Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[doublerunner]

I own a 2013 cvo ultra. This is my 2nd ultra and my 1st cvo.  And I have been reading with a lot of interest about the handling of these vehicles, especially at highway speeds. I had thought that maybe it was me not being a good enough rider, but now I am wondering if there might not be some issue with the front end / suspension. Some days I have been able to get up to 75 - 80 on the highway and some days once I hit 60 - 65 the bike will wander/drift on me and it's a bear to control. At no times do I feel safe letting go of the handlebars at these speeds. I did recently put on the HD tour pak relocator and moved the passenger seat back. My wife said she now feels more air going up her backside because of this, so perhaps this has had an effect on the handling. I have also noticed that if I close my lower fairings and wind deflectors that the ride is a little more stable than if they are open.

My dealer's 1st thought was it is the neck bearings and to tighten them. He wants to take the bike out and try to replicate the issue themselves to see what they feel it could be. I think that is a good 1st step. But in looking beyond that I am seeing that many of you have upgraded your suspension. So I guess what I am getting at is the money spent on doing this really worth it. Perhaps that is up to each individual. But for me, it is, if it drastically improves the handling of the bike

So I am looking at a few things. Please offer your advice whether positive or negative

1. Traxxion dynamics ak-20 front forks and Bitubo rear shocks.

1a. As an option to the Traxxion, I am also thinking progressive monotubes on the front and 944's on the rear.

2. Tires. On my previous ultra I changed from the Dunlop's to the Metzeler's and I really liked the Metzeler's.

2a. Any one running Michelin's?

3. Wheels. I have seen some have changed from the cvo chisel wheel to the agitator or others? I really like the chisel wheel and would prefer not to have to change this out.  Is this really the root of the problem? And if so, how do you go about getting HD to agree to replace the wheel to something else, under warranty?

4. Windshield. Is there a windshield that would help with that front end handling?

5. Handlebars. Can these change performance or are these just for personal preference?

And finally, let's say there were no issues with the handling. Would any of you still make any of these changes? And if so, why?

By the way, I ride 2 up 99% of the time and we usually have some gear in the saddlebags as well as tourpak. Most times those bags are pretty full. So between myself and my wife and gear that is approx another 400 lbs on the bike. Because of this I usually set the factory shocks at 46 -48

[JoeVibe]

There are folks on here with a lot more H-D experience than me as this is only my second Harley and my first CVO but I have the same bike so I'll get the replies started.
 
1) I hated the stock suspension. Changed to Bitubos on the rear and the H-D Premium Ride fork kit in the front. I got a much improved ride from this but I will probably go to the AK-20's before next spring. I love the Bitubos and Traxxion Dynamics is a pleasure to deal with. Can't speak to Progressives, I've never used them but I've read a lot of good things about them.

2) Can't speak to the different tires. I'm running the Dunlop's and haven't noticed any issues, but I'm sure I'll do some research when it's time to replace them.

3) I've read about handling issues with the wheels but I've not had any problems. I've not gone too crazy but the bike has seen 95 MPH without issues. I like the look of the wheels and doubt that I'll make a change.

4) The windshield was one of the first changes I made. I sit pretty tall and the stock windshield was like not having one to me. I went with a Freedom Shields re-curved windshield and I'm very happy with it. Nice product, great customer service and they give site members a discount.

5) About a month ago I changed the handlebars to WO575's. I was having a lot of trouble with arm pain and hand numbness and the new bars took care of it. I can't say the handling is noticeably better/different but this was a great upgrade for me.

I wasn't having any control issue, like you describe. I made the changes to make the bike better for me and, yes I would do it again in a heartbeat.

That's my 2 cents, I hope it's helpful.

Take care,

Joe

[erniezap]

1  I am happy with the Progressive cartridge front suspension on my 2012
2  Having changed my wheels to 18/18, the only tire rated for the weight is the Dunlop.  On my older bikes, use the E3's and really like them
3  While I like the looks of the chisel wheels, the front wheel was the cause of my instability so I changed to the agitators.  As for the MoCo standing behind   
    their product and swapping under warranty, good luck on that!  Their reply to me was "if the chrome isn't peeling, we will not warranty".
4  I really like my 8" Windvest
5  Can be changed for personal preference but they are fine for me

[2k]

I have Progressive Mono's on the front and 940's on the back. I also have a 21" front tire. Mine is on a rail, a little more front tire noise in the twisties but still rock solid. Hope you can find the combo to make yours ride like mine. You will love it!!!!

[Heatwave]

My guess is that you really don't have a suspension issue. What you likely have is a weight distribution issue. Does the TP replicator have multiple locations?  If you move the TP too far back with a fully loaded 2up bike you'll get too much weight past the rear axle. Then you will "unload" the front suspension and get the kind of handling issues you're describing. Try moving the atP to a closer setting and I think you'll find the bike's handling will improve.

