Topic: 2005 SEEG Suspension (Read 3502 times)

efrbc1 · « **on:** November 26, 2007, 02:26:27 PM »

Looking for some info from those who have already been through this. The bike is new to me (purchased used two weeks ago). Very impressed with the handling of the bike so far. NOT impressed with the suspension which surprises me as it is (should be) similar to my Road King which works quite well.

From reading past posts, I am resigned to upgrade to Progressive Shocks to "fix" the back end. It also seems that 12.5" is the way to go to gain a bit more ground clearance. MY thought is to go to the 13" shock and raise the front (go back to stock damping rods with Progressive springs) to gain both suspension travel and ground clearance. This would then make the SEEG the same height as my Road King.

My question is, who has done this and how did it work out. I know raising the center of gravity will affect the handling a bit but does the benefit of better shocks and springs (front) over come this? How much different is the ride and is the extra inch in height noticeable?

If I go with the 12.5" shocks what needs to be done with the front end to compensate for lifting the back end? My preference is to go with the 13" HD shocks and the Progressive fork spring set with 15w oil but I'm open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Chris

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #1 on:** November 26, 2007, 02:41:24 PM »

Chris...several of us have done the Traxxion Dynamics AK-20 cartridges in the front forks, having them set the forks up lowered an inch, as it is now, or raised an inch, to get the same travel/ground clearance as Ultras, etc. Traxxion also sells Bitubo shocks...another excellent upgrade.

This upgrade is not inexpensive, but is the best money I've ever spent on my bike...the difference is amazing!

Do a search for Traxxion here on the site, and begin reading...not one single person who has done this has any regrets over spending the money.

SBB · « **Reply #2 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:06:21 PM »

Chris

I spent $2700.00 on two bikes at Traxxion.
Going to take the SERG there when I can get it scheduled.
As TC said, best money I have spent on a bike.

Boatman · « **Reply #3 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:27:47 PM »

As you know, the SEEG's are lowered 1" in the front and rear compared to your Roadking. I weigh 215#'s and have the 440 Progressive std 12.5" on the rear. Changed the oil in the front forks, put in the correct amount of oil, and was better.

The bike wasn't a handling bike until I sent the front forks to Traxxion where they installed the AK-20's..

I won't go to the Bitubo's install my 440's leak or go bad.

440's on the rear are night/day difference between the air shocks.

It all depends on how much you want to spend.

The 12.5" Progressive's only raised my bike about 1/8" (can't tell by eye).

Fired00d · « **Reply #4 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:29:20 PM »

As the above posts mentioned there are plenty of good alternatives out there if you want to go that route. Just was wondering have you checked the air pressure in the stock shocks? The stock shocks might not get you where you want to be, but many have found the stock shocks didn't have sufficient air in them to start.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Boatman · « **Reply #5 on:** November 26, 2007, 03:31:41 PM »

dOOd is correct about the rear shock air pressure. Whereas you may have ridden with 10-12#'s in your 13" shocks, most of us had better luck with 25-30psi in the rear 12" lowered shocks.

erniezap · « **Reply #6 on:** November 26, 2007, 04:45:57 PM »

One very inexpensive way to improve the handling is to drain the 7-8W fork oil and replace it with 15W fork oil. I've done this to both of my SEEG's and by itself was a night and day improvement. Adding the Bitubos taook it another big leap forward. Next will be the traxxion fork cartridges once Jim (HD_Dude) becomes a dealer for them.

porthole · « **Reply #7 on:** November 26, 2007, 05:43:19 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on November 26, 2007, 04:45:57 PM

replace it with 15W fork oil.

And which 15w did you replace it with?

erniezap · « **Reply #8 on:** November 26, 2007, 05:47:17 PM »

Don't remember unfortunately, but I have one brand in the cherry and a different brand in the pumpkin and they both are good...

Fired00d · « **Reply #9 on:** November 26, 2007, 05:57:03 PM »

I've had the SE Fork Oil put in mine when I had is serviced last time. Just looked in my P/A book and online to find that there are two different kinds/levels of SE Fork Oil - Performance Fork Oil Heavy and Racing Fork Oil Extra Heavy. Doesn't show what the weight is in either. I just checked my invoice for service and I got the "Heavy". Anybody know the viscosity of the SE Fork Oils?

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

efrbc1 · « **Reply #10 on:** November 26, 2007, 06:13:45 PM »

Thanks to all for the suggestions. I have played quite a bit with the air pressure in the rear shocks and I am running more than I do on the RK (stock 13" air shocks) and have it about as good as its gonna get.

My RK has the stock rear air shocks and Progressive springs and handles and rides quite well. If I raise the SEEG with 13" Progressives and re-do the front (raised 1") with Progressive springs do you think I can expect the same? Has anybody else done this?

