Suspension woes?

[okiedoc]

I have noticed that when I hit a large bump my front end has a rattle in it. Does anyone else have this? It almost sounds like something is loose. Do I need to adjust my forks, put on a Superbrace or what? Or is this some peculiarity of my bike?
I used the B and my ST1300 to ride lead bike in the Oklahoma State Criterium Championship last weekend in Enid. Two blocks of downtown were shut down and bicycles race in a figure eight pattern. The belly pan would rub on semi aggressive corners so I am thinking I need to stiffen up the rear spring as well. I would like to use the B for the Criteriums because I am looking into becoming an official of US Cycling where they pay you to ride in these races as a moto-ref. What do all of the brilliant minds on this forum think?

[Steve 0080]

If you bottom out, you will get that sound...consider going to a monotube front shock... Wing Stuff sells them, from Progressive...as far as the back...I think the back is pretty good...check to make sure the setting is in the middle... Good Luck !


http://wingstuff.com/products/34033-progressive-monotube-fork-cartridge-kit-for-gl1800?from_search=1

About the same price to have them installed !!!

[TailGunner]

mine does that but when I hit ripples at speed, feels like handlebars are loose( but they are not). My X never did that so I'm going to give the brace a try before messing with the forks.

[stroguy]

I do not find lane bumpers, cracks, holes, or any other irregularities to cause me that 'whoa schnickys' what was that feeling. But a perfect 90 degree to 90 degree S curve near my house is loaded with tar snakes and they always twinge to exit hole. Not bad but they keep me from doing aggressive practice turns. I find the front end very stable, but I am not a hard rider or a veteran semi-pro racer by any means.

[opas ride]

I thought I had "bought the farm" the other day when I hit a long stretch of "tar snakes" and the front end started twitching back and forth pretty bad and I almost lost control..Slowed down and watched the road more carefully and then turned off and all seemed to be okay. I thought for sure I had loose head bearings or something as I did hit a massive pot hole a few days back that hit me so hard I thought the front end had come off..The bike did make a rattling noise from the front as I am pretty sure the forks hit bottom...Seems to be okay now but as the weather around here "sucks" I have not ridden in a week....Ride safe

[okiedoc]

If you bottom out, you will get that sound...consider going to a monotone front shock... Wing Stuff sells them, from Progressive...as far as the back...I think the back is pretty good...check to make sure the setting is in the middle... Good Luck !


http://wingstuff.com/products/34033-progressive-monotube-fork-cartridge-kit-for-gl1800?from_search=1

About the same price to have them installed !!!
I will check them out, I have not looked at the back shock. I'll have to see what it is set on.

[Sorcerer]

If you run a belly pan, check for debre. Mine started to make a strange noise when the fans came on. My fans are not butter smooth when they run. Sounded worse on the left side. I had put some small wrenches and a couple of Allen wrenches in the left cubby. Removed them and the odd jingly sounds went away. As the saying goes ,in a deep base voice "what do you have in your cubbies".😎

[bobbyf6b]

I will check them out, I have not looked at the back shock. I'll have to see what it is set on.

I used to drag my belly pan on hard corners too until I bumped up the rear preload. The factory sets them at zero so the bike bottoms out. 17 clicks is half way.

[stevenolts]

How much extra height in the seat is 17 clicks?
Steve

[nox]

Does anyone know why the F6B and standard Goldwing have different part numbers for the progressive monotubes.

[srt8-in-largo]

Unfortunately... yes I get this too, but I don't think anything is wrong or broken.

If there's anything this bike doesn't do well, it's the front end on bumpy roads :icon_frown:



Does anyone know why the F6B and standard Goldwing have different part numbers for the progressive monotubes.

Our tubes are *probably* damped a little differently :shrug:

[bobbyf6b]

How much extra height in the seat is 17 clicks?
Steve

There's no extra height but less sag when you sit on the bike. Maybe an inch or so, I don't know. Depends how much you weigh.

[BIGLRY]

There's no extra height but less sag when you sit on the bike. Maybe an inch or so, I don't know. Depends how much you weigh.+1

[opas ride]

Unfortunately... yes I get this too, but I don't think anything is wrong or broken.

If there's anything this bike doesn't do well, it's the front end on bumpy roads :icon_frown:




Our tubes are *probably* damped a little differently :shrug:

I remember a comment made by a test rider in a recent mag that compared the "Three Wings" so to speak, GW, F6B, Valk. He said if the GW or F6B had any weakness it was the outdated suspension on the front forks that did not compare to the recent BMW Touring bikes which he felt was their main competition....Ride safe

[TailGunner]

That's is what I was wondering, my X has inverted forks and are very stable

[Wmorgan2k]

Before you go progressive call Traxxion Dynamics. I had them in my wing and they are EH... They only have 1 spring rate, no real adjustment except a clip, and you don't even know if you need that until you install it and ride it and realize you need to do the opposite of what you did during install and tear it all back apart again.

