Another Monotube Question -- Preload setting (the C clamp)
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
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Another Monotube Question -- Preload setting (the C clamp)
Sorry to re-hammer the crap out of the Monotube questions but mine is strictly about preload and how you determine which is correct for your setup. On the stock setup my understanding is two "C" clamps are utilized (each roughly a bit over a 1/4") which create the preload. Not using these would remove the preload and would also lower the front end ~1/2 inch? So, how does one choose the appropriate preload in advance. I do NOT want to pull these shocks apart two or three times to get it right if I can help it.
Concerns -- 2 C clamps == too much preload for my ~180 (with gear) load and my max load of ~380-400 with the OL and full touring setup.
0 C clamps == too little preload and too "mushy"
Maybe I am thinking about this wrong?
Goals-- 1. Remove most brake dive
2. Improve handling while not increasing any beating in the hands/front end ride
3. No screwing around with trying to "dial it in" -- I would like to get it right once
Thoughts on any of this. Note the bike is a 2012 Ultra Limited. A bit of lowering is cool but not at the expense of handling/ride comfort. I am kind of leaning toward one "C" clamp for preload if any one has experience there and is around my load weight(s).
Thanks
dave
Concerns -- 2 C clamps == too much preload for my ~180 (with gear) load and my max load of ~380-400 with the OL and full touring setup.
0 C clamps == too little preload and too "mushy"
Maybe I am thinking about this wrong?
Goals-- 1. Remove most brake dive
2. Improve handling while not increasing any beating in the hands/front end ride
3. No screwing around with trying to "dial it in" -- I would like to get it right once
Thoughts on any of this. Note the bike is a 2012 Ultra Limited. A bit of lowering is cool but not at the expense of handling/ride comfort. I am kind of leaning toward one "C" clamp for preload if any one has experience there and is around my load weight(s).
Thanks
dave
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 454
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From: Coshocton, OH
I don't think thats completely correct on the lowered ones. The instructions say NONE for lowering 2" BUT they told me I "could" use one. I have no idea what to do LOL
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
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From: sunny florida
on my lowered one I only lowered it 1" and used 2 , 2" lowered you don't use any , I forgot you can lower it 1" or 2"
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 16
From: Moore, OK
Just installed the stock height Monotubes yesterday. I used both C clips and there is still a bit of front brake dive and no way is the ride too stiff. I only have about 20 miles on them but so far the ride seems like it is going to be good.
I think one clip would have been too soft.
I think one clip would have been too soft.
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Tourer
Joined: May 2008
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Thanks folks,
Postal -- What type of load were you riding with (nice way of saying, are you a big boy
)
I will likely stay with the stock directions but just don't want to be pulling the front end apart again.
Dave
Postal -- What type of load were you riding with (nice way of saying, are you a big boy
) I will likely stay with the stock directions but just don't want to be pulling the front end apart again.
Dave
Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 105
Likes: 16
From: Moore, OK
Dave, I only weigh about 180. I have been riding with the Harley progressive spring lowered front end so I am used the the front being kind of stiff and no dive when braking and no spring action when hitting bumps. When I installed the monotubes the front end dives more than what I am used to but I'm not sure what is normal. I really like not being able to feel every crack in the road though.
If I were you I'd start with both c clips.
If I were you I'd start with both c clips.
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Tourer
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,416
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From: Northern Part of the Great Lone Star State
I'm curious
if theres a substantial difference between the way a monotube suspension with all things being equal would feel between a Roadglide vs a FLHT
Since the weight is directly on the fork tubes vs being in front of the forks
I have a buddy that is **** about his bike and has 2 shims on each tube of his Roadglide...
He as stated on more then one occassion he would like to have 3 on each side and he rides a Roadglide...
I have a FLHX and have decided to put 3 on each side and hope it's going to be the magic number for me at 230lbs...
There seems to be allot of mixed feelings as far as how many shims to use but I would believe that the preload for a Road king would not need the same preload as an Ultra simply due to the weight on the forks...
If all the Roadglide owners state that one of the things they like about the Roadglides is the lack of weight on the forks when handling the bike in slow moving conditions is a plus then the weight isn't the same as an Ultra
paul
if theres a substantial difference between the way a monotube suspension with all things being equal would feel between a Roadglide vs a FLHT
Since the weight is directly on the fork tubes vs being in front of the forks
I have a buddy that is **** about his bike and has 2 shims on each tube of his Roadglide...
He as stated on more then one occassion he would like to have 3 on each side and he rides a Roadglide...
I have a FLHX and have decided to put 3 on each side and hope it's going to be the magic number for me at 230lbs...
There seems to be allot of mixed feelings as far as how many shims to use but I would believe that the preload for a Road king would not need the same preload as an Ultra simply due to the weight on the forks...
If all the Roadglide owners state that one of the things they like about the Roadglides is the lack of weight on the forks when handling the bike in slow moving conditions is a plus then the weight isn't the same as an Ultra
paul
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