At the very least I'll go with 12.5 Progressives and leave the front alone save for Progressive springs and 15wt Fork oil (Bel Ray). Traxxion is not in my immediate future ($$).

Thanks,

Chris

erniezap · « **Reply #11 on:** November 26, 2007, 08:37:37 PM »

Bel Ray is in one of the SEEG's. Good stuff, and thanks for triggering my memory.

JCZ · « **Reply #12 on:** November 26, 2007, 11:50:13 PM »

Quote from: erniezap on November 26, 2007, 08:37:37 PM

Bel Ray is in one of the SEEG's. Good stuff, and thanks for triggering my memory.

Yer gettin old Ernie!

hd-dude · « **Reply #13 on:** November 27, 2007, 01:00:31 AM »

Ernie;
PJ1 15w is in the other....

Dood; The SE oil is about a 20w, the standard type E is 7.5w.......

RJ749 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 27, 2007, 01:12:17 AM »

Quote from: Silver-Black on November 26, 2007, 03:06:21 PM

Chris

I spent $2700.00 on two bikes at Traxxion.
Going to take the SERG there when I can get it scheduled.
As TC said, best money I have spent on a bike.

Maybe we need to figure out how to get the nanner and the SERG down there, no point in me bringing it home without the stop at Traxx. Are you anywhere near taking yours down there?

SBB · « **Reply #15 on:** November 27, 2007, 06:38:11 AM »

Quote from: Rjob749 on November 27, 2007, 01:12:17 AM

Maybe we need to figure out how to get the nanner and the SERG down there, no point in me bringing it home without the stop at Traxx. Are you anywhere near taking yours down there?

Roger

Was just waiting on your light to come on!
Call me!

SBB

Fired00d · « **Reply #16 on:** November 27, 2007, 07:27:34 AM »

Quote from: hd-dude on November 27, 2007, 01:00:31 AM

Ernie;
PJ1 15w is in the other....

Dood; The SE oil is about a 20w, the standard type E is 7.5w.......

Thanks.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

RJ749 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 27, 2007, 10:26:10 AM »

Quote from: Silver-Black on November 27, 2007, 06:38:11 AM

Roger

Was just waiting on your light to come on!
Call me!

SBB

Will do, I need to find a hole in my day to try and catch you.

efrbc1 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 27, 2007, 07:48:25 PM »

Going to try and get my thread back!! After talking with Progressive and some prelominary research I think I will be going to the 13" Progressives and changing the front damping rods (with Progressive springs) to raise the front.

Has anyone else done this?? I'm thinking that all I need to do is get a set of standard RK dampers and the Progressive spring kit to do this. Looking in the HD catalog it appears that the lowering kit contains the dampers and springs that come stock in the SEEG. Correct?

Thanks,

Chris

efrbc1 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 27, 2007, 08:04:27 PM »

Whoops, one more question. Any thoughts on the standard Progressives or the HD Progressives? I weigh 220 and about 75% of my riding is solo.

Thanks again,
Chris

SBB · « **Reply #20 on:** November 27, 2007, 08:40:32 PM »

Quote from: efrbc1 on November 27, 2007, 08:04:27 PM

Whoops, one more question. Any thoughts on the standard Progressives or the HD Progressives? I weigh 220 and about 75% of my riding is solo.

Thanks again,
Chris

IMHO the HD's are best if your 210 and above.
And damnit I'm above.

Check out hd-dude for good pricing on a set

RJ749 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 27, 2007, 09:17:41 PM »

Quote from: efrbc1 on November 27, 2007, 08:04:27 PM

Whoops, one more question. Any thoughts on the standard Progressives or the HD Progressives? I weigh 220 and about 75% of my riding is solo.

Thanks again,
Chris

You may want to look at this thread as it addresses some of your questions as well.

http://www.cvoharley.com/smf/index.php?topic=18351.new;topicseen#new

efrbc1 · « **Reply #22 on:** November 27, 2007, 09:30:20 PM »

How do I contact HD-Dude??

Chris

RJ749 · « **Reply #23 on:** November 27, 2007, 09:35:39 PM »

Quote from: efrbc1 on November 27, 2007, 09:30:20 PM

How do I contact HD-Dude??

Chris

hd-dude@ljsgroup.net for email or PM him here, hd-dude

efrbc1 · « **Reply #24 on:** December 23, 2007, 03:57:06 PM »

Got everything done last week. Raised the bike up about 1" and it feels much better. You were all right about the Progressives - MUCH BETTER !! Went with the Progressive front springs with Bel Ray 15wt oil. The stock oil was crap after 10K. Much better feel - no bottoming out and still handles great.

I started with the HD springs and ended up with the Standards. The HD's were OK but I had them set on the lightest setting and it is nice to be able to soften them up a bit for the highway with the STD springs.

Thanks for everyones help.

Chris

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