Front fork service with Roadsmith Rake Kit?

[HDUSA1]

Between farming, dealing with my dad’s Estate, remodeling the old farmhouse, and our son getting married last weekend, it’s been a long project converting my 2020 Ultra Limited with a Roadsmith conversion kit. I go out to the shed after dark and work for an hour or two at a time and I’m at the installing mufflers stage, then the trike body.

After that, I’ve still got the rake kit to install and trying to think ahead.

The bike has 20k miles on it and the front forks have never been serviced. While I’ve got it apart, wondering if I ought to go ahead and at least change the oil in them.

Been reading bits and pieces here and there about different fork rebuild kits tuned for Trikes but I can’t find anything definitive for a recommendation.

Anyone done anything different with the forks when putting in a rake kit or have a specific fork oil to recommend?

 

[HDUSA1]

BTW, this was one of my late nights last week. Since then, have the differential, driveshafts, wiring (including reverse) and hitch frame done. I’ll tell you, splicing in the 2 Bank Angle wires when you are colorblind with artificial light isn’t much fun.

 

[HDUSA1]

Also learned talking to one of the Roadsmith techs about a discrepancy in their wiring diagram that the taillights on their body are off a Honda VTX. I had ordered the blackout kit and they only offered it with the smoked lenses. I wanted the black bases but red lenses. Getting ready to order the red lenses on Amazon….

 

[Papa Zook]

She's looking good!
20k miles is Harley's recommended fork oil change point. I like the Belray 15wt.

 

[Papa Zook]

Also learned talking to one of the Roadsmith techs about a discrepancy in their wiring diagram that the taillights on their body are off a Honda VTX. I had ordered the blackout kit and they only offered it with the smoked lenses. I wanted the black bases but red lenses. Getting ready to order the red lenses on Amazon….

Also learned talking to one of the Roadsmith techs about a discrepancy in their wiring diagram that the taillights on their body are off a Honda VTX. I had ordered the blackout kit and they only offered it with the smoked lenses. I wanted the black bases but red lenses. Getting ready to order the red lenses on Amazon….

Mike is your go to tech guy at Roadsmith. Is that who you talked to?

 

[HDUSA1]

20k miles is Harley's recommended fork oil change point. I like the Belray 15wt.

Thank you Papa Zook. I put Belray oils in the Primary and Transmission also. Will order some 15wt here in a few minutes.

 

[HDUSA1]

Mike is your go to tech guy at Roadsmith. Is that who you talked to?

Yes, Mike! What a wealth of knowledge he has. My dad was a tool and die maker, so I know precision components when I see them. I was super impressed with the differential and carrier and found out that was his baby. We had an extremely interesting conversation.

Regarding the wiring, the diagram for the control module didn’t jive up with what I was holding in my hand. The diagram was for a Tristar module and they went out of business during Covid he said. They switched to a Custom Dynamics module which had an extra power and ground wire. They had a new diagram drawn up but they didn’t get them replaced in the new instructions.

 

[Papa Zook]

Yes, Mike! What a wealth of knowledge he has. My dad was a tool and die maker, so I know precision components when I see them. I was super impressed with the differential and carrier and found out that was his baby. We had an extremely interesting conversation.

Regarding the wiring, the diagram for the control module didn’t jive up with what I was holding in my hand. The diagram was for a Tristar module and they went out of business during Covid he said. They switched to a Custom Dynamics module which had an extra power and ground wire. They had a new diagram drawn up but they didn’t get them replaced in the new instructions.

Welcome to my world. Building Roadsmith, CSC, Hannigan, MotorTrike and Frankenstein to include, all Harley conversion years and models all Honda conversions years and models, all Indian conversation years and models, all BMW conversion years and models for each brand can be really interesting. All the correct parts, and instructions don't always show up with the kits. Somehow I still enjoy my job.

 

[HDUSA1]

So I finished up the rear end and I’m taking the front end apart now to put the rake kit in. As I’m taking the left fork tube out, discover it’s all oily has a leaky seal. There is no dust seal and was sandy grit sitting on top of the seal.

I went to the HD dealer to get a couple repair kits to rebuild both and they say there is no dust seals on the Ultras. Seems odd to me, but that’s what the parts diagram shows. Waiting on another bottle of the Belray fork oil to show up before I start tearing them apart.

 

[Papa Zook]

Yes, Mike! What a wealth of knowledge he has. My dad was a tool and die maker, so I know precision components when I see them. I was super impressed with the differential and carrier and found out that was his baby. We had an extremely interesting conversation.

Regarding the wiring, the diagram for the control module didn’t jive up with what I was holding in my hand. The diagram was for a Tristar module and they went out of business during Covid he said. They switched to a Custom Dynamics module which had an extra power and ground wire. They had a new diagram drawn up but they didn’t get them replaced in the new instructions.

I called Roadsmith a couple of days ago to ask Mike a couple of tech questions and was told he retired..

 

[HDUSA1]

Wow, hate to hear that. He was a super interesting guy and I’m sure was a big factor in making Roadsmith the company they are. I still can’t get over the precision quality of the differential system he designed. Hoping him the best in retirement!

 

[Papa Zook]

Wow, hate to hear that. He was a super interesting guy and I’m sure was a big factor in making Roadsmith the company they are. I still can’t get over the precision quality of the differential system he designed. Hoping him the best in retirement!

Yep Mike is a sharp guy, but I got my questions answered by Doug so there will be no lack of support.

 

[Burnerboy]

Great LQQk'n REbuild, you did there and I want your garage...Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet!

Ronnie
10/19/24