Brakes & Suspension Buyer’s Guide

17. Mar, 2010 0 Comments

Not Fade Away

Rivera Primo’s new Metal Matrix brake rotors are 60% lighter than stainless steel and designed to be as dimensionally stable as possible under load to combat brake fade and reduce the chance of warping rotors. Kits are available for H-D Touring models 2000 and up, and include both front and rear rotors plus pads designed especially for Metal Matrix rotors. Contact: www.riveraprimoinc.com, 800 872-1515. Reader Service No. 61. 11271

Stick A Fork In It

Progressive Suspension’s Monotube Fork Kit is designed to replace the sloppy open bath damping found in some H-D forks. The kit features a set of gas charged Monotube dampers and a set of custom tuned fork springs. Monotube style damping improves ride comfort and resists front brake dive, as well as improving front end stability, cornering and bottoming control. The kit fits 1997 to 2010 H-D touring model forks. Contact: www.progressivesuspension.com, 877-690-7411. Reader Service No. 62.

For Track and Trail

Adjustable from 150 to 500 pounds of rider and cargo, Works Performance Products’ Air Tracker allows you to tune your suspension for any conditions. It consists of a gas-charged, 7075-T6 aluminum shock with internal separator piston, and a stainless steel pressure cylinder. You can fill them up from any air source and adjust them from 50 to 90 psi. Available in 12”, 12.5” and 13” for many applications. Made in the USA and priced from $499/pair. Contact: 818-701-1010, www.worksperformance.com, Reader Service No. 63. 11142

Hot Legs

Paughco ‘s new collection of Tapered Leg Springer front ends feature tapered rear legs that are both stronger and closer to OEM look than some others. These latest legs are offered in sizes ranging from stock to 24” over in increments of 3”. Lengths 15”-24”-over are supplied with 3 degrees of additional rake only, in either the traditional wide style or narrow chopper style with or without the factory type shock. In chrome, bare metal, or power coat and made in the USA. Contact: www.paughco.com, 775-246-5738. Reader Service No. 64. 10795

Get Shortys

Want to lower your ride and improve road tracking and ride handling? Lick’s Cycles’ Shorty Shocks measure only 10” eye to eye, and they’re engineered to handle riders from 150 to 325+ lbs. They also feature an adjustable spring rating to allow the rider to tweak the shock’s feel to match their riding style. What more could you want? Contact: 413-663-9050, www.lickscycles.com. Reader Service No. 65. 10689

Get The Drop

Looking to give your H-D Springer-equipped machine a lowered stance? Check out these Lowered Rocker Arms from KT Components. Precision machined from aircraft billet aluminum, they’re direct replacements for the stock lower rockers on ’97 to present Springer and Heritage Springer models. Installation is straightforward using your current front end’s assembly hardware. Polished to a mirror finish, they’ll drop your bike’s height one inch. Contact: 714-630-7144, www.kendonusa.com, Reader Service No. 66. 11370

Stop It

What do you get when you combine Performance Machine’s proven braking power with a stainless steel sprocket? A compact and effective Rear Sprocket Brake System. It’s available in polished, chrome, black anodized, and Contrast Cut finishes and the stainless steel sprocket (48-tooth configuration for a 530 chain) is polished. Requires weld-in brake tab and custom brake line. Contact: 714-523-3000, www.performancemachine.com, Reader Service No. 67. 10803

Beefed Up

This new front end from Durfee is the progeny of the original Durfee “Classic” Girder design, but with a completely beefed up structure and assembly. It features a “wide-glide” width with big 1.5” TIG welded tubes and billet 6061 T-6 aluminum CNC-machined parts. Durfee and Works Performance partnered to fit a coil-over, adjustable shock absorber for a comfortable and controllable cross-town or cross-country ride. Contact: 503-472-9196, www.durfees.com, Reader Service No. 68. 12533

Ride Some Air

Looking to equip a Softail with an adjustable air suspension setup? The Air Suspension System from Chassis Tech replaces the stock shocks to raise and lower your motorcycle 1” to 4” and fits all 1987 and newer H-D Softails. The system comes complete with air cylinders, compressor, check valve, gauge, remote control, electric switch, dump switch and the lines and fittings you’ll need to install the kit. Priced at $495. Contact: 800-842-8789, www.AirBagIt.com. Reader Service No. 69. 12408

Dynamic Duo

These shock absorbers from Drag Specialties are made from steel with multi-stage velocity-sensitive hydraulic dampers. They feature progressive rate springs that provide a softer initial response, but resist bottoming better than stock springs. Plus, the spring pre-load is fully user adjustable to accommodate rider preference or load weights. Manufactured to Drag Specialties specifications by Progressive Suspension, in standard and heavy-duty models. Sold in pairs. See your local Drag dealer or www.dragspecialties.com. 10322

