New upgraded Harley front suspension under $400!

Save yourself frustration upgrading that old technology front suspension. There are better options out here. I tell you what's going on my bike build and why. Product information & comparison. There's a new winner on the street and its name is Traxxion Dynamics AR-25!

[@frankcardillino5834]

Hey Guy, I came to the exact same conclusion as you did after researching Harley front end possible upgrades. I purchased the AR 25 and I’m awaiting delivery. Planning on doing the install over Jan/Feb when it’s to cold up here (MD) and I’m bored over the winter. My bike is a HD Dyna Fat Bob 2015. I’ll post my findings after installation and ride. Thanks for the nice video.

[@OrganizedMud]

Awesome. You’ll enjoy it. I really like mine. Covid got between me and making a review video. I’ll get to it one day soon.

[@ut1004bp]

@@OrganizedMud I noticed he never got back with his results

[@OrganizedMud]

@@ut1004bp sorry about that. Life gets in the way. It’s good though, I like it. I would’ve preferred to go a little more on the plush side. Huge improvement on brake dive, much more planted like riding on velvet. Rebound has a little too much initial bounce, would’ve preferred to slow that a bit, but they set it up based on what I said and my weight etc. If I had it to do all over I’d tell them everything the same, but I’d emphasize more the plush side of sport. These do a good enough job that I highly doubt that making it more plush would’ve affected their performance at all. So air on the side of comfort and performance will be fine. That’s my two cents.

[@jkshyt801]

@@OrganizedMud So let me understand this. You can custom order ride comfort? Great video by the way!!

[@OrganizedMud]

@@jkshyt801 yes. Just give them a call.

[@davidwilley4524]

I installed these on a 2010 ultra limited and they worked really well.Smooth ride with no brake dive.This was January 2022.On my receipt it told me my spring rate.Oil weight and oil level. I know have a street glide special and I’m doing this one again.

[@OrganizedMud]

Awesome man, thanks for sharing.

[@randyenglehart3502]

I've been researching front suspension products for upgrading my 2020 Road Glide. Your video is perfect. I appreciate you sharing your frustration with one product and your complete satisfaction with the Traxxion system. Looks like this is the way I will go. Thanks again.

[@thomasborger6548]

About 8 years ago put in the Racetech system in my 09 Heritage and at that time they were extremely helpful with tips and tech advice. At this time last year I got with Dan at Traxxion and he set up a kit for our 05 Road King and sent it out to western Canada. Wonderful upgrade and Bitubo shocks on the rear is the icing on the pie.

[@FreedomRider1982]

Thanks for the informative and interesting video. I just came across your channel in my feed actually. I'm happy to support your efforts and those of other fellow moto content creators. I look forward to seeing and hearing more from you in the future ; keep up the great work and ride safe out there.

[@benodie02760]

Great video, honest and straightforward and didn’t bash the other company by name.

[@OrganizedMud]

Thanks 🙏

[@robertkist5453]

Just saw your video. I'm also looking for an affordable solution for my HD Ultra forks. Now, after a few years, are you happy with your decision

[@OrganizedMud]

No complaints 👍

[@davidcarroll7193]

I just looked it up and it’s 499 in 2023 and legends front cartridges are 999 still half the price.

[@houndsmanone4563]

Good informative video. You lost me a couple timesbut Traxxion sounds like a winner. Thanks. 👍🏽🤠 6/14/23

[@guyconnell2250]

I appreciate your frustration. Race Tech's site has been an ongoing work in progress. I have resorted to calling them a number of times but have found them helpful each time. Sorry you apparently caught someone less helpful. I have done multiple Race Tech installs and one thing I will say is there is definitely a learning curve. One very nice thing is that, given the adjustability of their emulators and adjustability of the preload spacer length, as well as fork fluid level, it is possible to finely tune the ride. That does all sound good in theory but I agree with you, in practice, ripping a bagger apart to get at the fork internals does not make that tuneabilty a simple process. I am going to look into Traxxion. In fairness, I do have to say, the results I'm able to get with the Race Tech stuff have been quite good and far better than stock.

[@OrganizedMud]

My big problem was, there was no specific instructions to follow that removed the trial and error. The second thing was there linear springs were not weighted for a bagger. If i remember correctly it needed to be something like 1.2 and was way under, so even weight calculations on their calculator weren’t correct. If i had a street bike i might recommend them, but with a heavy bagger I’ll call Traxxion with weight and ride preference and just install it. Much easier.

[@tommiller8714]

Excellent video...great show & tell, awesome explanations. Also, Big Bear Choppers has an excellent video in which he dives into the differences between Legends and Ohlins front suspension kits. However, those (Legends & Ohlins) although great products are pricey. The products you presented here are half or less the cost. Well done!

[@OrganizedMud]

Thanks man. Happy to help. I’ve been very satisfied with them.

[@JLK1978]

Think I may give this a shot on my Roadglide Ultra. Good video

[@OrganizedMud]

You’re welcome. Give them a call, you won’t be disappointed. I am still impressed with them. DK has other great options also if it’s not your cup of tea.

