Fatbob suspension upgrades

[rocketman1]

Just interested in doing a suspension upgrade on my 2009 fatbob.
I know Ohlins will do the best job, but not after the best ride at any price.
Ohlins will cost me best part of $2000 +

There must be some "good improvements" available for alot less than that.

Cheers for any help.

Love the bike so not gonna change it.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Just interested in doing a suspension upgrade on my 2009 fatbob.
I know Ohlins will do the best job, but not after the best ride at any price.
Ohlins will cost me best part of $2000 +

There must be some "good improvements" available for alot less than that.

Cheers for any help.

Love the bike so not gonna change it.

Gold valves, progressive springs, thicker oil for starters. Much better than std.

[JimO]

put Bob on a diet, be easier on the springs

[Drew]

Gold valves, progressive springs, thicker oil for starters. Much better than std.

Progressive springs are pretty old hat champ, are they still the go for Harley?

No one uses them these days in sports bikes, think they bind or something.

[Trade_nancy]

Odd...I'd av thought anything named Fat Bob would be built for comfort....and likely an early death from excessive fuel intake.

[Ulsterkiwi]

give KSS in New Plymouth a ring, I was there the other week, the guy who worked on my bike said 50% of their work was on Harleys and they could do a pair of rear shocks for $1100. Not sure if he meant Ohlins but I think he did.

[pritch]

Gold valves, progressive springs, thicker oil for starters. Much better than std.

OK on the Gold Valve emulators but I thought the first thing they did on a fork upgrade was get rid of the progressive springs. Anyhoo a fork job like that would likely cost a grand + or - and the op doesn't want to spend too much.

I still think that, as suggested, he should talk to KSS and enquire as to what options might be available in his price range.

[Crasherfromwayback]

Progressive springs are pretty old hat champ, are they still the go for Harley?

No one uses them these days in sports bikes, think they bind or something.

Dunno 'bout sports bikes as far as they go, never used 'em. But thery're pretty good re things HD. The std setup is arse.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/

[Zamiam]

I've a 2012 Fatbob - rear Hagon Nitros, Front - Ricor Intiminators, Traxxiin Straight Cut Springs and Amsoil 15W fork oil - about 1800 all up and totally transformed it. This was after a shit load of research.

[rocketman1]

I've a 2012 Fatbob - rear Hagon Nitros, Front - Ricor Intiminators, Traxxiin Straight Cut Springs and Amsoil 15W fork oil - about 1800 all up and totally transformed it. This was after a shit load of research.

Hi Zamian
Interested in your upgrade can you please advise more detail on your upgrade.
Where did you get your bits and pieces?
Who did the work.

Cheers

Rocketman

[Zamiam]

Front
- RSD 49mm Preload Adjusters - Contrast Cut, 0208-2062-BM $US150
Bought off Amazon - wanted to minimise chance of needing to pull front end down again

- Traxxion 44x380mmx0.95kg Straight Cut Springs $US120
Got Traxxion to spec them for me and bought them in myself

- 49mm Ricor Intiminator , 049-20-1001 $US180
Got Ricor to spec them for me and bought them in myself

- Amsoil Shock Therapy Fluid #10 (sorry thought it was 15) $NZ31 x 2
I bought 3 litres but onbly needed 2. Had trouble finding this in NZ and can;t airfreight it BUT it is the oil Ricor
recommend so wanted to use it. Finally found a car dealer that could supply it Wayne Hill Cars [hillcars@ihug.co.nz]

Rear Shocks
- Hagon Nitro 12.6"/320mm $NZ795
Got them specified by manufacturer (UK) - Sales@hagon-shocks.co.uk but bought them from KBK
Motorcycles in New Plymouth as there was nothing in it to bring them in myself

KBK Motorcycles
48c Leach Street
New Plymouth. 4310
Ph/Fax: 06 757 8885
Mob/Txt: 021 109 3799
Email: kbkmc5@hotmail.com

- Fitting $NZ450

Jeni Hart & Tim Shaffstall
American Custom Cycles, NZ Ltd
Helensville
Phone 0800 222 928 for Service
americancustomcycles@gmail.com

I have some notes and links from HDForums that I can send you if you want to PM me your email address.

