Hd touring front forks

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Feb 9, 2013 | 07:03 AM

Dangermouse

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Indiana

Hd touring front forks

I am thinking about replacing the air front forks on my 1999 Electra with spring type, any ideas on what I can expect?

Feb 9, 2013 | 07:40 AM

grbrown

Club Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 45,429

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From: Bedford UK

Hi from the UK and welcome to HDF.

Your forks already have springs and are air assisted, that is to say the air provides additional springing. The air system also provides a degree of anti-dive when you apply the front brake. I have replaced my springs with Race Tech single-rate ones. Go to their website and they have a calculator, so you can get the right springs for you.

There are other improvements available, such as cartridge inserts and additional damping devices such as Emulators and Intiminators. I suggest you spend a little time searching those words in blue to read recent threads about the many choices available. All of them promise improved ride, it is a simple matter of choosing the one that appeals most, or best fits your budget!

Feb 9, 2013 | 07:59 AM

Dangermouse

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Tourer

Joined: Feb 2013

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From: Indiana

Thanks, I bought a wrecked Electra, not much damage, forks are straight as best I can tell. I rebuilt it ruffly so I could ride it the last few weeks of summer. Now that winter is here I am completely going through everything. I noticed that it wants to pull to the left when I take my hands off the bars. I think one of the tubes might be slightly bent, so I thought I'd replace them while upgrading to chrome lowers. Just concerned it might not ride as nice.

Feb 9, 2013 | 08:04 AM

timbo141

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2010

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From: USA

Pulling to the left to some degree is common because of the weight of the primary.

Feb 9, 2013 | 08:25 AM

Tanker2

Road Captain

Joined: Dec 2007

Posts: 585

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From: Near St. Louis, Mo.

I had a 1999 Ultra Classic until just recently. You could ride it down the road all day with your hands off cruise set. It did not pull to the left. Just my opinion. I also had my forks apart and installed chrome lowers. Left stock springs in it and I did not put air in front. Wife and I are not heavy. Thought it rode great with no air. Also rides better with a 50/50 mix of stock fork oil and streaming eagle fork oil. I have a 2012 Ultra now and they don't run air lines to the front forks anymore.

Feb 9, 2013 | 08:42 AM

Dangermouse

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Feb 2013

Posts: 391

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From: Indiana

I rode a wideglide for years, never had any trouble with it pulling, I have road for miles on the interstate that way. I really have to lean into it to keep this Electra in one lane. I am asking about the ride because I ran across a place that sells forks for 99 any earlier to eliminate the air and wanted to get some opinions before changing and regretting. Thanks for your thoughts.

Feb 9, 2013 | 08:56 AM

hdbob2006

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jan 2013

Posts: 3,466

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From: Illinois

If a bike pulls to the left,[or the right] you have problems! Knowing the bike was wrecked,you already know that though. Check the alignment of front and rear wheels. Personally,I'd stay with the air forks. Had 'em on my 93 Classic,don't know why the '06 doesn't have 'em.