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:
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.
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:
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:
Brand | Model | Link | Video | Installation Video | Price | Total |
Big Bear Performance | 30mm Cartridge Kit Baggers | Product | Video | Installation | $1600 | |
oil, tool | $90 | |||||
$1660 | ||||||
Twin Tube | Video | $2500 | ||||
oil | $90 | |||||
$2590 | ||||||
Fox | GRIP-Street Performance 49mm Fork Cartridge Kit | Product | $549 | |||
Tools, Fluid | 0 | |||||
$549 | ||||||
GP Suspension | 25mm Cartridge Kit for HD Baggers | Product | USA Made | 49mm Installation | $1,299 | |
Tools, Fluid | $194.95 | |||||
$1,494 | ||||||
JRi | Harley Touring Models Fork Cartridge Set | Product | $875 | |||
Fluid | 0 | |||||
$875 | ||||||
Legend | AXEO FLH Front End Suspension | Product | Video | Installation | $749.95 | |
Fluid | 0 | |||||
$750 | ||||||
Motorcycle Metal | 30mm Ohlins Forks 49mm | Product | TBD | |||
Tools, Fluid | TBD | |||||
TBD | ||||||
Ohlins | FKS 228 NIX 22 Cartridge Kit w/Springs | Product | Video | Installation | $875 | |
Tools, Fluid | $118 | |||||
$993 | ||||||
Progressive | FORK MONOTUBE KIT TOURING W/ FST | Product | $499.95 | |||
0 | ||||||
$500 | ||||||
RacingBros | SCEPTER FORN FORK KIT | Product | $398 | |||
Tools, Fluid | TBD | |||||
TBD | ||||||
Traxxion Dynamics | AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit | Product | $999.95 | |||
Tools | $69.99 | |||||
$1,069.94 |
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.
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.
- No external adjustment.
- The fluid is included in the kit. As of February 16, 2021, unclear if special tools are required.
- 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.
- One qt Maxima fluid included in kit per installation sheet.
- 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.
- Unclear if any fluids or tools are needed outside of what ships with the kit.
- 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.
- 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.