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[Pegus]

Has anyone found a way to improve the cornering ability?
I'm not a wild rider, but with this bike it doesn't take much before the scraping sets in!

[Midnight Rider]

Has anyone found a way to improve the cornering ability?
I'm not a wild rider, but with this bike it doesn't take much before the scraping sets in!

Get something in the front forks other than the stock stuff.  Since you are in Switzerland, your choices may be limited, but I would think you can at least get the Progressive Monotubes.  Here's a link to their website.  You can find them a bit cheaper at other places on the Web, but I know nothing about what you can do/can't do where you live.  http://www.progressivesuspension.com/monotube/index.html

I don't know much about Softail rear suspension, but would think some brand of air ride from either Progressive or Legend Air would provide better performance than stock.

[Pegus]

Thanks!
Must admit I was expecting suggestions on how to raise the boards, so now I'm curious to understand how better suspensions will improve ground clearance. Is better equal to stiffer? I.e. avoiding that they "sink in" during heavy cornering and/or already by my body weight?

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks!
Must admit I was expecting suggestions on how to raise the boards, so now I'm curious to understand how better suspensions will improve ground clearance. Is better equal to stiffer? I.e. avoiding that they "sink in" during heavy cornering and/or already by my body weight?

For one, better suspension will not have as much "sag", or settling of the suspension due to the bike's weight when lifted off the kickstand.  If you notice, the stock suspension has a LOT of sag, especially the front end.  And, it dives when you apply the brakes.  When cornering, the suspension gets compressed even more, so you are starting out with the ground clearance already compromised.  Better suspension does not necessarily mean firm or harsh, but to be able to absorb and respond to the road surface and normal riding/braking, cornering.  Subjectively, it will feel a little firmer because it's responding better.  You would be amazed to know how often your front tire is not making good contact with the road.  If you want the very best front end for a Harley...my opinion...Traxxion Dynamics AK-20's are the answer, but getting them, and getting them installed properly overseas would be impractical.  The Progressive Monotubes would be a vast improvement over stock.  As I said, I don't know enough about the rear end of a Softail to suggest anything other than a good air ride suspension with an on-board compressor.  That would give you the most adjustability.  Have you tried adjusting the preload on the shock springs a bit?  You have to have a special tool to do so, I think.  Progressive also makes replacement shocks...series 422.  You might also find that Ohlins makes something for the Softail, and they are based in Sweden.

[Pegus]

Thanks again!!
As a first step I will pass by the dealer to get the stock adjusted.
I rode with my son today and the rear suspenstions hit 'rock bottom' a few times.
Confirms that your recommendations are the right way to go.
Will also discuss potential upgrades as you suggest.
Here we go again...but it's only money right? 

[Razor]

I think the convertible is the lowest bike Harley sells. You really can't get aggressive in the corners or you'll see sparks.

[Midnight Rider]

Thanks again!!
As a first step I will pass by the dealer to get the stock adjusted.
I rode with my son today and the rear suspenstions hit 'rock bottom' a few times.
Confirms that your recommendations are the right way to go.
Will also discuss potential upgrades as you suggest.
Here we go again...but it's only money right? 

Harley has come out with a cartridge suspension for the front forks...it says it's for '09 and later Touring models.  Can't really see a reason it won't fit your bike, other than the springs included could be rated for a touring bike, which would make them a bit firm for the Convertable.  If you are bottoming the rear shocks out with a passenger, they need adjusting a bit.  I'd be willing to be that if you get the suspension better, you'll gain at least 1/2 to 1" of ground clearance.

[Pegus]

I'll keep you posted once they have been adjusted, one extra inch would be highly appreciated.
With the numerous twists and u-turns in the Swiss alps, other riders must think I'm very afraid of corners as I often almost come to a stand-still in tight bends  .

[Keats]

That bike and sitting position may not be the best combination for the big switchbacks.

(low bike with forward controls)

need to keep the bike more upright by moving your weight lower.  (move your ass off the seat and inside of turn)

[spydglide]

That bike and sitting position may not be the best combination for the big switchbacks.

(low bike with forward controls)

need to keep the bike more upright by moving your weight lower.  (move your ass off the seat and inside of turn)

Only way to ride a softtail to eliminate dragging the hard parts.  spyder

[Pegus]

I thought Softtail referred to the bike and not the rear end of the rider?

Ok, will start practicing!   

http://bradangle.com/2011/harley-davidson-advanced-riding-clinic/

[spydglide]

I thought Softtail referred to the bike and not the rear end of the rider?

Ok, will start practicing!   

http://bradangle.com/2011/harley-davidson-advanced-riding-clinic/

It can pay off to practice enough that you can fall back on the technique if you enter a corner to hot to successfully negociate w/o scraping......it has saved me in the mountain twisties on occasion.     spyder

[chywy]

http://bradangle.com/2011/harley-davidson-advanced-riding-clinic/

Great link - but I have to say, shifting my ass off the bike to the inside of a turn and sticking my leg out like I was riding an enduro with the wife on the backside - would probably leave me in the dirt.  I'd love to attend a class like that - but I think I'll give the principles some practice while riding solo and see if I can improve my cornering on the softail.  My footboards are scraped - so I must be doing something wrong.  Thanks for the link.

[24kgoldens]

hi,
I have a 2010 softail convertible (inferno orange and black) I have not had any problems with cornering, Have you checked your shocks? just an idea.

[dcigar]

from the info i have read, we all know we have the lowest seat height of all the softys but to get to that the rear has been lowered an inch , suits me fine as i am only 5,6", but seems to me raise the rear an inch, no more scraping.
.