[@JLK1978]

@@OrganizedMud DK was actually where I was looking to buy. I have progressive 944’s on the rear so the front is real sloppy now. Hopefully this does it. Just to find time for install. lol

[@harryhowell5644]

Good information. I know that traxion is known for the Honda goldwing suspension upgrades I believe. I'm going to look them up.

[@OrganizedMud]

Awesome, do it. You won’t be sorry. 👍

[@shanemccaffrey5570]

Was going to get the ohlins cartridges until I saw these. Can't wait to install them

[@rogerkennedy8849]

Check out DK customs products they only sell what they would run on there bikes they offer a damping system and a you tube video on it

[@BrewCityRider]

Appreciate all the info you shared. Sounds like a great company to deal with. I am apparently one of the few who are good with the stock H-D suspension haha! Works for me...never even think about it. Maybe if I rode two-up I might be singing a different tune.

[@ut1004bp]

not sure what model you have but if its a touring you have issues if you weigh less than 180lbs and maybe the same for a softail

[@richardjohnson4346]

Eric fighting same problem with patriot springs looking traxion right now had this front apart 3 time rides like log wagon how about updating the review now

[@OrganizedMud]

I had a 1931 model A hit us in Tennessee last year. Haven’t gotten the bike straight yet. Will do one when i can, but i can tell you i have no complaints and I’m very particular. Give them a call, tell them your setup and preferred ride and you’ll be straight. I did notice the feel got smoother after some miles. In beginning it was a little more sport firm then I’d like, but ever since break in it feels refined and dialed in exactly where i wanted. I chose Sport side of comfort- long trips but deep in twistys. Try to be real honest with them, they make suspension for real race bikes. If you ain’t grinding peg/floorboard brackets regularly don’t say Sport. Know what I’m sayin? Just be straight and I’m confident you’ll love them. Break in for me I’d say about 1,500-2,500 miles, but that’s by memory. I didn’t really keep track. I also highly recommend Legend Revo-A on rear. The combination is perfect. My old lady has ridden 13hrs without complaint. I leave rear preload set on soft side of our two up weight. When i go solo it’s a bit firmer and I can dig. If I’m going long solo i dial back the Revo-A rebound and it turns in to a Cadillac. Gives with the dumps with an easy slower softer return to neutral. It makes a difference on 4+hour rides.

[@dougfresh1341]

Like others here, I’m leaning Racetech. But $300 seems like a lot for a couple of machined valves and some stickers. I don’t mind the drilling either.

[@dougfresh1341]

Oh, and thanks for your video!

[@OrganizedMud]

I don’t see anyone here leaning Racetech. I certainly wouldn’t. To each their own though.

[@dougfresh1341]

@@OrganizedMud Polucha commented they’re quality. And Kenbo said he installed Racetech.

[@OrganizedMud]

@@dougfresh1341 gotcha. I read those differently. I would not recommend Racetech setup for Harley.

[@ncautolink]

I’ve used Racetech in 2007 Street Glide it was perfect! No front end dive and excellent handling. Great ride too, much better then stock.

[@raysmith4208]

Really good video bud. Very well explained and great overall review. Thank you

[@jamespolucha6911]

I ride dirt bikes and used to race and I know you could spend thousands of dollars on suspension and Ohlins is great stuff so is race tech, we used to drill out the holes in the rods to get oil in and out quickly on our street bikes but this kit sounds like a good deal I’ve heard of them in the road racing community, thanks for the video

[@OrganizedMud]

Well said. Yeah they’ve made quite a make for themselves in the super bike world. I think they did a test thing with this product. Really filled a niche that hasn’t yet been addressed.

[@paulwilliams9885]

If your revos ever go bad hopefully not. Check out super shox for the rears

[@NoXQc]

Im looking for back and front suspension upgrades never heard of those ! Will check em out

[@paulwilliams9885]

@@NoXQc they only make rear suspension and I haven't tried any front fork upgrades but I have changed the fork oil wt to 20 weight that has made a big difference and cheaper too

[@NoXQc]

@@paulwilliams9885 good to know !! Thanks

[@NoXQc]

@@paulwilliams9885 i looked back at my bills from 2 years ago and I have bel Ray 30w in the front

[@paulwilliams9885]

@@NoXQc I had a wheel bearing go out in a middle of trip last year got it fixed but the tech after test ride told me to get forks checked. So turns out one fork was very low no sign of leaking came from factory that way. That's how I am trying the 20 wt oil

[@jessejames3944]

Ok. Here is an off topic question. What jacket is that you are wearing? I have a HD jacket that looks to be made of same material and would like to find another option. I like the wind and water resistance of the jacket.

[@OrganizedMud]

Interesting question. So, that’s actually a Duluth trading company jacket. It’s good and water resistant, semi-warm, and has a removable hood. It’s not Road abrasion resistant or anything, but it has been a nice jacket. I like almost everything I’ve gotten from Duluth.

