[DTHDOC]

IMHO careful consideration of V-rod suspension can make a big difference.

First off - Given the bikes lack of ground clearance, you don't want to lose any more simply because the stock suspension bottoms out. The sound of a pipe grinding is most unwelcome when you need to avoid a collision or have entered a turn too hot!

You should also be able to achieve better braking performance with a careful choice of suspension geometry. The VRs front tire loses traction sooner that many other bikes would because less weight is transfered to the front under braking. The CoG is very low and the wheel is raked out pretty far... that's why the V-Rod slides with the front locked up rather than biting and allowing a stoppie. Adding a bit of height to the rear suspension should help with this geometry.. and ensuring that the suspension isn't sagging to begin with has to be a good thing.

It would be interesting to ride a bike with taller rear suspension to see if this resulted in quicker steering and better braking. I might drop the front end an inch in the trees to test it out... although raising the back is a better option as it adds clearance.


Rodman

Well I blew a oil seal on my 440's so I installed the stock rear shocks and left the front lowered an inch, really responsive in the turns so your theory holds true.

I really did not realize how much the stock rear shocks sucked compared to the 440's

 

[rodman]

Cool!
Thanks for posting your experience.

I still haven't tried lowering the front, don't ride the V-Rod much in winter.Great to hear your result with steering.

How's the braking?

My first idea was to raise the back of the bike, however, here doesn't seem to be a lot of clearance between the swingarm and the fuel tank ( I have a 5gal retrofitted UE_tank) so going to a taller rear shock looks unlikely.

 

[Youngzee]

For another option. I ordered a set of Works Blacktrackers last Wednesday and was very surprised when they showed up last night. Only took a 8 days to get them. For those that don't know these are a custom order. When you call they ask a series of questions like your weight, passenger weight, what % of time dose the passenger ride and your skill level. Then the shocks are built to your specs. I looked at both Progressive and Works and the Works were only $20 more.

 

[Nikker1985]

Were did you find Ohlins rear suspension?

I ordered my Progressive 440, waiting for them...