Ultra suspensions
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 2,044
Likes: 145
From: Lawrenceville,GA/Rome,Italy
Ultra suspensions
I'd like to replace both front and rear suspensions on my 3500 Mi. 06 Ultra and I would appreciate some suggestions from you guys.
1-front Progressive Monotube or Intiminator ?
2-rear Progressive 440s or Ricor shocks ?
Thanks
1-front Progressive Monotube or Intiminator ?
2-rear Progressive 440s or Ricor shocks ?
Thanks
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I went with stock (2010) springs and Intiminators up front, Ricor sport-tuned shocks in the rear. The ride is firm, but not stiff. Small road irregularities vanish and the big ones are muted. And the damn thing takes a corner in a way that no 900 pound bike should.
Consider picking up either a set of 2010 takeoff springs, or a set of Racetech or Progressive.
Consider picking up either a set of 2010 takeoff springs, or a set of Racetech or Progressive.
5th Gear
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: New England
Just put Howard's Ohlins on my '08 Nightster
I still have to dial them in. Got em from Howard at Motorcyclemetal.com - he answers his phone all the time or gets back to people very soon. Very knowledgeable and makes extra effort to give you what you want and what you need for suspension. It's not a one shock fits all solution. - My first ride I stopped on the side of the road a couple of times to set the rebound and compression setting, which is nice about the Ohlins, you get the preload AND rebound and compression since it is not automatic like some of the others. - I imagine Progressive and Ricor work fine for some, but I wanted to personally dial in my ride as much as I could and not leave it to maybe it will work ok. - I also think you get what you pay for and when I took the Ohlins out of the box I was amazed at the aircraft quality of them. - more soon!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: NYC
I went on the cheap and just drained the front fork oil and rear shock oil and added heavier oil. I have the backs heavier than the fronts. I think the backs are now 20w and the fronts 15w. I think the normal stock was 5w.
I love the way it rides.
I love the way it rides.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
While there is value in having a fully adjustable suspension on a race bike, I feel that with the IAS technology that Ricor has to offer, there's simply no need for all those settings on a 900 pound touring bike.
Now with that said, I've never ridden a Harley touring bike with Ohlins shocks. They may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but given the comparison reports that have been posted here, and my experiences with Ricor and their shocks, I'm plenty happy with what I've got.
Now with that said, I've never ridden a Harley touring bike with Ohlins shocks. They may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but given the comparison reports that have been posted here, and my experiences with Ricor and their shocks, I'm plenty happy with what I've got.
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,928
Likes: 1
From: Desert S. West
Now with that said, I've never ridden a Harley touring bike with Ohlins shocks. They may be the greatest thing since sliced bread, but given the comparison reports that have been posted here, and my experiences with Ricor and their shocks, I'm plenty happy with what I've got.
As always with any shock; they need to be mounted correctly by installing the lower shock bolt and tighten until it will hold up the shock. Then fill any gaps in the upper mount with spacers or washers. Tighten both to spec and ride. Using this method will prevent stiction which is a shocks enemy and will likely cause poor shock action with possible shock failure, and extra vibration. Sometimes you might need to shim the lower end out a wee bit so the top is not under any side load as well.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
I have and the Ohlins are very good shocks when set up correctly but I found the Ricors to be better and make the back end of the bike feel more planted in curves and turns. A nice feature with the Ricor's is you just tilt your bag out a little and hand turn the shock top to adjust for weight. The Ohlins need two wrenches and complete removal of the bags. I got the 12.5" Ricors and had the 13.25" Ohlins. Even with the 3/4" shorter Ricor's; I'm finding the ride better. Bear in mind I'm a bit **** about suspension so some people might not find any difference between to the two.
As always with any shock; they need to be mounted correctly by installing the lower shock bolt and tighten until it will hold up the shock. Then fill any gaps in the upper mount with spacers or washers. Tighten both to spec and ride. Using this method will prevent stiction which is a shocks enemy and will likely cause poor shock action with possible shock failure, and extra vibration. Sometimes you might need to shim the lower end out a wee bit so the top is not under any side load as well.
As always with any shock; they need to be mounted correctly by installing the lower shock bolt and tighten until it will hold up the shock. Then fill any gaps in the upper mount with spacers or washers. Tighten both to spec and ride. Using this method will prevent stiction which is a shocks enemy and will likely cause poor shock action with possible shock failure, and extra vibration. Sometimes you might need to shim the lower end out a wee bit so the top is not under any side load as well.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 783
Likes: 66
From: Sacramento
I've got the Race Tech gold emulators and springs up front (with no drop in ride height) and Works Steel Trackers (13") in back. Handling is dramatically different. Sharp edged bumps are greatly muted and control is good.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Tinmanpope
Frame/Suspension/Front End/Brakes
0
Jan 7, 2014 12:47 PM
classic, drop, flhtk, forum, harley, instrumental, monotube, progressive, stif, suspension, suspention, ultra, vrs
