Improved Front Suspension w/ Intiminator Fork Valves for Harley
PREMIUM DAMPING
FORK VALVE SYSTEM
For
Harley-Davidson
Sportster ~ Dyna ~ Softail ~ Touring ~ Trike
Models
Features & Specs:
- Increased Stability in Turns
- Increased Cornering Ability
- Reduced Brake Dive
- Smoother Overall Ride
- Faster Braking
- Less Wallowing in Curves
- More Control at Slow & Fast Speeds
- Less Harshness over Bumps
- Reduced Bottoming Out
- Improved Tire/Road Connection
- Easy Installation
- Works with Standard Fork Springs & Aftermarket Springs
- Sold as a Pair
- Patented Inertia-Activated Valves
Benefits:
Using the Intiminator in the forks, whether with stock or aftermarket springs, the ride is greatly improved. Not only do they smooth out the bumps, large & small, it is amazing how much more stable your bike/trike will feel going thru the curves. It is confidence inspiring.
There is reduced brake dive, and the front tire stays much more connected to the road, improving traction, and reducing that loose, wallowing feeling.
Full Details:
Suspension Basics: When the front wheel hits a bump, the fork compresses to let the wheel go over the bump. The spring in the fork first resists this compression, then extends the fork after the bump. But without some way to control the speed at which compression and extension (also called rebound) take place, the wheel would bounce, oscillating until the energy of hitting the bump was dissipated. In order to control wheel movement, that energy has to be damped.
In a damper rod fork (which Harley uses), that’s accomplished by forcing oil through an orifice inside the fork. But this method doesn’t work well at slow compression speeds, when the oil is moving so slowly as to provide no real damping, or at very high compression speeds, when it’s moving so fast it doesn’t move through the orifice at all, a condition called hydraulic lock, which effectively stops the fork from compressing.
The Intiminator itself is an improvement over the fixed orifices in the damper rod. It uses a flexible shim stack (in the larger-diameter base) like those in sophisticated cartridge forks, and an inertia valve (the brass-colored part under the nut on top) that opens up a bypass for faster oil flow at high compression speeds.
At low speeds over the kinds of bumps you encounter on the street, the shims alone provide damping, controlling the flow of oil and bending to allow more through if needed.
At higher speeds the motion sensing inertia valve takes over. It sits on a light spring, and remains closed until the wheel begins to move upward sharply; it then slides down and opens a port through the middle of the Intiminator that lets the fork oil flow freely, allowing the wheel to get up and over the bump as quickly as possible.
Under braking, which causes the front end of the bike to pitch as weight transfers onto the front wheel, the inertia valve remains closed, and the shim stack’s damping effect moderates dive. In this way the Intinimator reacts differently to wheel movement (hitting a bump) and chassis movement (hitting the brakes).
IAS Inside. Inertia Active Suspension is a patented technology. They dynamically adjust damping, resulting in improved riding comfort & control.
This is achieved via a motion sensing valve in the shock body that dynamically adjusts the damping to be ideal for both dips and bumps.
Fitment: Most Harley-Davidsons 1977 and up Except:
The few late model HD's that have 43mm Inverted Forks (2020+ Low Rider S & Fat Bob)
2016-Up Sportster Models*
Some 2017-Up Models that have a cartridge on one or both sides*.
Note: There are a few Models throughout the years that Harley has used a Spring and Damper Rod (Tube) on one side and a cartridge on the other. These do not work with cartridge style suspension.
*Many Customers have replaced the cartridge on one side with the standard damper rod and then used the Intiminators with good results.
When you order there are a few simple questions. Your answers give us the information needed to send you the correct Intiminators, set up for you & your bike.
When installing these Performance Valves, the fork fluid must be changed. We recommend Maxima Racing Formula Fork Fluid.
Fork fluid can be purchased locally, or you can use the option to add it to your order.
Different Intiminators use different weight fluid. If you choose to have us send you the Racing Formula Fork Fluid with your order, we will send the matching weight. (5W for 39mm and 41mm forks & 10W for 49mm forks)
Please note:
1. These will improve your front suspension, both with the stock fork springs, or aftermarket springs. In most instances, if you use aftermarket springs, they will improve your ride even more. See Springs HERE.
2. If you are still running stock rear shocks, you can complete your suspension upgrade by replacing them with some Performance Shocks. See them HERE.
3. We have package deals for complete, front & rear, suspension upgrades, which you can see HERE.
4. To see our Complete Report on Suspension Testing and Grading of various components, Click HERE.
Go HERE to See The Intiminators Work
4.9
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Top customer reviews
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Great ride! 0 people found this helpfulNo more bottoming out in my driveway and deep dives at stop lights. Highly recommended!
