Front Shock Tuning - Street Glide
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
beracing Please read further
beracing Please read further, spend some time looking around, go to the DIY for all information you may need and lots more you may need in the future, and I have also given you a pictorial on how to do it step by step if you wish to do it yourself along with photos of what is inside of them and photos out of the service manuals. If you do not wish to do it yourself, around $35 via UPS takes care of that problem if you live in the lower 48. Please look carefully (at the progressively wound HD springs in the Street Glide), follow the calculation sheet (either search HDForms or my web site), figure it up for yourself to 2X check my work as to make sure I am not BS'ing you. It is simple as all of the measurements are laid out as everyone (HDF members) here can count.
On a scale from 0~100, stock being 0
On a scale from 0~100, stock being 0
- 10 = progressively wound springs sprung to your own weight and valving blead holes welded & redrilled or for the cheaters way & less effective + harsher ride, use 7.5 SE fork oil (not as good as re-drilling/welding)
- 40~45 = Race Tech cartrige emulators & a pair of linear wound springs selected for your riding style & weight for your passenger, normal riding gear, and riders weight (you) that is a 70%/30% typical ride (either 1 or 2 up is the 70%, of your personal choice). GMD of Corona (Paul Thede), in Corona, CA. owns Race Tech, we are also GMD of Fort Lauderdale (Eric Gray in my web site). We are one of 7 GMD's, the same machines HD used to measure all of their test/prototype bikes (4 in the Naples, FL facility & 2 in Milwaukee).
- 100/nirvana, the best your 100 pound front end will ever get is with X-Factor cartridges with adjustable rebound or Max McAllister's offering. When racing up north Eric periodically spanks Max's rear, but that is what racing is all about hu Max? Eric & Max first job's were together in Atlanta.
- Apples to oranges = a great cartrige & valving system found in a top inverted front ends such as Ohlins R&T or mine. The best for 2009 bar none except for the $10,500 Ohlins or the $2,500 Penske cartdriges that Eric Gray developed w/Penske in a custom set of forks/trees which a HD can not take advantage of (weight & frame not stiff enough).
Last edited by FastHarley; Jan 4, 2009 at 10:15 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 850
Likes: 0
I had a race tech kit installed at delivery on my 09 FLHR and except for them not getting the pre-load right the first time I am extremely happy with them much better than stock. Never have use a cartridge so I can not speak to that. Fast Harley are the x factor cartridges like the Traxxion AK-20's? I heard rave reviews about those?
Former Sponsor
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 5,360
Likes: 453
From: Davie, FL
I had a race tech kit installed at delivery on my 09 FLHR and except for them not getting the pre-load right the first time I am extremely happy with them much better than stock. Never have use a cartridge so I can not speak to that. Fast Harley are the x factor cartridges like the Traxxion AK-20's? I heard rave reviews about those?
If you want the "look" of stock than a cartridge system (do not confuse this with Harley's offering as they are not the same) is for you if you have the money to do so and you ride more than locally. If you only ride locally than the cost would outweigh the benefit IMO. You are not nearly as beat up on trips of 250+ miles and will feel it the first trip. Your choice.
I can and many members here can attest to the benefit (do a search) of the X-Factor. I personally use inverted forks for the obvious benefits and do not care about the looks and having what should be on the bike. That is just me and your opinion is the only one that should matter to you.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,253
Likes: 1
From: Southeastern Michigan
I lowered my front end 1" with the HD kit (because of 21" in the front), and then replaced the stock oil with the S.E. HD fork oil, I like the ride it gives me now. Before it was too soft. I think if you change out the fork oil to the S.E.HD it would help.
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