Traxxion setups are awesome, hands down the best. What I would start with is a set of Traxxion springs that will get the ride height right and gain you about 1" more of ground clearance. That's about all your really gonna get no matter what you do. The suspension only travels so far. I have the Full Monty on my Wing and it's amazing. I'm going to do the Traxxion springs on my F6B as well and see how that clears it up. I would recommend there fork brace too, they make it in black, I'll be ordering one for my B. You can get both of those for the price of the Progressives's and I personally feel it's worlds better.

JMHO though...

[Bruce B]

Before you go progressive call Traxxion Dynamics. I had them in my wing and they are EH... They only have 1 spring rate, no real adjustment except a clip, and you don't even know if you need that until you install it and ride it and realize you need to do the opposite of what you did during install and tear it all back apart again.

Traxxion setups are awesome, hands down the best. What I would start with is a set of Traxxion springs that will get the ride height right and gain you about 1" more of ground clearance. That's about all your really gonna get no matter what you do. The suspension only travels so far. I have the Full Monty on my Wing and it's amazing. I'm going to do the Traxxion springs on my F6B as well and see how that clears it up. I would recommend there fork brace too, they make it in black, I'll be ordering one for my B. You can get both of those for the price of the Progressives's and I personally feel it's worlds better.

JMHO though...

Senior moment here perhaps. I'm unclear about your comparison of Traxxion and Progressive. Are you comparing fork springs only or the full deal with both Trxxion and Progressive. Is it Progressive that you are saying has adjustments to be made that can't be determined before the install is over? The Progressive Monotube Kit is $350 while the Traxxion is $1,200 plus there is installation for either. Is that correct. How do those compare in performance? I understood you to say you were going to go Traxxion springs only on your 6. How much improvement would you expect with just springs compared to the full AK-20? My aim would be to get the most bang for the buck. Spending more for a significant improvement would be OK but to spend quite a bit more for just a small marginal improvement probably wouldn't be worth it to me. I ride a lot of mountains and foothills in steep twisties but I'm not one who feels I have to spend the day dragging my pegs. When doing the install of either product, it would seem that adding All Balls would make sense. What do you think? Do Traxxions have to be installed at a designated install location? Thanks for any clarification you can help me with.

[ths61]

... When doing the install of either product, it would seem that adding All Balls would make sense. What do you think? Do Traxxions have to be installed at a designated install location? Thanks for any clarification you can help me with.

I have been following this as well for the F6B. From Traxxion's website for the complete fork kit:

"... ***The AK-20 Axxion Cartridge Kit for the Honda GL1800 Goldwing, fits all year models, and MUST be installed by Traxxion Dynamics or by one of our Independent Installers. ..."

AK-20-Axxion-Cartridge-Kit (http://www.traxxion.com/AK-20-Axxion-Cartridge-Kit-01-12-GL1800/)

I don't see on their site where it states it raises the ground clearance by 1".

Interested to hear from people who have them on their F6B.

HTH

[Hornblower]

I have the Traxxion Dynamics fork kits and it did NOT raise my front by any noticeable amount. It did however vastly improve front suspension performance. Big Dawg, on this forum, would be the expert on this subject.

[Wmorgan2k]

Because the bike is properly sprung for the weight that's what gives you the ground clearance. The bike unfortunately SAGS about 50% of the suspension, it only has about 4.1 or inches of travel in the first place. When it's spring properly it only sags about half that giving you the extra clearance that you seek. It was a very very noticeable difference in performance between progressive and Traxxion.

I believe it would be a big help and equal to the progressive kit with just the springs in the B. The 60lb weight savings makes a difference. I didn't like the progressive kit at all it just seemed to make the ride more harsh than it needed to be and didn't really make the bike feel any better in the corners. The progressive kit only has 1 adjustment, a spacer. You either install it or you don't. It also retains the stock anti dive which locks the left fork leg when you use the rear brake. Which I hate. The spacer is a guess. You either put it in or you don't. If you do and don't like it you have to disassemble the forks to take them out and vice versa.

The Traxxion full front adds a full cartridge setup in both forks instead of the faux cat ridge right fork and dampening rod/anti dive left fork and it also adds dampening adjusters on the fork caps to fine tune the ride. It rides like a GoldWing should and it handles like nobody's business. It is a worthy upgrade and far superior to the progressive setup in my opinion from running both of them. The rear spring is also a good idea because it's also to soft for even the weight of the bike add a 200+lb rider and your way under sprung. Then add passenger and gear and you get the idea.

