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So I finally got the bike I've always wanted and am in the middle of a pretty good build on the whole bike. Trying to sort out a few things before purchase and hoped to get some advice from you guys with far more seat time on these than me.
I am finally getting the bike setup how I want it and what I have that may influence the decision on this topic is an '09 DX with Metzeler ME880 120/70ZR-19 Front & 260/40R18 Rear on BST wheels. I just got in my Arnott air ride system for the rear and want to improve the front stock suspension. I looked at upgrading to aftermarket inverted forks but did not feel, after reading a lot on here as well, that the price of admission for those would really gain much. Please correct me if I'm wrong there. So after reading a lot what I had kind of settled on was either replace springs and fluid in the forks with Progressive brand or with Racetech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators with a pair of Hi-Performance Springs from them. I am also trying to decide if I go with the lowering model of each of these since I am going with the air ride in the rear or stick with standard height in the front. I know I will give up a little more in handling if I lower the front say 1" but am also wanting the bike to look right/balanced.
As a little background and as to where I am hopefully looking to be at with this bike, I have been riding cruisers (bobbed out) for the last 10+ years or so but rode sport bikes for about 15 years prior to that. I still love getting on twisty roads and a decent handling bike but too damn old and fat for sport bikes any more. The V-Rod always impressed me as a good blend between these worlds and so far I am beyond impressed and absolutely love this bike and the torque! I am also prepping to finally fulfill a lifelong dream of riding Deal's Gap and other area roads late this summer. I am hoping to get this all built, sorted and some good seat time before riding the dragon. I know this isn't the best handling bike and with a 260 rear. It's the bike I always wanted so I am trying to make all the improvements that make the most sense for what I am trying to get out of it and appreciate any advice.
I am finally getting the bike setup how I want it and what I have that may influence the decision on this topic is an '09 DX with Metzeler ME880 120/70ZR-19 Front & 260/40R18 Rear on BST wheels. I just got in my Arnott air ride system for the rear and want to improve the front stock suspension. I looked at upgrading to aftermarket inverted forks but did not feel, after reading a lot on here as well, that the price of admission for those would really gain much. Please correct me if I'm wrong there. So after reading a lot what I had kind of settled on was either replace springs and fluid in the forks with Progressive brand or with Racetech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators with a pair of Hi-Performance Springs from them. I am also trying to decide if I go with the lowering model of each of these since I am going with the air ride in the rear or stick with standard height in the front. I know I will give up a little more in handling if I lower the front say 1" but am also wanting the bike to look right/balanced.
As a little background and as to where I am hopefully looking to be at with this bike, I have been riding cruisers (bobbed out) for the last 10+ years or so but rode sport bikes for about 15 years prior to that. I still love getting on twisty roads and a decent handling bike but too damn old and fat for sport bikes any more. The V-Rod always impressed me as a good blend between these worlds and so far I am beyond impressed and absolutely love this bike and the torque! I am also prepping to finally fulfill a lifelong dream of riding Deal's Gap and other area roads late this summer. I am hoping to get this all built, sorted and some good seat time before riding the dragon. I know this isn't the best handling bike and with a 260 rear. It's the bike I always wanted so I am trying to make all the improvements that make the most sense for what I am trying to get out of it and appreciate any advice.