2016+ "one cartridge" Forks

[Nibelungen]

Interesting
Thanks for sharing

[Tomcatt]

The set-up I have gives the best ride quality I could get with minimal $. Just springs and oil wt and levels. The ride quality was hugely improved but damping still sucked, it never really kept the front tire "planted". I have Ohlins forks on my BMW R9T and the difference is HUGE in terms of keeping the front tire connected to the pavement.

I priced the parts to go to 2015 damper rod forks. It's just shy of (plus tax) $400 from Surdyke. Gold Valves (emulators) from Race Tech are $200. Total price is about the same price Harleys' cartridge kit cost but without their bargain basement cartridges and Race Techs' Gold Valves are tuneable.

Waiting 'til after Jan 1 2023 and I have my property taxes paid to get the parts.

[Tomcatt]

The plot thickens.

Seems that under HDs' new policies I can no longer order parts from Surdyke. BUMMER. HDs' new policies SUCK, at best.

So, I found a set of 2008 1200C forks on e-bay with 18,000 miles on them for $300 and hit the buy button. Same length and 39mm diameter tubes but the longer (9") damper rods and 5.5" of travel vs the 4" I had so it's actually a win / win. They use the same seals etc and RaceTech springs and same Gold Valves as the new 2015 parts I was going to buy. We'll see if I can use the sliders or need to use my originals.

"Real" RaceTech Gold Valves (not chinese copies) are also on the way. I already have RaceTech .90 and .95 springs.

[Andy56]

Looking at my 2017 FSM the XL1200T has an oil level of 114mm or 4.49" in both sides but the Custom has different levels.

For whatever reason the T has the same setup for both legs, just springs with a damper rod and no cartridge.

[Nibelungen]

I would like to highlight a last thing

Mo.Co. on 2016 up "one cartridge" left fork models... in her FSMs... doesn't state anymore a proper quantity for the fork oil in the tubes... like she did before...

on my FSM just appear an oil level to keep an eye on when refilling the tubes... with tube collapsed and no spring in it

in my opinion this is a bad thing... with the goal to force you tu remove the spring from the cartridge... ergo purchase the proper (expensive) tools and adventure yourself in a difficult task... or go to the dealer for peace of mind... same philosophy as for the oil weight...

it would not be more simpler just claim an accurate quantity of oil in each leg like they did before?

Sporties are relatively easy to maintain... if in Mo.Co. they where smart... they would had leveraged on that...
oh... my bad... they discontinued the Xls instead...

[Nibelungen]

Originally Posted by Andy56

Looking at my 2017 FSM the XL1200T has an oil level of 114mm or 4.49" in both sides but the Custom has different levels.

For whatever reason the T has the same setup for both legs, just springs with a damper rod and no cartridge.

yeah curious
perhaps to save some money since they improved the rear shock in that model... the right one only if i remember well...
perhaps for the reason they thought the cartridge was less suitable for touring purposes

[Nibelungen]

Originally Posted by Tomcatt

I'd say the '16 up emulsion shocks are more gawdawful than "improved".

Tom
If i remember well..16 up 1200 T have the rear right shock much improved, you can choose either in preload and damping...

the left rear shock... it's just a dummy

By the way
I judge my suspension decent... but my weight is 158 lbs though

[Andy56]

Based only on the manual that shows preload is required above 185lbs I take that as an indication that is around the minimum weight the single sided adjustable emulsion shock on the T is designed for.

For my 160 lbs it was rock hard.

[Tomcatt]

Originally Posted by Andy56

Based only on the manual that shows preload is required above 185lbs I take that as an indication that is around the minimum weight the single sided adjustable emulsion shock on the T is designed for.

Sure you have the POS emulsion shocks? From the drawings I see on the parts fiche I don't think so.

This thread I started to discuss attempting to improve the POS one side cartridge forks. You have damper rod forks but you seem to feel a need trash my thread talking about your damper rod forks and your rear shocks.
Maybe you might start a thread of your own to discuss your issues?

[Andy56]

Post #14 didn't trash your thread but hey whatever.
Post #19 has nothing to do with post #1 either and again but hey whatever!