Since I have it do all over again with the B, which I feel isn't quite as bad as the Wing I'm going to start with springs. At least I'll get the travel out of the forks and the right sag. I've had friends ride my wing and comment it's the best riding machine they've ever been on.

I've been fortunate to ride Progressive Wings, RaceTech and Traxxion. Personally I rank them in that order. The RaceTech setup is more work and lots of modifications but retains the stock internals, it's better than the progressive for a little more money I believe. They say the best you know is the best you've ridden. I believe that. After riding the best it's definitely awesome!

[Bruce B]

Because the bike is properly sprung for the weight that's what gives you the ground clearance. The bike unfortunately SAGS about 50% of the suspension, it only has about 4.1 or inches of travel in the first place. When it's spring properly it only sags about half that giving you the extra clearance that you seek. It was a very very noticeable difference in performance between progressive and Traxxion.

I believe it would be a big help and equal to the progressive kit with just the springs in the B. The 60lb weight savings makes a difference. I didn't like the progressive kit at all it just seemed to make the ride more harsh than it needed to be and didn't really make the bike feel any better in the corners. The progressive kit only has 1 adjustment, a spacer. You either install it or you don't. It also retains the stock anti dive which locks the left fork leg when you use the rear brake. Which I hate. The spacer is a guess. You either put it in or you don't. If you do and don't like it you have to disassemble the forks to take them out and vice versa.

The Traxxion full front adds a full cartridge setup in both forks instead of the faux cat ridge right fork and dampening rod/anti dive left fork and it also adds dampening adjusters on the fork caps to fine tune the ride. It rides like a GoldWing should and it handles like nobody's business. It is a worthy upgrade and far superior to the progressive setup in my opinion from running both of them. The rear spring is also a good idea because it's also to soft for even the weight of the bike add a 200+lb rider and your way under sprung. Then add passenger and gear and you get the idea.

Since I have it do all over again with the B, which I feel isn't quite as bad as the Wing I'm going to start with springs. At least I'll get the travel out of the forks and the right sag. I've had friends ride my wing and comment it's the best riding machine they've ever been on.

I've been fortunate to ride Progressive Wings, RaceTech and Traxxion. Personally I rank them in that order. The RaceTech setup is more work and lots of modifications but retains the stock internals, it's better than the progressive for a little more money I believe. They say the best you know is the best you've ridden. I believe that. After riding the best it's definitely awesome!


Thanks for a great answer to my questions. Very comprehensive and it's a big help

[ths61]

From Traxxion's Harley Davidson page:

"... Put some American GUTS into those wimpy Japanese forks on your Harley! (No, they aren't made in America...) You don't weigh 120 pounds, and that front suspension on your bike can't hold you up! If you are tired of the bouncing, wallowing, bottoming, chattering, wobbling of your stock forks, then TRAXXION DYNAMICS has the CURE! ..."

I am guilty, I do not weigh 120lbs !

[srt8-in-largo]

Because the bike is properly sprung for the weight that's what gives you the ground clearance. The bike unfortunately SAGS about 50% of the suspension, it only has about 4.1 or inches of travel in the first place. When it's spring properly it only sags about half that giving you the extra clearance that you seek. It was a very very noticeable difference in performance between progressive and Traxxion.

I believe it would be a big help and equal to the progressive kit with just the springs in the B. The 60lb weight savings makes a difference. I didn't like the progressive kit at all it just seemed to make the ride more harsh than it needed to be and didn't really make the bike feel any better in the corners. The progressive kit only has 1 adjustment, a spacer. You either install it or you don't. It also retains the stock anti dive which locks the left fork leg when you use the rear brake. Which I hate. The spacer is a guess. You either put it in or you don't. If you do and don't like it you have to disassemble the forks to take them out and vice versa.

The Traxxion full front adds a full cartridge setup in both forks instead of the faux cat ridge right fork and dampening rod/anti dive left fork and it also adds dampening adjusters on the fork caps to fine tune the ride. It rides like a GoldWing should and it handles like nobody's business. It is a worthy upgrade and far superior to the progressive setup in my opinion from running both of them. The rear spring is also a good idea because it's also to soft for even the weight of the bike add a 200+lb rider and your way under sprung. Then add passenger and gear and you get the idea.

Since I have it do all over again with the B, which I feel isn't quite as bad as the Wing I'm going to start with springs. At least I'll get the travel out of the forks and the right sag. I've had friends ride my wing and comment it's the best riding machine they've ever been on.

