free website stats program Suspension Upgrade? | Harley Davidson Forums

Suspension Upgrade?

TheJudge

Member
I have a 91 XLH1200. I ride 120 miles daily. What can I do to "upgrade" the suspension for a smoother ride?
WAP.gif
 
I have a 91 XLH1200. I ride 120 miles daily. What can I do to "upgrade" the suspension for a smoother ride?
WAP.gif

First, unless you have already just done it, change the fork oil. Depending on how the ride feels, go with the HD Type E or Type B oil (heavier for a firmer ride, lighter for a mushier ride). Once you have refilled, you can also play with the air gap in the tubes to stiffen or soften the ride (less air gap - more fluid = stiffer ride, and vice versa). Adjust this in increments of 1/4" (both sides) with side to side being within 1/8".

For the back, do you have adjustable shocks on there now? If so, adjust them firmer or softer to get the ride you want. If not, then you may want to consider some replacement adjustable shocks.

Finally, the other thing you can do is to get a replacement seat with more padding and a back rest to offer more support. But reality is that the Sporties are not touring bikes. So they will just not be as comfortable for an extended ride as the bigger bikes.

TQ
 
First, unless you have already just done it, change the fork oil. Depending on how the ride feels, go with the HD Type E or Type B oil (heavier for a firmer ride, lighter for a mushier ride). Once you have refilled, you can also play with the air gap in the tubes to stiffen or soften the ride (less air gap - more fluid = stiffer ride, and vice versa). Adjust this in increments of 1/4" (both sides) with side to side being within 1/8".

For the back, do you have adjustable shocks on there now? If so, adjust them firmer or softer to get the ride you want. If not, then you may want to consider some replacement adjustable shocks.

Finally, the other thing you can do is to get a replacement seat with more padding and a back rest to offer more support. But reality is that the Sporties are not touring bikes. So they will just not be as comfortable for an extended ride as the bigger bikes.

TQ
*******************************

TQ1
Gave good suggestions on all the above

The above is what I need to do with my 1200 R and just for the looks of that Little sleek seat, I've left it stock, PAYing the price of comfort....

I can do about 290 miles in a day ride and No More....

I put 34,000 miles touring and riding the bike and I still can feel the pain..

The tires will make a difference as the metzlers front and back seemed to give a softer ride... Air pressure also made a difference.. a little lower than the Top end numbers but Safe limits suggested.

signed....BUBBIE
 
Back
Top