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Resource: Road Glide Cartridge Kit Options

20K views 30 replies 19 participants last post by  SwabodaDan  
#1 · (Edited)
General:
The purpose of this post is to list various cartridge options for Road Glides.

I have a 2020 FLTRXS. I’ve focused on kits that work for it. So, I’ve probably missed others. Please comment below about any that I have missed, and I’ll add them.

Note: for those interested in exploring front suspension options, cartridges are but one. Full inverted front ends are another option, and on the opposite end of the spectrum, sometimes a few changes (damper rods, springs, oil) achieve what the rider wants (with way less spend, too!).

In an ad hoc manner, I have attempted to note anecdotal information such as modifications required, installation videos, tools needed, etc. All to provide as full of a picture as I can based on my (limited) understanding.

List:
As of February 16, 2021, the current alphabetically ordered cartridge kits are available for the Road Glide:
BrandModelLinkVideoInstallation VideoPriceTotal
Big Bear Performance30mm Cartridge Kit BaggersProductVideoInstallation$1600
oil, tool$90
$1660
Twin TubeVideo$2500
oil$90
$2590
FoxGRIP-Street Performance 49mm Fork Cartridge KitProduct$549
Tools, Fluid0
$549
GP Suspension25mm Cartridge Kit for HD BaggersProductUSA Made49mm Installation$1,299
Tools, Fluid$194.95
$1,494
JRiHarley Touring Models Fork Cartridge SetProduct$875
Fluid0
$875
LegendAXEO FLH Front End SuspensionProductVideoInstallation$749.95
Fluid0
$750
Motorcycle Metal30mm Ohlins Forks 49mmProductTBD
Tools, FluidTBD
TBD
OhlinsFKS 228 NIX 22 Cartridge Kit w/SpringsProductVideoInstallation$875
Tools, Fluid$118
$993
ProgressiveFORK MONOTUBE KIT TOURING W/ FSTProduct$499.95
0
$500
RacingBrosSCEPTER FORN FORK KITProduct$398
Tools, FluidTBD
TBD
Traxxion DynamicsAK-20 Axxion Cartridge KitProduct$999.95
Tools$69.99
$1,069.94
Note: I default to official manufacturer information wherever possible.

Maintenance:
All of these cartridge systems will require maintenance. I intend to follow up shortly with the recommended schedules.
  • Öhlins. For FKS 200 the recommended service is 30,000 km (18,600 miles) or 3 years.
Warranty:
I may also update with warranty information so long as I can find it in writing. Most warranties do not cover maintenance, for example.

Comments:
Big Bear Performance:
  • There is an Öhlins tool that is required that I do not see offered by BBP. It’s the long cylinder for castellated nuts (Öhlins calls it the pull up tool 01765-08). As of February 18, 2021, said tool is included in the prices above.
  • The Twin Tube may or may not be based on the Ohlins “Road and Track” cartridge. The price is TBD. As of February 16, 2021, the BBP person I spoke with did provide a tentative price range, but his uncertainty causes me not to publish it here. It costs more than the regular, for want of a better term, 30mm Kit.
Fox:
  • No external adjustment.
  • The fluid is included in the kit. As of February 16, 2021, unclear if special tools are required.
GP Suspension:
  • Permanent modification required. See installation video.
  • June 29, 2021—I changed the installation link to a 49mm installation and added a link that goes over how their cartridges work (the best I've seen) plus how they are made in Oxnard, CA (near where I was married, but I digress). They are legitimately making that cartridge in the US with very few sourced components. The only parts they don't make are the shims, the nuts, and the springs (source). Quality appears to be absolutely top shelf, plus they offer excellent customer service/advice.
JRi:
Motorcycle Metal:
  • As of February 2021, Motorcycle Metal (aka Howard) cannot secure the 30mm “Road and Track” cartridge from Ohlins USA. As a consequence, at this moment, he is not offering his 30mm fork option.
Progressive:
  • Unclear if any fluids or tools are needed outside of what ships with the kit.
RacingBros:
  • Appears non-adjustable for FLT.
  • When I put one in my cart, it showed $15,800 + $300 for shipping for a cool $16,100—a real steal. Though the quantity was one, perhaps the one referred to an entire shipping container of these beauties. If someone buys one, please let us know.
Traxxion Dynamics:
  • In post #15 below Smitty has the AK-20 Catrtidge Kit installed in his RG. I cannot find an RG fitment on the site. Additionally, when I enter my 2020 (2019 was the highest year in the drop-down list) in the parts finder the AK-20 is not returned in the results.
  • Fluid included in price.
  • Traxxion Dynamics states, "A few special tools are needed to install the kit and we have prepared an inexpensive Tool Kit that has everything you need to install your AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit and service your forks when needed." However, no specifics are given nor a link to the kit. I found a kit for $69.99. So, I've noted that above.
 