Two For The Road

W&W Cycles of Germany have developed two treats for Big Twins. The Duplex brake system for Springers improves the stopping power of your stock front brakes, and comes complete with a new brake drum. Their VL front forks help you achieve a more “stretched” look, and can even provide another inch of ride clearance depending on your frame setup. Installs easily, thanks to some new design tweaks. Call 0049-0-931, 250 61 711, or see www.wwag.com, Reader Service No. 70. 11948

Rollin’ On

Milwaukee Twins by J&P Cycles introduces two new brake rotors, the “Nomad” and “Engage” models. They add a touch of style to your bike while the polished stainless steel gives you the friction you need, without squeal or gall. Matching wheels and pulleys are also offered. Contact: 800-397-4844 or visit www.JPCycles.com. Reader Service No. 71. 11005

Tricky Trees

Tricky Air & Billet Inc. now offer triple trees with 5 degrees of rake for FLH models. Tricky Trees are made from T-6 6061 billet aluminum with 41mm holes for the stock legs and 55mm holes for Tricky air forks. No modifications to the frame are necessary, simply remove the old 4-degree trees and install the new ones. Stainless steel brackets on the side help keep the headlight in its proper location. Priced from $575. Contact: 866-922-3533, www.trickyair.com, Reader Service No. 72. 12267

Tree Toppers

Custom Cycle Engineering has developed a new top triple tree for all H-D touring models in the popular 41mm “wide glide” format. The new billet aluminum top plate is designed to replace the old stock steel forged top tree that the Factory has been running since 1950. The new top plate is a pinch bolt style and offers over 2 ¼” of clamping stability to the front forks to dramatically improve handling, tracking and overall stabilization. Contact: 800-472-9253, www.customcycleengineering.com, Reader Service No. 73. 10260

Primary Care

Flyrite Choppers’ Primary line of brake parts offers 4-piston front brakes for springers and glides that include an 11.5” stainless steel rotor with hardware. The Primary rear brake is a 2-piston setup with 48-tooth polished stainless rotor/sprocket and mounting hardware. Each brake is machined, hand finished, and assembled in-house at Flyrite for traditional style, function and value. Priced from $535. Contact: www.flyritechoppers.com, 512-918-2467, Reader Service No. 74. 10642

Take A Brake

RevTech’s high performance four-piston brake calipers are CNC-Machined from billet aluminum, polished and then either chrome-plated or black anodized for a long lasting and effective braking solution. They come in both 11.8” and 11.5” disc applications to fit most Harley-Davidson models and are made in the USA. Contact: www.customchrome.com, 408-778-0500, Reader Service No. 75.

Front And Center!

Made by NLC in Germany, these aggressive front ends are imported to the USA by Sculpture Cycles for your riding pleasure. CNC-machined from top to bottom of aerospace grade billet, they feature the latest technology in inverted damping. They even fit up to a 200 series tire. Available for both Big Twins and V-Rods, with 3- and 5-degree rake, in polished or black finishes. Contact: Sculpture Cycles, 480-833-0998, www.sculpturecycles.com, Reader Service No. 76. 10016

Adjust Your Heart Out

Storz Performance offers complete bolt-on front fork and rear shock kits for H-D XR1200 models 2008-2010. Ceriani fork kits feature billet triple trees, progressively wound fork springs, and one-piece billet lower legs, and are available in satin or polished black anodized finish. YSS rear shocks have adjustable ride height and spring preload plus separate adjustments for compression and rebound dampening, for tuning the suspension to your exact needs. Contact: 805-641-9540, www.storzperf.com, Reader Service No. 77. 10991

Radical Re-Do

No time to hack, chop, and weld your front end to the rake you want for your Fat boy, Nostalgia, or Rocker? Kewl Metal’s 45-degree Rake Kit bolts on in just a few hours with absolutely no modifications to frame or forks, for the long, low look you’ve wanted. The kit is also available for Softail Standard and Deuce models. Made in the USA. Contact: 623-298-7181, www.kewlmetalstore.com, Reader Service No. 78. 10615

Keep It Simple

Custom Cycle Control’s Simplifed Air Suspension is an easy way to add an adjustable air suspension to your bike. The SAS has no compressor to mount, no hoses to run, and no fittings to fail. Simply raise and lower your bike’s rear end at the touch of a button. Available for most H-D Softail models, prices start at $1649. Contact: 866-438-2129, 702-438-2129, www.customcyclecontrols.com, Reader Service No. 79. 10297

