Well I need to adjust my position regarding the forks. They are without doubt the worst piece of crap I have ever ridden on. Borderline dangerous! I really hope I have a particularly bad set of forks. I find it difficult to beleive that HD would put these on any bike let alone their "top of the line" CVO.
Under moderately hard acceleration I hit a bump and I thought I was going to get into tank slap! Pure trash.
BTW the rest of the bike performs really well. The cornering is really impressive, especially nice through the s-turns. I enjoy the TBW it's smooth and predictable particularly handy when your in heavy slow moving traffic.
Can't wait for the upgrade!
No, you don't have a bad set of forks, they are just the typical HD chit. And you are correct, the suspension is actually a safety hazard, IMO. These bikes are not sport bikes, but you can make them as close as a 900lb bike will ever be. Changing fork oil to a heavier weight will stop the dive, but the ride will suck compared to a cartridge. IMO, anything short of a cartridge is a big compromise, as you can only force a given amount of fluid through a valve opening, which is how all the other systems work. From what you are used to, you need to think seriously about the Traxxion Dynamic AK-20 cartridges...the company got it's start on the racing circuit, then developed products for the Gold Wing market, then HD. I have had them on two other bikes, and now on my 2011 SERGU. It was practically the first thing I did...change the forks and put Legend Air on the back. There is no doubt that Ohlin makes excellent products, but I would put Traxxion right there with them, and their customer service is second to none. Plus, they are 100% machined/manufactured in house. They are the best, IMO. They are not cheap though. Second choice would be the Progressive Monotubes or HD cartridges. Only you can decide if the price difference is worth it...for me, it is. For the rear, there are several very good alternatives, with the Bitubo (Italian) shocks being up there with the best of them, due to not only preload adjustment, but also rebound damping and compression damping, with the nitrogen cannister in piggyback mode. I had them and the AK-20 on a Vrod and it was excellent. Call Traxxion and have a conversation with Max (the owner) if possible, or Dan...tell them you are a member here.
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Topic: First Ride Suspension Impression (Read 8111 times)