#4 ·
It would be terrific if you could also have a fork replacement section for those with the desire (and checkbook) to make a complete fork swap.
 
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#6 ·
It's your thread so do it as you want but I think it would be more valuable to have all the info on one graph. Maybe draw a heavy black line across the chart towards the bottom and then put the full fork unit options below that line. Anyway, thanks for taking the time to do this. It's timely for me because I'm going to re-do mine this summer. I put the Progressive kit in mine but that was almost 10 years ago. It no longer has any meaningful rebound action and certainly various manufacturers have made improvements over the years.
 
#7 ·
That's a great idea. It's better than what I was thinking of, and I hadn't considered it. I'll give that some thought.

What are you thinking about right now for your front end (appreciating that you said you're months away from doing it)?
 
#10 ·
You're generosity clearly knows no bounds!

I'll likely go with one of the cartridge kits. Ohlins has always been a top notch suspension company, especially with sport bikes and sport touring bikes. I've never had it on a Harley but I presume they'd be very good to excellent. Based on my previous experience my decision will likely have as much to do with finding a qualified installer as much as which of the top brands to pick.
 
#12 ·
Nice job!! Might be an idea to include which kits are single cartridge or dual...I got progressive and didnt realize it was single till I got them and couldnt return...duh!!!
 
#13 ·
Had them in my 16. Loved the way they handled. Before the bike would want to wander to the left. After it was like it was on rails. I'd have zero second thoughts about putting them in my 19. Big improvement over stock.

Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
 
#15 ·
I put the Traxxion Ak-20 Cartridge Kit in my 2011 Roadglide and it made it a completely different bike. Would definitely recommend their product.
 
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#23 ·
I have brought forks removed from bikes to Traxxion Dynamics for fork rebuilds with new springs and gold valve cartridge emulators that provided a much better ride. On a full touring bike I don't feel the need to adjust the compression and rebound based on road conditions.

On my Moto Guzzi I did go with full cartridges from Traxxion Dynamics because I wanted the external adjustability due to playing with the configuration of the motorcycle. It started life as a standard, now is a cafe, and I am collecting parts to outfit it as a light tourer.

I have no complaints about the front suspension on my Road Glide. Could it be better? Of course, and I will probably do something in a few years if I keep it.
 
#29 ·
I’ve built up my 2021 FLTRXS to my sickest bike I’ve ever owned, it rips like a sport bike but not quite finished. I have a stage 4 131” with fueling lifters/tapets, thrashin riser and moto bar, thrashin floorboards with risers, and rear SE Ohlins reservoir shocks. I’ve ordered NIX 22 drop ins for the front, but it’s been on back order for weeks. I’m considering going to the GP drop in kit instead now after reading the forums. Also just want my bike finished and full suspension installed ASAP! I’m what advice do you guys that have GP and Ohlins front suspension? Is it worth another $500 for the GP or should I save the money and match up with my rear and just wait a bit longer?!
 
#30 ·
OP, thank you for the effort taken to put this together. Fantastic resource.

Very sad to see so many references to Howard since he has passed. I talked to him a couple of times regarding suspension work. The man for sure knew his stuff.
 
#31 ·
I installed Progressive FST cartridge system on my Softail and LOVED it, so did it on my 22 RGL and liked it. Pretty stiff. Anyway, it took two quarts of fork oil not included in kit. I went with Progressive 10 weight after speaking to Progressive tech support.