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Totally worth it! 0 people found this helpfulI installed the DK Intiminators together with stiffer Race Tech springs on my TC Fat Boy. The result is fantastic. I can’t say exactly how much of the improvement comes from the Intiminators and how much from the springs, but the bike feels significantly firmer and more controlled without becoming uncomfortable. It’s exactly right for riding on the Swiss Alpine passes. The Intiminators are hard to find here in Europe, so I ordered them directly from the USA. Thanks to DK Custom Products for the service—you’re doing a great job!
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Bang for a buck! 0 people found this helpfulGreat product! Combined them with extended damper rods and RT springs. The result is great: no more brake dive, and at speeds over 40mph, small potholes don't even exist.
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An easy, cost effective upgrade. 1 people found this helpfulBought along with front footboard extensions and an oil cooler and oil filter relocation kit as this winters upgrade programme. The Intiminators are very good quality, easy to fit and (based on a static work the forks with the brake on) appear to have a positive effect. I also fitted a set of progressive suspension fork springs which, although not listed for my 2018 Tri Glide, do fit as stated by the fantastically helpful staff at DK Customs. I will know more about the combined effects on the front suspension once the weather improves here in the UK!
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Do it yourself 1 people found this helpfulOnly rode 40 miles so far, but noticeable improved grab of the road and easier steering. This was a DIY install so just a couple hints: Screw a 2X8 vertically to your workbench to screw the forks to for removal and installation of spring, spacer, etc. Find a bolt head that fits the hex indent on top of fork, then shorten and weld to flat steel bar for tool to remove and install. I used a stool to lean on and install the top of fork. The amount of oil for my 2019 forks was 24 oz.
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Best bang for your buck 1 people found this helpfulInstalled these on a 2018 FLHTKL with stock springs. These Intiminator valves work in conjunction with the factory dual bending valves and lighter weight oil to create both a high and low speed damping circuit which results in a noticeable reduction in brake dive and yet smoother over ripple bumps. The chassis feels more stable and predictable - a definite improvement over stock.
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Worth every $$$ 1 people found this helpfulI have been running the progressive springs,stiff springs.after installing the Intiminators the ride is perfect now.Smooth.California road tested and approved ????????
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Intimidator drop in 1 people found this helpfulI installed these on my 2016 street glide and I did not cut the 5/8 of a inch off of my springs and they were very noticeable in a good way they work very good for the money thank you Dk customs
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Lotta bang for the buck 6 people found this helpfulI installed these in my 21 Tri Glide last year. I just came back from Maggie valley NC and rode the tail of the dragon 3 times and many other roads pretty aggressively for a Trike. The nosedive was almost not noticeable. It was there , don’t get me wrong but was so subtle it was unnoticeable. I had Progressive cartridges in my 07 Electra Glide and I must say these are better because it gives you smoothness and compliance. I installed these myself and took me about 2 hours I guess.
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Nice Improvement. 4 people found this helpfulInstalled these on a 2020 Limited. Made a nice difference in ride and handling. Nose dive significantly reduced, and much more controlled. Front feels "planted" now. I don't feel every crack in the road. Just floats across them. Curves handle predictably and the bike just feels much better. I was hesitant at first, but glad I went and purchased these. I kept stock springs.
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A must upgrade 2 people found this helpfulAdded the Intimidator valves to my Freewheeler and it was the second best upgrade I’ve made after the Convertible Comfort Lift Kit. The difference is night and day
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Somewhat disappointed. 8 people found this helpfulAfter riding over 2,300 miles with the Intiminators installed,I feel absolutely no change in handling, brake dive or ride quality. This amount of mileage is more than fair to give a judgement. I give them 3 stars because they changed nothing, for better or worse. I was really hoping to get some benefit from these. I'm glad that things are not worse, so I don't feel the need to put things back to stock. I ride almost every type of road in Ohio, KY, and In.
Response from store
Hi Bob,
I’m sorry to hear that the Intiminators didn’t deliver the improvement you were hoping for, we hate to hear that you’re not fully satisfied. We’ve installed them on our own bikes and have definitely felt a noticeable difference in ride quality, brake dive reduction, and overall handling. Thousands of our customers have shared similar experiences with improved comfort and control, especially on varied terrain like you described.
Brake dive and handling are typically the first things riders notice, so we’d be happy to help troubleshoot or discuss your setup if you're open to it. Sometimes small factors like fork oil weight or preload can influence results. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or would like support dialing them in.
Thanks again for giving them a fair try, and we appreciate you sharing your honest feedback.
[email protected]
Thank you for your business!
