Recently hit a 'roo (or rather he hit us) on our 86 FLHTC. Among other things the crash bar is wrecked and I cannot source a replacement with the front forks air accumulator as per the original. I have ordered a bar from an FLHS which is meant to fit. I see in my Clymer manual that the FXRD and FXRT have this anti dive system with a separate accumulator so was thinking of trying to source one of these maybe. Any thoughts on whether this system is of much value or just don't worry about it? Also going to replace fork seals while I'm at it and see that I need something to contain the strong spring pressure while undoing the fork tube cap - any suggestions on how to do this?

 

How is the roo?!

Early systems use the crashbar as the air reservoir, but later bikes, like my 1990 FLHS, use the handlebars, with a car tyre valve in the lefthand end of the bar. That limits the style of grip that can be fitted; earlier ones had a hole pre-cut, a style no longer available as best I can judge.

Is it worth keeping? IMHO yes, unless you're keen to use some of the enhancing hardware out there. It not only provides a degree of suspension adjustment to compensate for the weight on the bike, but also includes an anti-dive feature, when using the front brake.

If you remove it you may find you need stiffer fork springs, or more pre-load to adjust for the air you had in it. You could also consider such upgrades as better grade springs and an emulator or intiminator, to provide improved damping. A friend has recently installed Race Tech springs and emulators to his Sportster and is over the moon with the improved ride!

Having installed Ohlins shocks, however, I am waiting for their cartridge inserts!

 

If you were to install Progressive springs and the Ricoh Intiminators, you would no longer need the stock air suspension/anti-dive.

 

Mate! after hitting a roo you are lucky to come out of it alive!...they are a bloody pain.

Anyway, i have also heard that the progressive springs and Ricoh Intimidator work well together, if you wont to get rid of the air system, I would try to keep the air system as it does work well.
Try: www.rollies.com.au

Rollies speed shop is located in Brisbane, if you get on their web site and send then a detailed message on what you are after they will or call you in a day or two, they have helped me out with a few "hard to get"parts.

Now...go and BBQ that roo!

Dave.

 

I put Progressive springs and intiminators in my forks, and handling-wise it is a big improvement over the stock air system. The ride isn't quite as plush, but the improved handling makes up for it.

 

Thanks for the advice - but Graham - how's the 'ROO? bugger the 'roo how about the humans and the bike? Well let's say we all survived to ride and hop another day. I knew nothing about emulators until you guys mentioned them. I'm thinking of some progressive springs and have had Gold Valve emulators suggested. Any opinions on these? Also thought I might build a small stainless accumulator, but this might be not necessary if I do the springs and emulator.

 

We live in a multi-cultural society these days and I suggest your earlier report was weighted a bit in one direction! Pleased to hear you all survived the experience.....

Pal of mine has a Sportster and has recently had Race Tech springs and emulators professionally fitted. He is like a dog with two tails, his ride is so much better! Sounds like a great solution and we are thinking of doing the same to our new SuperLow, the ride of which is disgraceful.

We have to be wary when using the word 'progressive' where springs are concerned. Progressive Suspension Inc make springs, amongst many other things, but so do many other firms, such as Race Tech.

There are also progressive-rate springs, which frankly I think are a gimmick. The Race Tech springs I refer to above were selected to match my friend and his riding style and are single-rate. My Ohlins shocks also have single-rate springs matched to us and my bike.