I chasing shadows or should I really be looking to do something with it? I'm not really interested in lowering it, just get the best ride and handling it's able to give without changing everything. I have too many other things I want to do without adding that to the list. Thanks!
Rick
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,282
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From: DFW
RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
Getting ready to install the Race Tech front suspension system with gold valve emulators. I'll give a report back after 2/7 when my new wheels come in. I will be lowering it an inch also though to balance out my 21" front wheel.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2006
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RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
Another option is Traxxion Dynamics , which has the AK-20 , excellent but pricey and they also sell a damper / Race Tech spring set
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
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RE: A Little Confused about Front Fork Performance
Ditto wrt Nidan, you can add the gold emulators and it will help. But, the traxxion setup will fix it. At $1150 to modify your forks the cost is relative. Many don't think twice about spending that and much more for chrome... (oh, I'm one of those that spends it on chrome too)!
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