Melissa -
Big change in front of TriGlide 2 people found this helpfulI am very happy with this product. Made the front end ride smooth out. Pretty simple installation.
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Suspension upgrade 2 people found this helpfulI paired these with the Rev Tech springs from DK on my 2020 Tri-Glide. It is unbelievable how this pairing improved the ride quality of the trike. The front end is now literally stuck to the road and feedback is virtually gone! Another great product from DK!
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Great Improvement 2 people found this helpfulWe had the Intiminators installed and wow, what a difference in the ride, the trike seemed much more "attuned" to the road and no more front end diving when the brakes are grabbed. These were a great addition to our ride and would definitely recommend to anyone else.
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Money very well spent 4 people found this helpfulI recently bought a pair of Intiminators while I was on holiday in Florida from the UK to save on shipping costs and Customs duty and what a Massive difference it has made to the front end, a huge improvement even with the stock rear suspension which will be changed soon as I have ordered a pair of Bitubos not from you I am afraid as they are easier to get here in England, the delivery was very prompt to Florida and I cannot say enough as to how big a difference it makes to the ride it is “Plush” and effortless over our crappy roads, thanks again for making such a great product
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39mm Intiminator - 2008 Nightster XL1200N 8 people found this helpfulPurchased this product on 3/6/2025 and it was delivered on 3/7/2025. Always fast processing, shipping, and delivery with DK Custom! These fork valves are top quality and come nicely packed and contained in a protective case with foam individually surrounding each valve. I will be installing these on Monday (3/10/2025) - I attempted to install them this evening but the Harley-Davidson fork nut covers were larger in diameter than any socket or wrench I currently own, so I had to order one. THE FORK NUT REQUIRES A 1-3/8 (35MM) SOCKET. You can get one on Amazon specifically designed for Harley-Davidson, and it has a rubber gasket in the center to protect your fork nut. Lastly, be sure to follow the instructions and use the proper fork fluid. I am using the Maxima (blue) Race Fluid in 5 weight. Always a pleasure doing business with DK Custom...friendly staff, fast shipping, and quality products.
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Awesome ride after installing all 3 of these. 3 people found this helpfulThese Intiminator Fork Valves really made a big difference with the ride of my Tri-Glide. I installed the lift plates and the Pro-Action rear shocks from DK Customs separately before installing these Intiminator Valves. The lift plate made a remarkable difference and then the rear shocks made it even better. Now with these Intiminator Valves, the ride is complete. I should have installed all 3 at once, but am glad of the results after all 3 installed. I would recommend installing all 3 at the same time for anyone wondering.
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big improvement 7 people found this helpfulI recently installed the DK Customs Intimidator fork valving inserts into my 2011 FXDWG. While I do not have a lot of miles on them as of yet my initial impressions of the performance characteristics are quite favorable. No more nose dive upon braking, Handles bumps with ease and improves overall fork performance. This is the biggest bang per-dollar upgrade you can do for your suspension. Easy to install, easy to enjoy. Highly recommended. Thanks DK for all you do!
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Improved curve handling 2 people found this helpfulI live & ride the ozark mountains lots of curves and hills this product is a must for the mountains. I can actually feel the front suspension working like should. It compress going into the curve & holds the line. (No flouting to the outside of the curve) and releases as I accelerate going out. It has turned my big heavy touring bike into a sport bike. I’m very impressed. With the overall handling and control and comfort. I also upgraded the front springs racetech and rear shocks by dk custom. Thanks for a far superior performance and safety experience for my ride.
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70% improved 3 people found this helpfulI don't usualy write reviews, but I'm so impressed by the results. Traxxion 1.20kg springs, intiminators & 26mm preload.....amazing ride for the money.
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A must do 6 people found this helpfulAfter I installed the Nextgen shocks and mounting plate on my 2023 Triglide it made the feel of my OEM front suspension feel rough. I installed these Intimidaters. It made a huge difference in the overall ride. Now both ends are working together, and the ride/handling is amazing. The difference between the OEM suspension and the combination of Nextgen shocks with Intimidaters is incredible.
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2015 Tri Glide 5 people found this helpfulI cannot get over the difference in my forks since I installed these in my trike, I would recommend these to anyone wanting to stop the bounce in the front suspension. Thanks D-K for your great products!
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Very happy with the Intiminators 6 people found this helpfulInstalled these on my 2016 Ultra and rode 400 miles the next day. I could tell a huge improvement right away. I recommend these because they work as advertised.
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Great Product 4 people found this helpfulThese are the best money that I have spent on Harley parts. My sportster would bottom out easy. I rebuilt the forks and installed the intiminators. It made a huge difference! No more bottoming out, way less brake dive, the overall ride was greatly improved. Buy em!