Super Stopper

Performance Machine has developed a race-proven rear brake for the H-D Softail. The caliper has four differential bore pistons wrapped in a forged aluminum integrated caliper/bracket for the last word in rear wheel stopping power. Plus, a new bleeder position makes brake bleeding a snap. Fits ‘87-’10 Softails, in polished, chrome, black anodized, and Contrast Cut finishes. Contact: 714-523-3000, www.performancemachine.com, Reader Service No. 80. 10803

Seat Shocks

Now available from Works Performance are suspended seat shocks for custom applications. These little beauties feature all billet construction, heavy-duty ½” shafts and threaded spring preload. They’re hydraulic damped for smooth action and control. Choice of spring rates depends on design, so contact Works to get the correct application for your bike. Prices start at $249/pair. Contact: 818-701-1010, www.worksperformance.com, Reader Service No. 81. 11142

Cruise Smooth

Race Tech’s G3-S Custom Series Shocks are now available for H-D models. Custom built to specifications tailored to each individual rider and bike, the G3-S can be ordered with adjustment and tuning options to meet any budget. They’re made in the USA with premium valves and springs. Priced from $699/pair. Contact: 951-279-6655. www.racetech.com, Reader Service No. 82. 11562

Straighten Up

True-Track suspension stabilizer for Harley-Davidson motorcycles was designed to prevent the rear axle from twisting under heavy strain and loads, giving you true straight-line tracking and a wider margin of safety and comfort in turns. Now available for ‘09 and ‘10 touring models, True-Track also fits most touring models 1980 and up. Contact: True-Track at 818-623-0697, www.true-track.com, Reader Service No. 83. 12317

ABC’s Of TCB

TCB Brake Systems has teamed up with eGlide Goodies to bring you a revolutionary braking system, the TCB-1. Traction Control Braking replaces the banjo bolts on the brake calipers to control the compression of the calipers and avoid wheel lock-up. The goal is to aid control and stop accidents before they happen! For $79, it’s an investment in safety that won’t “brake” the bank. Learn more or order online at www.eglidegoodies.com, or call TCB Brake Systems direct at 512-892-9111. Reader Service No. 84. 10773

Go Low

Legend Air Suspension kits offer a smooth ride and no bottoming out, regardless of road or load conditions. The kit’s handlebar control gives you the ability to lower the seat height by as many as 3 inches, or to air up for highway riding, extra gear, or accommodating a passenger comfortably. Units bolt-on in the stock shock location and are USA made for a wide variety of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, Lehman Trikes, and Boss Hoss bikes and trikes. Contact: www.legendsuspensions.com, 605-737-4200, Reader Service No. 85.

Handle It

These clean, compact master cylinders by LA County Choprods are available with 14mm or 17.5mm bores for both the left and right side to fit 1” handlebars. Whether you’re using a single two-piston caliper, dual six-piston calipers, hydraulic clutch or anything in between, there’s an ISR master cylinder to handle the job. Contact: www.lachoprods.com or by phone at 310-353-2467, Reader Service No. 86. 12271

From Fork to Fender

Suspension Technologies U.S.A. has partnered with Patriot Suspension to offer a complete Lowering Kit—and we mean complete. It not only covers your bike from front to rear but the package even includes necessary fluids and hardware. Up front it’s engineered for a “no dive” ride, complete with Genisis series fork spring kits from Patriot. Out back are Suspension technologies’ shocks in chrome, black or black & chrome. Limited lifetime warranty. Contact: 813-658-9354, www.suspensiontechnologies.com, Reader Service No. 87. 10488

Control Yourself

The B-MAC Bagger Mini Air Control by Custom Cycle Control Systems allows easy access to adjust your bagger air assisted shocks. The mini air compressor mounts to one of the rear shocks and the air lines plug into it, so the on board switches can add or release air pressure while you monitor the pressure with the built-in gauge. Going from single to two up riding takes only a few seconds. Made in the USA, MSRP $299.95. Contact: 866-438-2129, 702-438-2129, www.customcyclecontrols.com, Reader Service No. 88. 10297

Fork Over The Savings

This complete Fork Leg Rebuild Kit includes all parts needed to completely refurbish a 41mm front fork leg assembly. It retails for just $59.95, hundreds less than buying new. For applications contact: www.dragspecialties.com or your local Drag Specialties dealer. 10322

Tush Cushion

The Air Bag Seat Mount is a weld on unit developed by Courthouse Customs to fit most custom applications. It uses a Goodyear Super-Cushion air bag to offer a smoother ride without losing the old school cool solo look. Contact 740-335-2466, www.CHCustom.com, Reader Service No. 89. 12391