I'm starting on this project this week. Has anyone installed these? Any tips that would save me from self destruction? 
Installing Progerssive monotube fork kit
- Thread starter kimber45
- Start date
sprinkman
200+ Posts
I am doing the same thing in a couple weeks. If you get yours installed give us a write up on the do's and don'ts.
Hope someone will chime in.
Hope someone will chime in.
What is the advantage to the Progressive Monotube Fork Kit?I'm starting on this project this week. Has anyone installed these? Any tips that would save me from self destruction?
sprinkman
200+ Posts
I am doing it to get less nose dive when braking. Sometimes if you really brake hard you bottom out. Also you get away from changing fork oil that is a plus.
- Thread starter
- #5
Same here and I am told it will ride better. I'll let you know.
Changing out the fork oil to a heavier oil is a LOT cheaper than changing out fork tubes. You should at least try the oil first. From what I've read the Torco 15W oil for the front end will make a big difference. A lot change to Torco 7W in the rear, but the trike is heavier, so I don't know, might need a bit heavier oil there.
Changing out fork oil isn't all that hard. Just a little time consuming !
:Trike1:
I use Spectro 40wt fork oil. I found it works the best for nose dives on trikes. I get 2 years out of the fork oil before changing it
Here is my posting from 2011 >> http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harley-trikes-6/fork-oil-choice-8866/
If you go to a dealer who sells it, most likely they will only sell it by the case. For a Qt you can order it here >> Heavy Duty Fork Oil Heavy (SAE40) - Suspension Fluids - www.SpectroShop.Com
Here is my posting from 2011 >> http://www.triketalk.com/forum/harley-trikes-6/fork-oil-choice-8866/
If you go to a dealer who sells it, most likely they will only sell it by the case. For a Qt you can order it here >> Heavy Duty Fork Oil Heavy (SAE40) - Suspension Fluids - www.SpectroShop.Com
No. I have a Motortrike kit. It comes with a air bag suspension and progressive coil shocks in place of the rear HD air shocks.
Tom
No. I have a Motortrike kit. It comes with a air bag suspension and progressive coil shocks in place of the rear HD air shocks.
Tom
I got to find a better oil for the rear than what came in OEM. When the trike is loaded with about 25-30# air it sets nice, but I can bottom out the rear suspension easily. Especially on hot days.
Amsoil says their suspension therapy oil med. replaces Harley type B & E. They rate it at 20W. Might be ok for front. I don't want to get too heavy.
:Trike1:
- Thread starter
- #12
I did get the left fork off last night and tore it down. Wear bushings were shot. I have to go to Harley and get new bushings and seals. So far it has been an easy job.
I think you will be good with the Amsoil. With the added weight of the trike body the heavier Amsoil should be the right viscosity. The shocks will most likely require less air in the beginning giving you a firmer ride. There is a write over on HTT that has some pictures of what a few forum members did to change the shock oil
http://harleytechtalk.org/htt/index.php/topic,4449.0.html
Kimber45, it sounds like you were expecting to see your bushings worn out. Is this a common maintenance concern on the Triglide. Mine is a 2013 with a couple of thousand miles should I be expecting to do this in a couple of years.
For my 2008 the HD service manual says to service the forl oil every 50k miles. I disagree with that. I thought my service for my 1990 Ultra called for it to have the for oil replaced every 12k miles.
It use to be that HD used fish oil for the forks, that stuff "stank" when you drained it out. I went to Screamin Eagle racing fork oil back then and it improved the dampening of the forks on my 1990 Ultra Calssic.
I had experienced the nose dives when I got my new 2008 triked Roadglide. The fork I drained out of my 2008 was nasty after a few thousand miles. Since then I have used 40wt fork oil and drain it every 2 seasons.
Fork bushing are designed to wear, due to tight fit of the bushings and the material that wears off the bushings contaminates the fork oil. Draining them now and doing a winter maintenance every 12k miles will improve the life of the fork bushings and the give you better dampening.
Progressives cartridge is like a cartridge for a hatch door or any shock that get used. After so long it has to be replaced too. The gas and oil break down due to the wear as well.
- Thread starter
- #16
I have 46,000 + miles on my TG and they were worn out. I would check them out at 20,000 miles. Other people might be able to give better advice.
- Thread starter
- #17
The new monotube fork lit is finished. I put about 100 miles on this weekend. What a difference they make. They corner and take bumps better. The nose dive is gone It was a easy job with the right tools. I'll let you know how they hold up.
It was a easy job with the right tools. I'll let you know how they hold up. 
The new monotube fork lit is finished. I put about 100 miles on this weekend. What a difference they make. They corner and take bumps better. The nose dive is gone
Great to hear, I'll be installing them this next winter on my Dads 09 which should by then have close to 50,000 miles on it.
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