[DCFIREMANN]

I went with progressive suspension on mine. Mono tube up front and 944's in the rear. What ever you do it will be an improvement over your stock suspension!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[CVO2FIXUP]

  Hey, wasn't there a big issue with the Chisel rims?  I was reading a thread that was dissecting this "unstable riding feel"  due to the Chisel front rim. May want to check that out before spending $$ on suspension.  Suspension upgrades are a sweet thing however. Works shocks did it for me. Transformed the bike, but I never had that unstable feel to begin with. Cheers. 

[doublerunner]

Thanks for the help everyone. I tried a few things tonight. Riding solo I left the bike loaded and the tourpak slid back 3 inches. Hit the highway and could not get above 55 without dancing all over the road. Then I tried it with the tourpak slid all the way forward. Was able to get up to 65. Then tried it with the lower fairing open and the wind deflectors open. Same 65 mph. I am really dis-appointed. I guess maybe I was naive but I guess I expected a bike that cost so much to have the best of the best  of everything. It is the 1st time I have been dis-appointed with Harley. 

[Robmay]

Thanks for the help everyone. I tried a few things tonight. Riding solo I left the bike loaded and the tourpak slid back 3 inches. Hit the highway and could not get above 55 without dancing all over the road. Then I tried it with the tourpak slid all the way forward. Was able to get up to 65. Then tried it with the lower fairing open and the wind deflectors open. Same 65 mph. I am really dis-appointed. I guess maybe I was naive but I guess I expected a bike that cost so much to have the best of the best  of everything. It is the 1st time I have been dis-appointed with Harley. 

Something's not right.

[TinSpinner]

I agree with Heatwave. Weight distribution will cause your exact symptoms. Was riding back from FL with a friend last spring, he was 2 up with his rather large wife and full bags and couldn't keep his bike in a straight line. Said it shook over 60 and felt unstable. I took some of their gear since I was solo so we could make it home in decent time.

If your bike behaves that way unladen I would camp out at the dealer until it was corrected. Something would have to be loose or way out of spec to cause that. I assume you have checked your tire pressures?

[doublerunner]

Tire pressure is perfect. No changes there. I have felt this problem with the bike all summer. Mind you I have only had it for this year. Perhaps the tourpak relocator is compounding the issue, but there really should be no issue with that or with the bike.

Dealer wants to check the neck bearings. I am going to do the same as others have done with this problem and ask him to ride the bike as it is right now and then change the tires to a stock street glide and ride it. I am starting to believe I have the same problem as landshark and others and believe it has something to do with the machining of the wheels or the size of the tires.

Still dis-appointed to have to spend time and money on something that needs to be made right vs a mod you want to do

My dealer is a pretty fair and straightforward guy. I am going to start there and maybe he can give me some hints on how to proceed with moco to get this straightened out (get the pun) in a fair manner. My feeling is there would never be a recall on this because there would never be enough complaints. Unfortunately it will probably take a death and lawsuit to get it changed

[dayne66]

I've loaded up my SG with TP and bags stuffed with the Kid on the back......and only notice any difference, just the weight, when stopped or going slow. Even if I forget to crank up the rear shocks, it does not affect stability or handling much....just ride quality on the rough stuff.

I'm thinkin' ONE bad back shock might cause issues that get worse with more load on the back end.

[hdff]

I went with progressive suspension on mine. Mono tube up front and 944's in the rear. What ever you do it will be an improvement over your stock suspension!!!!!

Be Safe

THE DAWG

X2 1" lower
on a not real windy day i can ride with no hands , loaded, 2 up, for a while on an interstate. i also have a GA tour pack relocator...  something ain't right with yours.........                                        

as for tires i'm running stock, i don't think the michelins come in our size                                      i have also changed to a slightly taller freedom shield. the shorter stock shield was causing the wind coming over it to hit my BSR in the face, and rule #1 is to keep the BSR happy!

here is a pic of a VERY happy BSR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[doublerunner]

X2 1" lower
on a not real windy day i can ride with no hands , loaded, 2 up for a while. i also have a GA tour pack relocator...  something ain't right with yours.........                                         

as for tires i'm running stock, i don't think the michelins come in our size                                      i have also changed to a slightly taller freedom shield. the shorter stock shield was causing the wind coming over it to hit my BSR in the face, and rule #1 is to keep the BSR happy!

I am definitely switching to the freedom shield. The stock shield is 9.25" tall. Gonna go with the 10 inch myself. I just took a ride and noticed I can definitely go up 1 inch higher on the shield with no problem. I am 6' tall and think this will work well

[2k]

I am definitely switching to the freedom shield. The stock shield is 9.25" tall. Gonna go with the 10 inch myself. I just took a ride and noticed I can definitely go up 1 inch higher on the shield with no problem. I am 6' tall and think this will work well

You will be happy, I'm 6' and have had a 10" Freedom for 3 yrs.  LOVE it.