I've been fortunate to ride Progressive Wings, RaceTech and Traxxion. Personally I rank them in that order. The RaceTech setup is more work and lots of modifications but retains the stock internals, it's better than the progressive for a little more money I believe. They say the best you know is the best you've ridden. I believe that. After riding the best it's definitely awesome!

I agree with Bruce; this is great Morgan and thanks for sharing.

What is the 60 lb weight saving?

[Wmorgan2k]

Sorry should have been more clear i was referring to the 60lb difference between my Goldwing and the F6B, which honestly cause I have stuff on the wing it's probably about 80lbs heavier than my F6B. Makes a difference in suspension.

Also last point on the progressive stuff. You can't order any different spring rate with progressive, the rate is the rate and you can't change sprints it's part of the mono tube. So if that rate works for you then your good, if it doesn't well, nothing you can do, not even replace the springs.

Just some thoughts... If your gonna spend the money to open the forks up and the suspension bothers you that much to make the change, do it once, spend a few bucks and be done with it. I spent over $6000 between tires, progressives, a botched fork job and then finally the Full Monty from Traxxion. Don't make the same mistake I made lol :icon_doh:

[srt8-in-largo]

Thanks for that clarification on the weight.

Why do you dislike the anti-dive? Maybe I don't pay as much attention... or am not as sensitive to the effect... but when braking HARD, the 6 seems to stay very level which I like. I'm assuming the anti-dive mechanism is responsible for this.

[Bryster]

I'm interested to know, what about the Progressive fork spring complete cartridge kit, not just the spring, anybody here run these? Seem reasonably priced. They still run the original antidive but I would think with this replacing both sides to be same it would make more of a difference that just the springs alone.

[Hornblower]

Thanks for that clarification on the weight.

Why do you dislike the anti-dive? Maybe I don't pay as much attention... or am not as sensitive to the effect... but when braking HARD, the 6 seems to stay very level which I like. I'm assuming the anti-dive mechanism is responsible for this.

My ;2cents2; The stock fork springs are so soft that, without ADV, the front dives with any front braking at all. I assume that's why the ADV was added. Also, and I don't know how true this is, the ADV can cause fork seals to fail :shrug:. Anyway, my upgrade to Traxxion remedied all that so the ADV was no longer necessary. After this upgrade, I hardly notice any excessive diving at all.

[srt8-in-largo]

My ;2cents2; The stock fork springs are so soft that, without ADV, the front dives with any front braking at all. I assume that's why the ADV was added. Also, and I don't know how true this is, the ADV can cause fork seals to fail :shrug:. Anyway, my upgrade to Traxxion remedied all that so the ADV was no longer necessary. After this upgrade, I hardly notice any excessive diving at all.

Thanks Ken. I never seriously considered upgrading the front... but all this info makes a compelling case.

If these things, either Traxxion or Progressive, smooths out the rattling and jarring way the OEM front handles bumps... I might have to join you guys.

[okiedoc]

Sorry should have been more clear i was referring to the 60lb difference between my Goldwing and the F6B, which honestly cause I have stuff on the wing it's probably about 80lbs heavier than my F6B. Makes a difference in suspension.

Also last point on the progressive stuff. You can't order any different spring rate with progressive, the rate is the rate and you can't change sprints it's part of the mono tube. So if that rate works for you then your good, if it doesn't well, nothing you can do, not even replace the springs.

Just some thoughts... If your gonna spend the money to open the forks up and the suspension bothers you that much to make the change, do it once, spend a few bucks and be done with it. I spent over $6000 between tires, progressives, a botched fork job and then finally the Full Monty from Traxxion. Don't make the same mistake I made lol :icon_doh:

Do you have a brace on your forks or are they necessary with the Traxxion Full Monty?

[Bruce B]

The Traxxion full deal sounds like the ideal way to go and I haven't heard any negatives. Wondering if anyone out there has done the complete Traxxion mod and has been less than happy with it. Before I write a check, I'd like to hear both sides of the story but my guess is that a list of concerns would be a real short list. I'd also like to hear folks experience with the All Balls upgrade. When the fork is being done would seem to be the time for the All Balls too, as long as it's a worthy upgrade. Opinions, please.

[ths61]

The Traxxion full deal sounds like the ideal way to go and I haven't heard any negatives. Wondering if anyone out there has done the complete Traxxion mod and has been less than happy with it. Before I write a check, I'd like to hear both sides of the story but my guess is that a list of concerns would be a real short list. I'd also like to hear folks experience with the All Balls upgrade. When the fork is being done would seem to be the time for the All Balls too, as long as it's a worthy upgrade. Opinions, please.