[@jessejames3944]

@@OrganizedMud thank you.

[@thomasobrien5976]

What is going on with those bars they look back to front?

[@georgemcdonald4559]

03 superglide racetec springs and gold valve emulators

[@tadprochnow5097]

Thank you for the detailed information on this product. Well how do you like it? Pros and cons.

[@OrganizedMud]

It’s good. I wish I’d gone a little softer but that’s not a complaint.

[@ut1004bp]

@@OrganizedMud Hence the 1.o rate that was in the other kit?

[@OrganizedMud]

@@ut1004bp no, the 1.0 is below rating for this bike even without a rider. The bike itself weighs 800#.

[@texasdeath662]

How did they perform on the road?

[@OrganizedMud]

It's great. No dive or resultant change in geometry in cornering or setup or braking. Consistent planted feel and better large bump absorption. WELL worth $400. Covid got between me making a review video, but I'll get to it one day.

[@nicholasjheinz7461]

Its June 26 2021 how do you like your Traxxion front suspension modification now?

[@OrganizedMud]

It’s good man. Been riding all season on it. No complaints. I probably would’ve gone just a little more on the plush side. I think I was concerned going plush would be too much like the Harley suspension, but I don’t think it could ever be like that. So, going plush would be more touring perfect for my taste.

[@Jonathan-L]

Hi Eric, what's your overall impression after doing the upgrade?

[@OrganizedMud]

Love it. Great upgrade.

[@kenbosbackyardbuilds9029]

I went race tech on my last front end , how does your new suspension ride an handle ?

[@OrganizedMud]

Excellent. Highly recommended. I think they lean more toward performance so if I was doing it again I’d tell them to lean on comfort, because the performance is always going to be there.

[@ut1004bp]

Yea my Street Glide needs something. Looks like a very high profit margin product.. quite pricey. I notice you keep saying $399.. isnt it so much easier to say $400. By the way, they increased their website price to $500 now.

[@ronaldpoddig6188]

Well that system is now $500. Actually won't work for me because I want to lower the front by an inch or so.

[@goblin103187]

Drop in spring upgrades are no where near a gas filled cartridge system in performance. Dollar for dollar you can't beat progressive. Ohlin and Legends are great but for over twice the price you're not getting twice the performance in my opinion.

[@OrganizedMud]

I agree that drop in springs are not equivalent to a cartridge system. First it's very important to understand though that the Traxxion's system I am reviewing here is NOT just spring upgrades. The "comparable" progressive system is a unilateral design much like the "upgraded" Harley touring spring shocks were where you only adjust one side. You have a cartridge shim stack and dampener system on one side and spring rebound system on the other side. There are many issues with this, but my primary dislike is simply that the Traxxion system I reviewed on this video comprises new linear rate springs for my specific weights and riding style, and new modified dampener with integrated 3 stage shim stack- on both sides. This is mechanically very similar as an Ohlin or Legends cartridge system and provides literally twice the mechanical suspension characteristics as the Progressive without any of the torsion forces caused by running an unbalanced unilateral design. Granted, the torsion aspect is probably negligible. I run Legends Revo-A on the rear, and the Traxxion front matches the feel of the Revo rear like it was a manufactured set. The Traxxion system's brilliance, is that they've found a way to inexpensively produce the same mechanical aspects of a cartridge system, without the added cost of manufacturing a contained cartridge system. With Traxxion, the forks tubes are the cartridge. It is not as convenient to install as the cartridge system, hence a major selling point for DIY'ers, but, the because the cartridge system must fit within the fork tube and then all its components must fit within that smaller tube, it reduces the potential effectiveness of the suspension system, by reducing the possible amount of usable oil and the size of the shim stack and port holes must also be smaller. In order to effectively manage the significant weight of a Harley touring model in conjunction with the weight of the fat Harley biker that I am, making the system smaller, with less oil, and smaller porting, is the opposite of the best idea. In summary, the Traxxion system offers more oil, a manufactured dampener-shim stack component with larger porting than the original Harley dampener plus the benefits of multi-stage shims for a dynamic ride quality of a true dual cartridge system, for approximately one third the price. Yes, progressive is about the same price. Ask yourself, how. How do they manufacturer all of that at the same price? Quality cuts. With Traxxion though you get all the quality without the additional expense. That's just my 2 cents though, I could be wrong. Thanks for the comment.

[@randyenglehart3502]

I also like that you get the approximate performance of a cartridge without the requirement to send them in for regularly scheduled maintenance. I already have to send my Ohlins shocks in and don't want to have to send in fork cartridges as well! @@OrganizedMud

[@OrganizedMud]

Good point, I didn’t even think of that. In this system I’d say the most you’d have to do is replace the fluid and normal form service. The linear rate springs should last a long time.

[@-MrRichBiker1967]

Hi, way to much info,slim. you might want to make 2 videos. one for the sitauation you need, and then the INSTALL, ty .

[@OrganizedMud]

@@-MrRichBiker1967 ok 👍 I’ll get right on it.

[@payogie]

Roll Tide!