[rocketman1]

[QUOTE=Zamiam;1130931253]Front
- RSD 49mm Preload Adjusters - Contrast Cut, 0208-2062-BM $US150
Bought off Amazon - wanted to minimise chance of needing to pull front end down again

Thanks for this Zamiam

This is great info. My email .....
Ta
Rocketman

[old slider]

Front
- RSD 49mm Preload Adjusters - Contrast Cut, 0208-2062-BM $US150
Bought off Amazon - wanted to minimise chance of needing to pull front end down again

- Traxxion 44x380mmx0.95kg Straight Cut Springs $US120
Got Traxxion to spec them for me and bought them in myself

- 49mm Ricor Intiminator , 049-20-1001 $US180
Got Ricor to spec them for me and bought them in myself

- Amsoil Shock Therapy Fluid #10 (sorry thought it was 15) $NZ31 x 2
I bought 3 litres but onbly needed 2. Had trouble finding this in NZ and can;t airfreight it BUT it is the oil Ricor
recommend so wanted to use it. Finally found a car dealer that could supply it Wayne Hill Cars [hillcars@ihug.co.nz]

Rear Shocks
- Hagon Nitro 12.6"/320mm $NZ795
Got them specified by manufacturer (UK) - Sales@hagon-shocks.co.uk but bought them from KBK
Motorcycles in New Plymouth as there was nothing in it to bring them in myself

KBK Motorcycles
48c Leach Street
New Plymouth. 4310
Ph/Fax: 06 757 8885
Mob/Txt: 021 109 3799
Email: kbkmc5@hotmail.com

- Fitting $NZ450

Jeni Hart & Tim Shaffstall
American Custom Cycles, NZ Ltd
Helensville
Phone 0800 222 928 for Service
americancustomcycles@gmail.com

I have some notes and links from HDForums that I can send you if you want to PM me your email address.

Absolutely invaluable information Zamiam, keen to do the same with the 2010 FB, just not sure who to see or to get it done down this way.

[Zamiam]

ANZA in Pqlmy would be anle to do it but I'd hunt for an independent bike shop as IMO they are more passionate about what they're doing - its more than a job to them

[old slider]

ANZA in Pqlmy would be anle to do it but I'd hunt for an independent bike shop as IMO they are more passionate about what they're doing - its more than a job to them


Thanks mate, interesting opinion on the independent bike shop, certainly gives me more food for thought, I have not used ANZA yet ( but bike is due for a major service) and I have been and still am struggling with the differing opinions I have received from other HD owners.

[skippa1]

I have been and still am struggling with the differing opinions I have received from other HD owners.
On what???

[old slider]

On what???

The local HD owners ( to be fair it is only a hand full) I have asked regarding the closest HD dealership for getting services and repair work done is not clear cut, their appears to be differing views on perceived value for money and satisfaction with workmanship. I am a first time HD owner and will more than likely travel to Palmerston North for the closest HD dealership to do the required services etc.

I have always believed that those who work on a particular brand whether its car or bike gain a better understanding of their ins and outs, but as someone stated maybe they can become a bit less passionate with working on similar bikes all the time, I don't know.

[Drew]

The local HD owners ( to be fair it is only a hand full) I have asked regarding the closest HD dealership for getting services and repair work done is not clear cut, their appears to be differing views on perceived value for money and satisfaction with workmanship. I am a first time HD owner and will more than likely travel to Palmerston North for the closest HD dealership to do the required services etc.

I have always believed that those who work on a particular brand whether its car or bike gain a better understanding of their ins and outs, but as someone stated maybe they can become a bit less passionate with working on similar bikes all the time, I don't know.
Passionate? What the fuck are you cunts on about

Given the option of getting a dude who knows a bike inside out or an enthusiastic guy, gimme the guy who's not gonna wreck my shit every bloody time.

[sidecar bob]

Passionate? What the fuck are you cunts on about

Given the option of getting a dude who knows a bike inside out or an enthusiastic guy, gimme the guy who's not gonna wreck my shit every bloody time.

Good point. I'm getting a little tired of the sight of BMW cars these days, but last week I had occasion to remedy a total fuck up attempted repair of an X3 outer door handle by another garage that had no idea about them.
It was a trail of permanently damaged components & a door that wouldn't open from either inside or outside & demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of how the product was held together, if not total stupidity.
I was also quite passionate to install a heat pump in my lounge recently, but never regretted getting a trained professional in that brand to do it, even if he did make me go away so I couldn't watch him.;)

[old slider]

Passionate? What the fuck are you cunts on about

Given the option of getting a dude who knows a bike inside out or an enthusiastic guy, gimme the guy who's not gonna wreck my shit every bloody time.