Hi Bruce,

I had the full Traxxion (Penske rear and AK-20 front, no fork brace) done on my Victory Vision with good results. The only rough spots I had was with the installer who really didn't know how to set it up and configure it (his first install). I was pretty much on my own. I see on Traxxion's website that they are now stating that they are only installed by Traxxion or their authorized installers which should avoid the problems I had. The Traxxion on the Vision got rid of the dive, sag in the suspension and increased ground clearance which was great for corning when riding 2 up. Once it is installed, you need to consider having access to someone authorized to service it and it's service schedule.

I am considering the front for my F6B and also want to learn about the All Balls upgrade.

[Bruce B]

Hi Bruce,

I had the full Traxxion (Penske rear and AK-20 front, no fork brace) done on my Victory Vision with good results. The only rough spots I had was with the installer who really didn't know how to set it up and configure it (his first install). I was pretty much on my own. I see on Traxxion's website that they are now stating that they are only installed by Traxxion or their authorized installers which should avoid the problems I had. The Traxxion on the Vision got rid of the dive, sag in the suspension and increased ground clearance which was great for corning when riding 2 up. Once it is installed, you need to consider having access to someone authorized to service it and it's service schedule.

I am considering the front for my F6B and also want to learn about the All Balls upgrade.



I'm 75 freeway miles from an authorized installer so the install wouldn't be an issue. What kind of a service schedule are we looking at here? Reasonable or a pain? Did you get a readily noticeable improvement in handling on your Vision? Thanks for the info.

[ths61]

I'm 75 freeway miles from an authorized installer so the install wouldn't be an issue. What kind of a service schedule are we looking at here? Reasonable or a pain? Did you get a readily noticeable improvement in handling on your Vision? Thanks for the info.

My wrench thought the Vision's kit had a pretty frequent service schedule if I remember correctly, but I do not think it is the same kit as the F6B.

The Vision uses the same size tires as the Wing with similar wheelbase, rake and trail (Wing weighs more). I didn't notice much better handling other than the things I mentioned. The top of the fork tubes allowed you to adjust the compression and rebound independently. You could do this with an allen wrench on the Vision without taking anything off. The F6B has a cover that needs to be removed so there maybe a little more work to get at the adjustment points (or possibly 2 inconspicuous holes could be added to the cover?). This adjustment got rid of the dive once it was dialed in properly and made braking and downhills more controllable. When I would sit on the Vision, the suspension would compress (@ 230lbs). With the Penske/Traxxion preload, this no longer happened. It would no longer bottom out under load when hitting a dip in the road while cornering. Not the best time to bottom out.

My biggest concern with the kit on the Vision was having knowledgeable local support for it. Traxxion seems to be less prevalent on the West coast which seems strange because we have riding year round with plenty of twisties and mountains. The same goes for other Victory mods/tuners. Much more support back East for the Victory community.

[Wmorgan2k]

The service interval for the Wing and Traxxion is 20,000 miles. Not sure how that compares to stock but it doesn't need a lot of attention. Just ride and enjoy.

All Balls. Yes. yes. and Yes. Steering and feel is so much better! No more headshake which a lot of the GoldWing Wobble and can be attributed too. So much smoother and easier at low speeds when you actually have to turn the bars. I also did the Fork Brace and the Triple Tree's. Awesome. The Triple Trees take the flex out of the front end and the fork brace keeps the forks from flexing around.

I now have zero headshake, no decal wobble, longer tire life, better ride, better handling, more ground clearance and overall more pleasure riding. Here are a few pics to show the difference:

Stock ball bearings (just in a race and loose) vs All Balls Conical Bearings, big difference (stock is left if your curious):
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/84400cf7064d894d8cf099552a13aab6.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/84400cf7064d894d8cf099552a13aab6.jpg.html)

Triple Trees = Flex no more
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/f4cf2161b6dc4d54ccbbac376e330b16.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/f4cf2161b6dc4d54ccbbac376e330b16.jpg.html)

Even the rear shock just looks cool and you don't even see it but the sock keeps crap out of it and the adjuster:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/CA4DCFB5-0EA2-4C37-B4C9-52FAEF95CD38.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/CA4DCFB5-0EA2-4C37-B4C9-52FAEF95CD38.jpg.html)


Hope that helps...

[Bruce B]

The service interval for the Wing and Traxxion is 20,000 miles. Not sure how that compares to stock but it doesn't need a lot of attention. Just ride and enjoy.

All Balls. Yes. yes. and Yes. Steering and feel is so much better! No more headshake which a lot of the GoldWing Wobble and can be attributed too. So much smoother and easier at low speeds when you actually have to turn the bars. I also did the Fork Brace and the Triple Tree's. Awesome. The Triple Trees take the flex out of the front end and the fork brace keeps the forks from flexing around.

