A few weeks ago I fitted some Hagon Nitro rear shocks to my 09 RK and they have been a great improvement but showed the front end for what it is.

Today I just installed some Progressive Suspension cartridge inserts into the front forks along with 145ml of Redline medium weight suspension fluid per leg. Its an easy job and even taking my time took only 4 hours.

While I was at it I checked my head bearings, now those babies were way loose, I doubt they were looked at by the dealer at 1000 miles as they should have. Took almost a full turn of the adjuster nut to get them right. The 1000 mile service here is a freebie and given that you have to remove the headlamp assembly I'm not surprised it got left, but that dont make it right.

The bike had started to weave a bit in long sweeping 80mph bends. Now she is as tight as a drum and holds a course through bends like she is on rails.

A lot less dive when on the brakes, and a smoother ride.

It is certainly an improvement over stock.

 

are you talking about the 'star' nut under the main handlebar nut? if your head bearings were loose that much, there would have been a ton of slop in your front end. enough to clunk every time you hit a bump. and you would have been able to move it at a stop.

everytime i've adjusted fallaway, a small tap on the adjusting nut (like maybe 1/4" of movement) has been enough to go from too loose, to too tight....

oh, glad the shocks were a hit.

 

Good information, the stuff I like to see on this board. Thanks!

 

I thought the bike was improved solo, but with a pillion its fantastic.

I can't reccommend this upgrade enough.

I should also make clear I don't feel happy with the whole fall away headstock check, I use a 'C' spanner and tighten it lightly by hand untill it feels right. I have it set tighter, so its smooth and only swings from full lock to just past neutral and settles back in the neutral position.

The bike didn't track this well when new.