I have a 2007 RoadGlide, and the front forks seem too soft, too much dive on braking, which is more noticable since I upgraded to the 2009 brembo brakes.

A buddy has a 2009 and his front suspension seems better than mine. I have 30k miles, he has maybe 20k.

Were there changes to the front suspension in 2009 that would explain this?

I realize there are other options to upgrade (Racetech, Works, Ohlins, X Factor, etc) but thought I would explore this first.

Thx

greg

 

I would try heavier weight fork oil.

 

Darn good question. Hope answer is "yes."

I also ugraded brakes in front, like you, and then forks on '06RG.

http://www.traxxion.com/

Rather expensive.

 

Definitely a consideration. Surpisingly, the 2009 HD fork parts are pretty reasonable, so if they were the difference I might use them as well.

 

+1
http://www.harley-davidson.com/gma/g...bmLocale=en_US

 

I was working to buy a 08 Ultra in the summer of that year but the finances didn't work out when I had originally hoped due to some unexpected household expenses. I wound up with an 09 Ultra and am glad it all worked out that way due to the improvements made between 08 and 09. Anyway, I seem to remember somewhere along the way in the research process that I'd read that Harley upped the spring tension on the front end a bit on the 09 models relative to the 08's. Supposedly, to make a little more sporty?? How much of a difference all that made in the real world, I'm not sure as I don't have the much experience with the previous year models. All I do know/believe is that the suspension on both ends could be a lot better than it is for a $25k touring bike!

 

I'd try the heavier Screamin' Eagle Fork Oil before I did anything drastic.
I haven't changed mine yet, but I am going to.

 

Not too much difference, here are the parts from bottom to top:

2007 Road Glide
45933-86 REBOUND SPRING FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46422-06 DAMPER TUBE FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
45859-77A RING, damper tube FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46209-06 DAMPING VALVE FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46235-06 SPRING FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
---------------------------------------------------------
2009 Road Glide
45933-86 REBOUND SPRING FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46422-09 DAMPER TUBE, w/ 45859-77A FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
45859-77A PISTON RING, damper tube FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46209-09 DAMPING VALVE FC/FF/FS/FV/KB
46235-09 SPRING FC/FF/FS/FV/KB

 

Don't know if anything has changed but:

My 07 FLHTCU I could bottom out the front forks hitting a pine cone. I switched to the SE fork oil with no improvement.

My 10 FLHTK I have yet to bottom out and I don't seem to have the "Nose Dive" I had with the 07.

 

Thx Howard. I also found an article (Google) that indicated the 09s had 33% stiffer springs. From the list below, it appears that the spring and damper valve/tube were changed. The prices for the three new items are $60/leg, so I think I will try that along with new SE fork oil.

greg