I now have zero headshake, no decal wobble, longer tire life, better ride, better handling, more ground clearance and overall more pleasure riding. Here are a few pics to show the difference:

Stock ball bearings (just in a race and loose) vs All Balls Conical Bearings, big difference (stock is left if your curious):
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/84400cf7064d894d8cf099552a13aab6.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/84400cf7064d894d8cf099552a13aab6.jpg.html)

Triple Trees = Flex no more
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/f4cf2161b6dc4d54ccbbac376e330b16.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/f4cf2161b6dc4d54ccbbac376e330b16.jpg.html)

Even the rear shock just looks cool and you don't even see it but the sock keeps crap out of it and the adjuster:
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g226/phantomx2k/2014%20GoldWing/CA4DCFB5-0EA2-4C37-B4C9-52FAEF95CD38.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/phantomx2k/media/2014%20GoldWing/CA4DCFB5-0EA2-4C37-B4C9-52FAEF95CD38.jpg.html)


Hope that helps...


Thanks, Morgan. That's a big help. I just put on new Stones at 14,750 miles. The rear had to be changed but the front looked like it was good for a couple thousand more. Absolutely no cupping or uneven wear. I do have a Superbrace. I'm getting close to popping for this deal but because of cost, will skip the billet triple tree set. The local (75 miles) dealer/installer made me an offer to try out Traxxion on his '09 GL. He has a 9 mile suggested loop of varied roads and conditions and sends prospective customers out for a ride to help them make up their minds. He says they return from the ride ready to write a check. Can't beat an offer like that so I'll be taking him up on it soon. I may do the rear later but that's not part of my thinking now. Thanks again.

[Wmorgan2k]

FYI they offer a nice financing option if you go Full Monty, just saying keeps more cash in the bank and the interest is almost nothing. That's what I did. 12 months and the last payment is next month WHOOT!

[Bruce B]

FYI they offer a nice financing option if you go Full Monty, just saying keeps more cash in the bank and the interest is almost nothing. That's what I did. 12 months and the last payment is next month WHOOT!


Do you have any idea how much doing the rear helps? Did you do the billet triple tree also? That's some pretty pricey billet and it's beautiful, but how necessary? It seems that in the Forum conversations on suspension, the main focus is on the front end. I'm not knowledgeable at all so I want to do what's needed but also want to proceed with caution and not blow a bunch of cash for a very small marginal improvement.

[TailGunner]

Do you have any idea how much doing the rear helps? Did you do the billet triple tree also? That's some pretty pricey billet and it's beautiful, but how necessary? It seems that in the Forum conversations on suspension, the main focus is on the front end. I'm not knowledgeable at all so I want to do what's needed but also want to proceed with caution and not blow a bunch of cash for a very small marginal improvement.
Bruce I'm new here but I have been riding and working on bikes since my early years. How hard do you ride your bike, do you do quick lane changes, run hard in the canyons ect? If your suspension feels ok to you now don't spend a lot of money on that, it's not needed if you don't ride it hard. Maybe start with a fork brace and if you ride two up with luggage and it doesn't feel right in corners(wallowing) you might go with a shock but in my opinion all this top notch suspension stuff is not needed. I only give this opinion because you say your "not knowledgeable at all" and you were looking for answers. If you want to spend your money buy a good set of tires for safety and other things for comfort.

[Bruce B]

Bruce I'm new here but I have been riding and working on bikes since my early years. How hard do you ride your bike, do you do quick lane changes, run hard in the canyons ect? If your suspension feels ok to you now don't spend a lot of money on that, it's not needed if you don't ride it hard. Maybe start with a fork brace and if you ride two up with luggage and it doesn't feel right in corners(wallowing) you might go with a shock but in my opinion all this top notch suspension stuff is not needed. I only give this opinion because you say your "not knowledgeable at all" and you were looking for answers. If you want to spend your money buy a good set of tires for safety and other things for comfort.

Thanks for the good advice, TailGunner. You got the point of my questions. I don't mind spending for a noticeable improvement but don't want to spend for a marginal upgrade that would be useful only to a guy who rides like he's in a Superbike race. I do hit the Sierra mountains and foothills fairly hard on a regular basis. I've got new tires and a Superbrace so I'm good to go there.Also have all the comfort stuff to meet my needs like a Rick Mayer seat, Madstad, Utopia drivers backrest, Aero pegs, Kury risers, and so on. I agree with your advice to do those things first. I found a great YouTube video (a set of three) on Gold Wing suspension. It was done by the CEO of Traxxion so I realize that it was inclined to stress the need for upgrades in suspension but it still provided a lot of good info. Others may find this YouTube video useful too if they haven't already seen the set of three videos. It was done in front of an audience of Gold Wing owners at Wing Ding or some other big gathering. Check out "GL 1800 Suspension 101 Part 1", ............Part 2, and ...............Part 3. Very good tutorial on how suspensions operate. Thanks again, TailGunner.