Thank you,
this was my original train of thought, but a previous remark in this thread and some negative comments did have me contemplating my decision, one comment I found interesting was a local HD owner who used local for his normal service type stuff, but then travels to the HD dealership for the bigger services like the 16000, 32000 and 48,000km etc., said something about they can hook up some computer? to check things which the local guy is unable to do?

This bike has previously only been touched by the Wellington HD dealership, luckily I received all the service/work records etc when purchasing the bike from its previous owner, obviously I am not going to travel to wellington.

[old slider]

Good point. I'm getting a little tired of the sight of BMW cars these days, but last week I had occasion to remedy a total fuck up attempted repair of an X3 outer door handle by another garage that had no idea about them.
It was a trail of permanently damaged components & a door that wouldn't open from either inside or outside & demonstrated a complete lack of understanding of how the product was held together, if not total stupidity.
I was also quite passionate to install a heat pump in my lounge recently, but never regretted getting a trained professional in that brand to do it, even if he did make me go away so I couldn't watch him.;)

Understand that completely, just had a timing belt and water pump replaced by a mate who (thought) he knew, after a few little hiccups another guy who works on these vehicles for a living said there are a few things that he didn't. :facepalm:

[Drew]

obviously I am not going to travel to wellington.
Not when there are only shit roads betwixt there and here!

[AllanB]

Other than the bigger servicing what is done on a HD other oils and filters?

I googled - official HD site wanted me to log in! Must be a secret. But I found this:

http://www.syshd.com.au/show-me/harley-service/maintenance-schedule/

Most of the list in either column is stuff you should be checking or lubricating yourself IMO when you clean your bike.

One good thing about a brand dealer is they do have any specialty tools that are required - a example is my Ducatis headset nut is not a traditional socket nut - it's a spiffy looking thing that requires a special tool. Very pretty - but I need a special tool ..... (Italians aye).

Now being a HD it is entirely possible the tools required to service it are a cold chisel and hammer but I bet you lunch you can buy a official Motor Company branded cold chisel and hammer made of real American iron :innocent: But I jest. As a total, hopefully you'll never need to use reason to go to the HD man for the big services is if they f-it up they will have limited excuse in a litigated defense as bloody hell if they don't know what they are doing who does!

Re computer plug in - yes - just about every bike is computer controlled now so the factory plug in and check is a good thing to have done - they will also download any upgrades the factory issued for your model.

Having said the above there are some bloody good mechanics who are not affiliated to a specific brand who have loyal followings.

[old slider]

Other than the bigger servicing what is done on a HD other oils and filters?

I googled - official HD site wanted me to log in! Must be a secret. But I found this:

http://www.syshd.com.au/show-me/harley-service/maintenance-schedule/

Most of the list in either column is stuff you should be checking or lubricating yourself IMO when you clean your bike.

One good thing about a brand dealer is they do have any specialty tools that are required - a example is my Ducatis headset nut is not a traditional socket nut - it's a spiffy looking thing that requires a special tool. Very pretty - but I need a special tool ..... (Italians aye).

Now being a HD it is entirely possible the tools required to service it are a cold chisel and hammer but I bet you lunch you can buy a official Motor Company branded cold chisel and hammer made of real American iron :innocent: But I jest. As a total, hopefully you'll never need to use reason to go to the HD man for the big services is if they f-it up they will have limited excuse in a litigated defense as bloody hell if they don't know what they are doing who does!

Re computer plug in - yes - just about every bike is computer controlled now so the factory plug in and check is a good thing to have done - they will also download any upgrades the factory issued for your model.

Having said the above there are some bloody good mechanics who are not affiliated to a specific brand who have loyal followings.


My understanding is normal servicing covers engine and transmission oil and filter ,and (as you said as part of our cleaning and pre riding inspection) , oil lines, brake systems etc, air filter, clutch adjustment, drive belt inspection and adjustment, throttle, brake and clutch levers adjust and lubricate, side stand inspect and lubricate, fuel lines, check brake fluid, and brake pads, spark plugs, electrical systems, front fork oil is replaced after certain kms, steering head bearings adjusted every 8000kms and disassembled, lubricated and inspected every 48000km, Rear fork bearings inspect every 48000km, engine mounts and stabalizer links inspect every 16,000kms, Apparently The Fat Bob has or had crap rear wheel bearings and they recommend replacing with each tyre change, their failure can be rather nasty from reading reports on the Fat Bob forum.

ps, HD sell a special tool that's needed to adjust the rear shockys, I think my oil filter removal tool will suffice.

