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[cyril]

I have recently changed from an 08 SEUC to an 09 . I have the rear pressure how i like it but the front is a much stiffer /harsh ride. Assuming the oil has not been changed by the previous owner what could i do to soften the front end a little ? The bike has 4000 miles and due to sciatica & bad weather this weekend was only my 2nd ride . Outside temp on Sunday 2 degrees .
Does this bike have different weight fork oil then the 08 ? Your comments welcomed

[HOGMIKE]

I have recently changed from an 08 SEUC to an 09 . I have the rear pressure how i like it but the front is a much stiffer /harsh ride. Assuming the oil has not been changed by the previous owner what could i do to soften the front end a little ? The bike has 4000 miles and due to sciatica & bad weather this weekend was only my 2nd ride . Outside temp on Sunday 2 degrees .
Does this bike have different weight fork oil then the 08 ? Your comments welcomed

Each of us has a different perspective on "ride quality".
It seems strange to ME that you are satisfied with the ride of the rear shocks!
BUT. if it works for you, do it!
The forks should NOT have been serviced with only 4000 miles, but, you never know if someone has gone into them.
I think if it was my bike, I'd change the oil in the forks, and measure in the correct amount, not that much $$$$, and you will be sure to know you have the right stuff.
My stock '10 fork oil in the stock forks works wonderful for ME, and I like my suspension (so does my BSR!!!)
You may have to do some trial and error before you get what you want.
I have heard that the '08 and '09 front forks are different internally, spring rate, valves, etc.
I hope this helps a little.

 

[cyril]

Thanks i will have it checked out

[Highjagger]

yes.  I just changed to the SE fork oil and so far....so good.  It has really helped with the shock 'dive' on hard front wheel braking.  I'll let you know how it does in the handling dept. after I get a chance to head to the mtns. for some twisties.  spyder

@Spyder : Any reports about the handling with the heavier fork oil ?

[480Ruger]

Indenial,
The new monotubes from Progressive have a cartridge and lower spring setup and like you said only use 10W fork oil to lube the lower section and springs.  Totally different from stock.  I used Bel-Ray 10W.  After just 6K the Harley oil looked terrible.  If I was still using the stock front setup I would change the fork oil every 10K at a minimum.  But what do I know I just like to tinker and by no means am I a mechanic.

[spydglide]

@Spyder : Any reports about the handling with the heavier fork oil ?

NOt yet, sorry.  Too hot to ride around these parts lately.  100 degrees in the shade is not comfortable sitting on a twin-cam in the sun.    har.  spyder

[reo]

NOt yet, sorry.  Too hot to ride around these parts lately.  100 degrees in the shade is not comfortable sitting on a twin-cam in the sun.    har.  spyder

I thought you were putting Ricor "Intimidators" in your front end?

[spydglide]

I thought you were putting Ricor "Intimidators" in your front end?

They're still in the box Roy.  Mixed reviews from others on the site have me dragging my feet on this one.  And I'm too 'cheep' to go 1st class w/ the Traxxion like my other friends on this wonder$ull site.  har.  spyder

[reo]

They're still in the box Roy.  Mixed reviews from others on the site have me dragging my feet on this one.  And I'm too 'cheep' to go 1st class w/ the Traxxion like my other friends on this wonder$ull site.  har.  spyder

I haven't seen mixed reviews on the Ricor product but can only explain my review from installing on my SEEG/SEFB. The SEEG has absolutely no bottoming and even when ridden in the absolute most aggressive fashion (maybe by me) it doesn't bottom. I have been up @ speed (80mph+) on one of those back roads hitting an unavoidable pot hole, (the kind that you know is going to go up your spine) and the Ricors just interpet the dampening just as you would like soaking up the bump without bottoming. At slow speeds they allow the correct dampening to ride in a smooth fashion allowing a smooth travel. The key is using the correct oil they suggest and getting the correct amount in as measured. I am very happy with these valves and considerer this to be one of the best additions to my SEEG.

The SEFB is a little softer maybe a little to soft for me, I don't even feel the curb at the end of my driveway when pulling in. The only issue I have is on a newly paved wavy road when riding non aggressively about 45mpg I feel like the front end is bouncy. Its a very slight unevenness most people wouldn't pick up and would probably like the softer ride but something in my picky kind of way will address when I get more time.

[spydglide]

I haven't seen mixed reviews on the Ricor product but can only explain my review from installing on my SEEG/SEFB. The SEEG has absolutely no bottoming and even when ridden in the absolute most aggressive fashion (maybe by me) it doesn't bottom. I have been up @ speed (80mph+) on one of those back roads hitting an unavoidable pot hole, (the kind that you know is going to go up your spine) and the Ricors just interpet the dampening just as you would like soaking up the bump without bottoming. At slow speeds they allow the correct dampening to ride in a smooth fashion allowing a smooth travel. The key is using the correct oil they suggest and getting the correct amount in as measured. I am very happy with these valves and considerer this to be one of the best additions to my SEEG.

The SEFB is a little softer maybe a little to soft for me, I don't even feel the curb at the end of my driveway when pulling in. The only issue I have is on a newly paved wavy road when riding non aggressively about 45mpg I feel like the front end is bouncy. Its a very slight unevenness most people wouldn't pick up and would probably like the softer ride but something in my picky kind of way will address when I get more time.

Good to know........I'll probably put mine in when I get a chance.....I was ready to before and got ready to drop 'em in and found out that they had sent the larger size (wouldn't fit).....now they're replaced w/ correct ones but I just dropped the SE Oil in and am trying that.  So far I like the non-diving aspect of it and it doesn't seem to ride too harsh.  Don't know how the high speed cornering is yet though.  My buddy Nite-Al tried them and took back out right away...said they  made his bike ride horrible...kinda like when a tire is over-inflated and you feel every pebble you run over.  Hard to get it all in one set-up.  spyder

[reo]

Good to know........I'll probably put mine in when I get a chance.....I was ready to before and got ready to drop 'em in and found out that they had sent the larger size (wouldn't fit).....now they're replaced w/ correct ones but I just dropped the SE Oil in and am trying that.  So far I like the non-diving aspect of it and it doesn't seem to ride too harsh.  Don't know how the high speed cornering is yet though.  My buddy Nite-Al tried them and took back out right away...said they  made his bike ride horrible...kinda like when a tire is over-inflated and you feel every pebble you run over.  Hard to get it all in one set-up.  spyder

Kind of wonder if he had the right oil in there, they recommend an Amsoil synthetic blend of shock oil #5.

The purpose of the lighter oil is to flow through the existing offices in the dampening rods easier allowing the Intimidator valves to change the rate of dampening when the speed of the bump increases, slick idea and it simply works. 

[spydglide]

Kind of wonder if he had the right oil in there, they recommend an Amsoil synthetic blend of shock oil #5.

The purpose of the lighter oil is to flow through the existing offices in the dampening rods easier allowing the Intimidator valves to change the rate of dampening when the speed of the bump increases, slick idea and it simply works. 

He said he used the Amsoil they sent with the valves & put in the correct amt.  Maybe he just didn't like the firmer feel, don't know.  I'll probably do the change this winter, just pleased with the heavier SE oil right now. Good to hear your feedback on them though.  spyder