[ths61]

I have miles and miles of switchbacks right out the back door. Don't know how this compares to the dragon or not.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3378/3181100087_4c6d3ae52d.jpghttp://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0202/8080/files/decker-canyon-road-california.pnghttp://lateralg.org/roads/orange/mulhwy3a.gifhttp://i.ytimg.com/vi/FPDN3ey4HVg/maxresdefault.jpghttp://www.rockstorephotos.com/image/map.jpg

[srt8-in-largo]

:shock:

Dam; I wanna ride THOSE roads!

[BIGLRY]

:shock:

Dam; I wanna ride THOSE roads!
I got stuff like that all around my place, a run up the One to Big Sur starts at my back door, I'm a block off the One. :icon_lol: Come on over and I'll show some of the best riding road in Calif.:301:

[srt8-in-largo]

I got stuff like that all around my place, a run up the One to Big Sur starts at my back door, I'm a block off the One. :icon_lol: Come on over and I'll show some of the best riding road in Calif.:301:

Careful what you ask for :icon_biggrin:

As you can see from my rider map I'm due for an interstate run!

[Bruce B]

I have to ride 20-30 miles or so to get to that kind of twisties. It's a struggle, I tell you.

[ths61]

I got stuff like that all around my place, a run up the One to Big Sur starts at my back door, I'm a block off the One. :icon_lol: Come on over and I'll show some of the best riding road in Calif.:301:

BigLry,

Have you done the pass from Fort Hunter Liggett to the ocean?

That is a beautiful run as well as the 1 down the coast.

You have a lot of beautiful land and ocean bluffs up there.

[BIGLRY]

BigLry,

Have you done the pass from Fort Hunter Liggett to the ocean?

That is a beautiful run as well as the 1 down the coast.

You have a lot of beautiful land and ocean bluffs up there.
I've made that run more times than I can count, even hiked it as a kid. The road comes out just above Gorda http://www.gordaspringsresort.com/ on the coast, but be warned you travel through a military base so NO weapons of any kind, since 911 they may check you. Right now there is a lot of gravel and sand on the tight turns it is a slow ride, don't take it if you think you are going canyon carving.

I have walked once and rode the One from Big Sur to my home many times over the last 50 years, in fact I'll bet there is not a road in San Luis Obispo county or southern Monterey county I have not rode on a scoot. I can show you places where there are huge steel dinosaurs roaming in the fields out on Huasna rd. that most people here don't even know about or vitas of the Pacific Ocean from the top of Hwy 46 (Green Valley Rd.) where you can see Morro Bay to San Simeon and beyond .

Another good ride that takes you through and over the coastal range is the Carmel Valley Road from Greenfield on the 101 to Del Rio road on the south side of Carmel.

I do a "Run Up the One" every year for the last 12 years every Aug. and have had as many as 92 bikes in tow.
This year I am calling it "Bash at the Beach" here is more info http://www.californiavtxriders.com/phpBB3/calendar.php?view=event&calEid=225&sid=ed298806ea7cf346d2ff999da4f931fb

And to keep from being a thread jacked post.... you do need to have your scoots suspension in good order if you want to be comfortable on a lot of these roads.:icon_biggrin:

[Wmorgan2k]

I would say if you have the opportunity to ride a Traxxion Wing to do so and judge for yourself. It's a HUGE improvement over the stock ride quality, which is very important to me and I don't ride like a super bike rider all the time. It's just more comfortable period to ride no matter where you are or where your going or what your doing from interstate to backroads to trying to be Rossi. It's just better everywhere, low speed, high speed, better tire wear, easier parking lot maneuvers it's just all around better. You don't have to pump your tires to oblivion either, I run 34F and 36R instead of the usual 40/41 so i get quicker warm up and better feel as well.

Your choice your money, it made me love my wing even more. The Triple Trees and All Balls help a good bit at taking the flex out of the front end, part of the front end problems are the flexing, not just the suspensions. This fixes that. Sure it's $450 but its well spent in my opinion.

The rear, absolutely. Now I can run 0 on the adjuster solo and it runs fantastic, I run it at 3 to 5 loaded with a passenger (5) is the max the recommend because that's how much difference in spring rate is on there. Plus Penske units are just awesome anyway. Doesn't make sense to spring the front properly and leave the rear undersprung.