[old slider]

Not when there are only shit roads betwixt there and here!


Probably more to do with the trouble a small town boy would get into let loose in the big smoke.

[old slider]

Why would you go any where else?

After asking a question or two, Robert Taylor from Kiwi Suspension Solutions Ltd sent me a very detailed explanation of how suspension actually works and advise on what upgrades he recommends.

Pleased to say the HD cruiser will be getting a set of specific Ohlin twin shocks and the front end is also getting a birthday with damper rod modifications, race tech Emulators, springs and preload spacers.

Looking forward to a much improved Fat Bob, then its the sidecars turn.

[Drew]

Why would you go any where else?

After asking a question or two, Robert Taylor from Kiwi Suspension Solutions Ltd sent me a very detailed explanation of how suspension actually works and advise on what upgrades he recommends.

Pleased to say the HD cruiser will be getting a set of specific Ohlin twin shocks and the front end is also getting a birthday with damper rod modifications, race tech Emulators, springs and preload spacers.

Looking forward to a much improved Fat Bob, then its the sidecars turn.
I'm surprised the forks aren't cartridge type already.

[nzspokes]

I'm surprised the forks aren't cartridge type already.

Its a Harley, they only just caught up with the whole overhead cam thing......

[HenryDorsetCase]

, gimme the guy who's not gonna wreck my shitter every bloody time.

We have the same taste in men it seems....

[HenryDorsetCase]

Why would you go any where else?

After asking a question or two, Robert Taylor from Kiwi Suspension Solutions Ltd sent me a very detailed explanation of how suspension actually works and advise on what upgrades he recommends.

Pleased to say the HD cruiser will be getting a set of specific Ohlin twin shocks and the front end is also getting a birthday with damper rod modifications, race tech Emulators, springs and preload spacers.

Looking forward to a much improved Fat Bob, then its the sidecars turn.

So much this. That is without doubt the best money you can spend on a motorcycle.

I just wonder whether when all suspension is electronic (BMW, the up-spec MT10 and M1R) it will do them out of a job. Though the review of the MT10 I just read said "why would you pay 30% more for the ESA when the base one is so good?

[old slider]

So much this. That is without doubt the best money you can spend on a motorcycle.

I just wonder whether when all suspension is electronic (BMW, the up-spec MT10 and M1R) it will do them out of a job. Though the review of the MT10 I just read said "why would you pay 30% more for the ESA when the base one is so good?



Amazing how many similar Harleys to mine that I see around that have had engine performance improvements done ahead of suspension, Mine can be bone jarring enough on some roads just as it is.

[old slider]

Just realized how thick I can be, yet again, lol

Had the bike up to Robert Taylors KSS shop for the front and rear suspension upgrades yesterday, noticed as I left that the bike was being jacked up using the sidestand as the fulcrum to get the front tyre clear of the ground, shrugged and carried on, thinking they know what their doing.

Returned a few hours later, still pissing down, we quickly loaded the bike after RT set the spring preload and off home.

Unloaded, a quick blat up the road had me smiling until I parked in the shed and flicked the side stand down, bugger the bikes on a bit of a lean, wonder if the stand got bent with 310kgs hanging off it? Today a fellow biker when I mentioned this asked if the new shocks and fork upgrades had lifted the bikes height, Doh, yes I replied but only about 25mm. before and after pics

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[rocketman1]

Just realized how thick I can be, yet again, lol

Had the bike up to Robert Taylors KSS shop for the front and rear suspension upgrades yesterday, noticed as I left that the bike was being jacked up using the sidestand as the fulcrum to get the front tyre clear of the ground, shrugged and carried on, thinking they know what their doing.

Returned a few hours later, still pissing down, we quickly loaded the bike after RT set the spring preload and off home.

Unloaded, a quick blat up the road had me smiling until I parked in the shed and flicked the side stand down, bugger the bikes on a bit of a lean, wonder if the stand got bent with 310kgs hanging off it? Today a fellow biker when I mentioned this asked if the new shocks and fork upgrades had lifted the bikes height, Doh, yes I replied but only about 25mm. before and after pics

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What are your thoughts on the upgrade after all this time?