2003 EGC Chrome Front End - Cartridge Question
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Joined: Jan 2011
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From: Murphy, NC
2003 EGC Chrome Front End - Cartridge Question
I'm planning on having the dealer install the chrome front end kit before I take delivery of an 2003 FLHTCI with under 6000 miles on it. I'm new to the HD world and am learning allot. One of those things is that HD apparently experimented for a few years by putting cartridges in the left fork on the touring models.
My question is should I have the cartridge replaced with "normal" internals? I guess my options are 1) just replace the left side internals with HD parts, 2) replace both sides with "upgraded" parts like Progressive or 3) just leave it as is. What do you guys think?
My question is should I have the cartridge replaced with "normal" internals? I guess my options are 1) just replace the left side internals with HD parts, 2) replace both sides with "upgraded" parts like Progressive or 3) just leave it as is. What do you guys think?
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 436
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From: lusiana
you'll need a new tube as well as the emulsifier valve and related.....the tube on the cartridge equiped side has a smaller inside diameter preventing you from just buying the valve and such.....bout a couple hun all together
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,529
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From: Central Fl.
Take good care of that '03,,,I love mine! And I am eventually doing something with that cartrige also. I was thinking about changing it up to a year that doesn't have it like you're thinking.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2006
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From: Roswell, GA
Only the fairing equipped Touring models had the left fork cartridge; i.e., the Road Kings don't have the cartridge in those years ('03-'05 IIRC).
I've put 50K miles on my '04 EG (installed chrome lowers a couple of years back) and have left the internals stock, though the fork oil has been changed using the SE stuff. I've seen many threads about changing the cartridge out, replacing the internals with aftermarket products, lowering kits, etc. and have always been a bit mystified by the suspension changes folks make since I've never felt the need to do so on my bike.
I did consider changing out the cartridge when the chrome lowers were done but concluded that I'd need to spend $100+ in parts to replicate the '06 forks. Others have simply swapped out the left side using the corresponding parts from the RK left fork, but I was reluctant to do so figuring HD probably had a good reason for not using them in the fairing models.
Good luck with your research and choice.
Carl
I've put 50K miles on my '04 EG (installed chrome lowers a couple of years back) and have left the internals stock, though the fork oil has been changed using the SE stuff. I've seen many threads about changing the cartridge out, replacing the internals with aftermarket products, lowering kits, etc. and have always been a bit mystified by the suspension changes folks make since I've never felt the need to do so on my bike.
I did consider changing out the cartridge when the chrome lowers were done but concluded that I'd need to spend $100+ in parts to replicate the '06 forks. Others have simply swapped out the left side using the corresponding parts from the RK left fork, but I was reluctant to do so figuring HD probably had a good reason for not using them in the fairing models.
Good luck with your research and choice.
Carl
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From: Murphy, NC
Thanks for the feedback. I think I'm leaning towards just leaving the cartridge in there when I have the chrome kit put on. I'm not getting a sense that there is a big improvement although you have to wonder why HD decided to stop using that setup. Besides I'm currently riding a '77 naked Goldwing and the front end on those are definitely a weak point - have to believe that the EG is a major improvement!
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