A lot of people "tolerate" the Goldwing issues because the rest of the bike does so well. So they put up with decel wobbles, cupped tires at 5k miles, shaky handlebars, wallowing in the corners, etc. Because I think a lot of them get out and hit the slab and enjoy a buttery smooth ride at 70mph, or the lazy stroll through the backroads and because the Wing just does everything else so well, comfort, radio, accessories, reliability, wind protection, crash protection, the list is long. So many put up with the little idiosyncrasies the bike has because the greater good, is well, good. For those that don't want to put up with all those issues, we buy Traxxion

[hiflyer]

I have miles and miles of switchbacks right out the back door. Don't know how this compares to the dragon or not.



Ah Yes, in that next to last pic you can see the area where RNickeyMouse sets up his cameras to catch the crashes. You can view them on youtube under Mulholland Crash Compilation. The dragon has more trees, and more turns, but switchbacks are switchbacks. I haven't ridden Mulholland in years, may be time to head out west.

[ths61]

Ah Yes, in that next to last pic you can see the area where RNickeyMouse sets up his cameras to catch the crashes. You can view them on youtube under Mulholland Crash Compilation. The dragon has more trees, and more turns, but switchbacks are switchbacks. I haven't ridden Mulholland in years, may be time to head out west.

Some of the pictures are of Decker Canyon which crosses Mulholland and has more twisties than Mulholland. It is the only road that I made myself carsick on.

Larry has a lot more trees up by him including some redwoods. We have a lot of rocks.

The corner you mentioned is also the corner where the RockStorePhotos.com photos are taken. Cops like to patrol that stretch because the crotch rockets like to play.

3125


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmIGxKDOd5U


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MRYb0vGW8AQ


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sYxU_lYBHpY


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U06YWK09Hs8


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRbzn4yZSy8

[BIGLRY]

Yea Rock Store runs that is a fun one, I've seen some cool machines there on some of my trips south.:yes:

[TailGunner]

If you are going back to PCH from the Rock store, take Kanan Dune Rd. It's a change from the tight turns to high speed sweepers. Just watch out for CHP

[BIGLRY]

So many put up with the little idiosyncrasies the bike has because the greater good, is well, good. For those that don't want to put up with all those issues, we buy Traxxion
Well I have been thinking about it for some time now and today at 2:30 PDT I called John Wear owner and installer of over 500 sets of Traxxion suspensions on Wings at JBJ Cycles Inc. in Santa Ana, CA.
After talking for about an hr. I pulled the trigger on the Traxxion "Full Monty" and will be having it done after the 4th of July. I did not go with the Traxxion top tree due to having the Heli bars and feel they stiffened up that issue.
Just like my VTX1800 I have not been real happy with the OEM suspension and on the X I moded the suspension front and back to get what I wanted, so now after the upgrade the F6B will finally accommodate my 400 lb frame the way I like.

I had a set of All Balls bearings setting on the shelf, I had just not got around to installing them, their going in now. Funny how Honda used to use roller bearings in the wing's steering stem until 2001 I think, then went to the ball bearings which are crap IMO and cause a lot of the front end issues you hear about with the Goldwing, head shaking, low speed wobble, tire cupping, uneven tire wear and such. Even the VTX1800 comes OEM with roller bearings, but the VTX1300 don't and they are changed out to the All Balls set by most people with front end issues on their VTX1300.

Now where is my "Jekyll & Hyde" exhaust system?:301:

[ths61]

Well I have been thinking about it for some time now and today at 2:30 PDT I called John Wear owner and installer of over 500 sets of Traxxion suspensions on Wings at JBJ Cycles Inc. in Santa Ana, CA.
After talking for about an hr. I pulled the trigger on the Traxxion "Full Monty" ...

Now where is my "Jekyll & Hyde" exhaust system?:301:

Larry, how long will the install take (day trip or longer) ?

Also, being able to enable/disable the growl on the fly would be cool. Anyone have any soundbites of this exhaust on an F6B ?

[BIGLRY]

Larry, how long will the install take (day trip or longer) ?

Also, being able to enable/disable the growl on the fly would be cool. Anyone have any soundbites of this exhaust on an F6B ?

John told me 3 to 5 hrs it is basically one day job for him and the price is the same as posted on Traxxion's site + taxes. I'll ride down in the early AM, leave bike with John then have my GF who lives in Lake Elsinore come pick me up spend the night at her house then pick the F up the next day and ride home.

[ths61]

John told me 3 to 5 hrs it is basically one day job for him and the price is the same as posted on Traxxion's site + taxes. I'll ride down in the early AM, leave bike with John then have my GF who lives in Lake Elsinore come pick me up spend the night at her house then pick the F up the next day and ride home.

Thanks much.