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[Goin Mobile]

I've read some of the posts on this forum regarding various suspension upgrades. Having read about the Progressive 440s and 940s, Legends, Works etc I'm thinking the Bitubo shocks with the Traxxion AK-20 front cartridge upgrade would make a big difference on my bike. This isn't cheap but seems like its one of the best upgrades for the money.  Before I jump into this I would like to hear from those who have run this or similar setups on their Ultra SE.

• Do the  Bitubo 300mm (11.75") work well on the Ultra SE? Any problems with rougher ride or ground clearance on corners? Any problems riding 2 up more than 50% of the time?
• How much do the 330mm (13") Bitubos raise the bike? On stock shocks my heals are already off the ground when sitting in a normal riding position.
• I have seen some concerns about the Bitubo rubbing on the bags. I have also seen installations of Bitubos on Ultras in the normal position as well as a recommendation that they be installed in the inverted position. Perhaps there is more clearance in the inverted position. Comments?
  
• Is there an option with the Traxxion AK-20 to lower the front or is this even advisable?
• Should I expect the Bitubos to have a noticablely softer ride than Harley stock air? From what I have read Bitubo owners would rate the Bitubo ride softer than Progressives or Legends, but missing the adjust on the fly like the Legends
• From what I have read both the shock upgrade and the Traxxion AK-20 upgrade would be a significant improvement in the stability of the bike and the general ride and handling. Agreed?
• Do these upgrades increase low speed stablity and tight turning? I've seen a post or two with some mention of this benefit.

I have read several of the the threads on this topic, some of which are a couple years old now. I would really like to hear from those who have had this setup for a while and can help out on this thread.

[RayG]

I have a 08 SERK with the Bitubo's and the AK -20.  What style of riding do you do? Do you just ride moderately or do you really push your bike?  I ride on the aggressive side so these options were a necessity to keep absolute control of my bike in all situations.  Noticeable improvements riding 2 up with my wife.  Cornering is much improved.  I believe the 13" will only raise your bike 5/8" due to the angle of the shocks.  I may be way different than some but don't give me the slammed down look without any suspension travel.  I'm 5' 7'' and I raised my bike in the rear and the front, why not get as much travel suspension as you can, better ride and better control in almost every situation. No noticeable negatives in any situation. By the way, I went 2 years without any rubbing on the shocks, last time I checked there were rub wear marks on the shocks, but I have soft bags. The bike gives me the confidence to corner like I never had before. I'm not saying that the Traxxion is the only way to go or that it is the best out there but for me it is far superior to the lack of suspension that was on my bike. I hate wasting money but this was more of an investment for my comfort. If you need any futher info, email me.

Ray G. 

[Goin Mobile]

It looks like there are adjusters at the top of the forks for the AK-20s. Did these need to be tweaked when setup? It's a real tight fit reaching under the faring, so I'm wondering if that's an issue? Also I didn't see the 07 SE Ultra on the Traxxion model list. I will give them a call to see if I have to send the forks in for a kit.

[RayG]

I never had to adjust the AK-20's at all.  I'm in need of having service work done as I now have 35K on the bike. So this winter I will send the front tubes and maybe the Bitubo's for service. As far as the rear shocks you will be adjusting these to suit your needs. I have 3 settings. #1 - Alone aggressive cornering, #2 - alone riding normal, and the 3rd setting is for two up. I just keep track of the settings and adjust as needed, quite effective for getting the best ride out of your set up.  Have you talked with anyone from Traxxion? they will answer any question you have and are quite helpfull.

Ray G.

[Rooster]

It looks like there are adjusters at the top of the forks for the AK-20s. Did these need to be tweaked when setup? It's a real tight fit reaching under the faring, so I'm wondering if that's an issue? Also I didn't see the 07 SE Ultra on the Traxxion model list. I will give them a call to see if I have to send the forks in for a kit.

Contact Jim (HdDude) he is a dealer installer for Traxxion and did a great job on mine. Don't know about Bitabos, as I have Legends on the back of mine.

[Goin Mobile]

Thanks for the information. I talked with Dan at Traxxion today. According to Dan the forks need to be sent to Traxxion to be machined to accept the cartridges. Rooster, you didn't mention sending the forks to Traxxion. I just wondering if differences in the fork designs of the different Harley models would change the need for machining. Since you have the same bike as me, did your forks need machining? Where is Jim (HdDude) located?

[Goin Mobile]

For anyone reading this in the future the answer to the question of whether all Harley forks need to be machined is yes. Some of the Traxxon dealers will do the complete installation that includes the machining. I don't have nearby Traxxon dealers that would be good to do this so I will have the local Harley dealer remove the forks and send them to Traxxon to be machined and rebuilt.

I am surprised at the inexpensive Showa internal components in the front forks. I am really looking forward to the AK-20s and the Bitubos. I'm expecting a significant improvement the handling of the bike.

[Rooster]

Thanks for the information. I talked with Dan at Traxxion today. According to Dan the forks need to be sent to Traxxion to be machined to accept the cartridges. Rooster, you didn't mention sending the forks to Traxxion. I just wondering if differences in the fork designs of the different Harley models would change the need for machining. Since you have the same bike as me, did your forks need machining? Where is Jim (HdDude) located?
[/quot
Jim Hddude is in Hayward. I think he did all the work needed. His shop is Metal Dragon 510-885-9471