ORIGINAL: FastHarley

I bought my first bagger last month after much thought. I do not to admit that I mightbe getting a little older and maybe my days of choppers, FX, FXLR, FXR, Softails, and Dyna’s might need another option to ride. I bought a road king I rode it for a few days, just to understand em’. I took it apart to find out how to improve it a little. I started from the front where I am working my way back. I unbolted the 100 pound front end with its reversed triple trees with a 41/2 degree rake in em’and set it aside. I built triple trees that accepted inverted forks with 25mm cartages and built my own valves, resprung, shimmed & resealed up the unit after getting it out of the chrome shop. My forks have no rake and are forward of the stem utilizing the 26 degree steering head. I replaced the lower feet with those that would accept radial mount calipers. I had built a mould for 16” carbon fiber wheels, replacement FL 2X disk hubs, and weighs 4.6 pounds. I put a pair of Metal Matrix rotors (4.2 lbs/pair) in the wheels, while unit weighs 41 ½ pounds w/wheel (no tire). The rear wheel weighs 5.4 Lbs. I bought a 124 S&S 2/cam & a trans w/Spyke 6/speed gears (polished) to make it go. Still working on the primary solution. Going chain final. Bassani true dual exhaust pipes for gas exiting. The rear fork tracks terrible. Weighs in at 35-40 lbs, In the heap. I have not yet but will make an aluminum swing arm that will attach to the outside of the isolation bushing mounts with an extended pivot shaft for stability. A wide tire can be used with this application but I choose not to. A much needed 3rd link will come off of a block that takes the place of the swing arm surrounding the trans and link to the frame to prohibited lateral movement. A 6 piston Caliper, Metal Matrix rotor & carbon fiber wheel will finish off the rear. I have got to do something with that 6 lb rear fender as I used a 1999 Street Stalker front fender with replaced aluminum mounting/reinforcement. I plan on keeping the bags. I have an old shovel front “Batwing” & tour pack. I will make em quick release. I also have Ultra lowers. I will make quick releases for them also. The shocks suck & so does every aftermarket option available out there. I will make needle valve type nitrogen reservoir shocks for adjustability and ride quality (plush/firm). HID headlamp and LED tail light. No foo-foo lights for me. I guess I mean to tell you, there is no need to settle. If you can not choose, kick over the table and fix it. It is our choice. Howard, motorcyclemetal.com Photo is a mould for carbon fiber wheel


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ORIGINAL: cabbage

55 in 5th? with the 6 speed gearing im shifting to 5th at 60-65, makes for a much smoother experience. 5th gear doesnt want to come out till 60-65, anything before that is premature shiftulation imho.

but my bike wants 5th gear at 55, cant have it tho, too much clatter

ORIGINAL: Madav8tr

Then it obviously doesn't want 5th at that speed....regardless of what the book says.