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how do the forks mount to the upper tree

2K views 16 replies 10 participants last post by  rageglide 
#1 ·
Hi, I have a 13 RGU and as most people, want to lower it. I only want to go 1 inch, maybe 1 1/2. I am going to go with the Gabriels in back, but thought if the fork tubes slide in a pinch mount, I would just lower them that way. On my Fatboy they screw into the bottom side of the top tree. Are the RGU's that way or held by a pinch mount and go through the top tree? Thanks, adown
 
#3 ·
Sportbikers lower by adjusting the tubes in the trees........NOT advisable for your RG........As dmize suggested- go w/ mono-tubes or another form of insternal spring lowering kit.
Fork tubes do NOT screw into to trees........
 
#5 ·
Thanks for your input. I've seen guys drop 4 inches that way. It doesn't affect the trail or spring rate, so it rides just like stock. The bad thing about going with mono tubes is it can't be tuned to specific riders. Staying with springs allows spring, and/or oil weight change for a tuned suspension.
 
#6 ·
Contrary to your belief most people don't want to lower their bike and loose suspension travel and ride quality. But if you want to lower the front of the bike you have to do it by changing the components inside the fork tubes.
 
#8 ·
Leaving the forks stock does not reduce either, and I never said I believed most people want to lower their bike to loose suspention travel and ride quality. Don't just chime in to get post count. Until you know what your taliking about, stay on the side lines. Thanks, adown
 
#7 ·
As ironmark stated you have to change the internals,besides the tubes bottom out against the lower side of the upper tree.
 
#9 ·
Hi, I have a 13 RGU and as most people, want to lower it. I only want to go 1 inch, maybe 1 1/2.
Leaving the forks stock does not reduce either, and I never said I believed most people want to lower their bike to loose suspention travel and ride quality. Don't just chime in to get post count. Until you know what your taliking about, stay on the side lines. Thanks, adown
I don't really care about my post count because I have enough of them and I didn't do it by welcoming new members to the forum!! ;)

And looking at your first post you did say

[ QUOTE] I have a 13 RGU and as most people, want to lower it.
.

I was just pointing out that most people do not want to lower their RG because of losing suspension travel and ride quality. Obviously you were shocked and felt offended to find this out :eek:.
 
#11 ·
Don't just chime in to get post count. Until you know what your taliking about, stay on the side lines. Thanks, adown[/QUOTE]

Whoa newbie!!! This isn't the HD forum. Your asking the question. If youve seen it done another way, then why are you asking. Please explain how the trail stays EXACTLY the same if you move the position 1 1/2"
 
#14 · (Edited)
No I haven't looked at the way the front end is assymbled because the shroud that covers it. I could see that the fork tube is about 1 1/2" from the plastic shroud. I just thought it would be an easy, and common way to lower the front of motorcycles. That's what the question was. As I said, I know my fatboy doesn't go through the top tree, so that wasn't an option there.

Just because it says newbie doesn't mean I'm new to motorcycles. It was a simple question. As one of the answers said, "thats how they lower the 2014". Don't put words in my mouth. To say the only way to lower a bike is to change the internals isn't true. I lowered my Fatboy front and back without changing ANYTHING in the forks....Hmmmm

As far as trail is concerned, I stated in my post I would be lowering the rear also. Lowering the front the same amount will have NO affect on the trail, and will handle the same only lower. Just google Rake and Trail calculator

It was a simple question that didn't need senseless comments to degrade anyone. I am an ASE certified master technician thats been around motorcycles all my life. I prefer to do ALL my own work. I simply wasn't sure how the forks bolted in because of the plastic shroud that covers them.
 
#16 ·
No one is doubting your abilities to do your own work.
The question was answered that the only way to lower the front of the touring models would be through the internal components.
The reason why is the top triple tree has a lip on the top of the fork tube opening to prevent the fork tube from sliding up through the top of the triple trees.
I would suggest that you get a HD service manual to assist you when working on your bike. ;)
 
#17 ·
This ain't a sporty/dyna that has a triple tree that allows the tubes to slide up...

You said you dropped the front of a softail. You can't do it the way you described unless you are using aftermarket trees... if you didn't use a/m trees, Explain.

If anyone is slipping the tubes down on a 2014 EG they are not gettin more than 1-1.5" cuz the tubes will hit the handle bars. The tubes are not forward of the neck like the softail trees.
 
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