(this is an abbreviated version due to charater limit on CVO Harley)
Well, I’ve gotten 1,500+ miles under my belt with the Traxxion AK-20’s and now I’m ready to provide a general review of this top tier aftermarket front end cartridge system offered by Traxxion Dynamics for Harley Touring motorcycles.
My install was done by the only Traxxion Dynamics authorized installer (I think?) in the Northeast; Rocket Moto @
www.rocketmoto.com located in Hollis, New Hampshire – which is a short ride from Boston, MA.
My experience at Rocket Moto: Owner Adam and his wife are two of the most professional and friendly people you could ever meet. Leading up to the install, Adam and his staff responded quickly to all of my emails and phone inquires I placed inquiring about their services and the Traxxion AK-20 install. Adam’s knowledge and passion for his craft came through loud and clear as I asked my questions, which put any concerns I had about spending $1,400+ (parts and install) to rest. It was refreshing to talk to someone who knows what they’re talking about and who can convey information in a clear and concise manner to their customer. Rocket Moto was also very accommodating by allowing odd drop off and pick up times for my motorcycle. For those interested in installing the Traxxion AK-20 on their Harley Touring and live in the Northeast or outside the Northeast for that matter, I highly recommend Adam @ Rocket Moto.
Adam mentioned one other important fact I want to share. Invariably, with many new mechanical based products there is usually some sort of break-in period before said product performs at its optimum design. So I asked Adam what that period was (in miles) for the Traxxion AK-20’s? He stated – there is no break-in period, the Traxxion AK-20’s perform 100% once installed.
Now for my initial riding experience after the Traxxion AK-20’s was installed. I left Rocket Moto around 9:00pm to motor home and when I sat on the bike, I knew something special was done. Moving the handlebar left too right was more precise than it had been. Turning the bike around to head out of the driveway was less strenuous and feathering first gear felt smoother for some reason – quite possible a placebo moment. Still in first gear, leaving the long driveway / cul-de-sac area from Rocket Moto, the front end felt like I was riding on a Rubber Paved Road.
For the next 1,500 +/-100 miles, I put my 2009 CVO Road Glide through its paces with the new Traxxion AK-20 front end leading the way. Each time out, I would ride about 250 – 300 miles – checking for front fork oil leaks, listening for any new sound, feeling handlebar feedback and general motorcycle reaction to bumps and road irregularities.
Observations related to the 1,500 miles after returning home:
First observation; the CVO Road Glide always performed well in crosswinds and passing semi trucks on the highway. I never thought the experience of traversing these road conditions were problematic due to the frame mounted “Shark Nose” fairings ability to slice through the wind. The Traxxion AK-20 front end enhanced an already great attribute of the frame mounted fairing. During my testing period, I purposely sought out semi trucks on the road and rode in the rain with heavy winds (yeah, I know not safe – only did this once) and could not believe the improvement in stability the front end has.
Second observation; for those in the know, owners of the Traxxion AK-20 cartridge system can make manual adjustments to the cartridges; i.e., turn left on the internal knobs and the cartridges get softer, turn right and the cartridges firm up. Adam explained that the Traxxion AK-20’s offers a full 3 turns of adjustment. He, (and I assume all) as a factory authorized Traxxion AK-20 installer set the cartridges midway of the total adjustment; 1 ½ turns. Adam showed me how I can get my index finger between the opening in the covers that enclose the forks and handlebar risers to make adjustments on the fly. During test ride #2, I increased the damping on the cartridges by a mere quarter turn to the right. My quarter turn adjustment firmed up the front end more than I expected. For this test ride, the front end still exhibited the same premium characteristics it did previously but now it felt more Ferrari like and less Mercedes like – if that makes sense. When I made it home, I changed the settings back to the factory 1 ½ midway setting and all was back to normal.
Third observation: Cornering felt more surefooted than in the past. The bike was easier to lean into corners and straighten up when rolling on the throttle out of a turn. The front tire felt planted to the pavement but didn’t communicate much through the handlebar. This is the feeling of riding on a “Rubber Paved Road” I mentioned in the heading. I don’t know how Traxxion Dynamics accomplished this but it works and works well.
Last observation; there is nothing else to report other than I have ultimate compliance from the front end of my motorcycle.
The issue now, I have to get the rear end into the same league as the front end. After an extensive research, I have decided to ask Howard Messner of Motorcycle Metal to cook up some Ohlins 3-3 for me. Once I receive them and get them installed, I will provide a write up on their suitability with the Traxxion AK-20’s.
So there you have it – one man’s opinion of the Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 front end suspension upgrade for Harley Touring bikes. I’m extremely happy with my choice of the Traxxion AK-20’s and just as happy with Adam @ Rocket Moto as the authorized installer.
Now time to ride the Rubber Paved Roads again.
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Topic: The new Rubber Paved Road – Traxxion Dynamics AK-20’s (Read 6450 times)