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The difference in response is incredible. 3 people found this helpfulCouldn’t believe the difference!! Was impressed on the first ride. No vibration on handlebars anymore!!
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nice addition 0 people found this helpfulvalves were easy to install. I cut 1/2" off of the spacer. They work great!
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WOW! 1 people found this helpfulI installed the intimidators in my 2020 road king and cut 5/8 inch off the preload spacers because I did not want a stiffer ride. I’m not sure I needed to do that but I no longer feel the road imperfections through the handlebars. I installed Super Shoxs on the rear last year and now it rides like a touring motorcycle should even better than my Indian Roadmaster which rides great with no modifications. Thanks DK
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Great Improvement 7 people found this helpfulI purchased these intiminator fork valves for my 2019 Road King Special. I removed the fork legs and installed with the supplied (extra price) correct fork oil for my application. I have improved handling in corners with a more planted ride. Much Less nose dive when braking. Also a much more comfortable ride with these installed. I highly recommend these to upgrade the factory front fork suspension. I do recommend having the mechanical ability and correct tools for installation.
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Excellent customer service and product. 6 people found this helpfulOur '08 Ultra had hideous brake dive and consistently bottomed out on harsh bumps, and would search for a line when traveling over 70mph. After a long conversation with the folks at DKC, I ordered the RaceTech non progressive springs and Intiminator valves. I had a worry I'd make the front too stiff, but shouldn't have, the ride is perfect, no more pushing out the line on full power corners, no more line searching at freeway speeds and the brake dive is gone, completely gone. Application of hard braking now results in a nice sutble weight shift and complete confidence in the predictability of the bike. I simply could not be happier with the changes in the bikes handling. When I also installed the 13" NexGen rear shocks the bike was transformed into a true mile eater and comfortable, predictable pleasure to ride. Thank you very much for answering my questions, offering advice and delivering such a great product. Even the instal was easy with great, clear directions, I followed them to the letter and the results are amazing.
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Much improved 2 people found this helpfulCustomer service was great. Received in a few days. The ride was a lot better. Bumps in the road were much softer.
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Awesome customer service 0 people found this helpfulI can’t say enough about the customer service. Took my information and told me exactly what I needed. We had a hiccup with UPS losing my order but CS was all over it and made sure a new order was shipped immediately. Traveling presently and have not installed yet and but have zero doubt that the ride will be incredible. Highly recommend and couldn’t ask for better folks to do business with.
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Huge Improvement 2 people found this helpfulSo glad i decided to spend my money on these! Front suspension is amazing compared to stock! Soaks up the bumps so much better and they keep the front tire planted to the ground
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Outstanding 4 people found this helpfulCustomer service top notch. Intiminators are all what has been said about them. Great product and easy install. Purchased three. One for wife’s bike (05 Deluxe), my 01 Sportster and 19 Electra Glide Standard.
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Recommended! 3 people found this helpfulSo recently put in the Intimidators Fork Valves and my '06 1200 Sporty Low front suspension feels more stable with less dive. Really glad I put them in. Thanks DK Customs!
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Great product, very satisfied 2 people found this helpfulThese took the "edge" off of the suspension, and made everything feel smoother. Thank you.
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94 Road King 1 people found this helpfulEasy installation. I bought and added the recommended fork oil. I really can’t tell much of a difference from stock setup. I’ve only ridden around town, but will submit a new review after putting some more miles on the bike.
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Huge upgrade for a 2018 FreeWheeler 1 people found this helpfulThis is a well thought out and executed product. If you want to take a FW up a few notches to where it should’ve come from the factory, install the comfort lift rear, progressive front springs with Intimidators. Adds safety and a much nicer riding experience. Thank you for all the great videos.
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Great product 3 people found this helpfulAs others have written, I shoulda done it sooner. My 49mm FXDWG was riding like a Kenworth, and driving my crazy. These things, along with a set of 412s, made a whole new motorcycle. Now it rides like a Wide Glide should on all these rough Arizona desert roads. Thanks!
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Should’ve done it sooner 2 people found this helpfulFirst became aware of these when a DK YouTube video was suggested to me. From what I heard, it made perfect sense. But I didn't pull the trigger. About 6 months later i took my whole front end apart to remove my forks (not much fun on a early model road king). I rebuilt my forks and replaced the stock springs with progressive springs. Man, I should’ve bought the intiminator valves and done it then. After a few thousand miles and a front end that still needed improvement, I ordered the valves and oil. I gotta say, this is an investment that’s worth way more than its monetary value! Easy install! Cut 1/2”’off my pvc spacers to account for the valve thickness and dropped em in. My front end is very close to my buddies who has Ohlins cartridges. And we all know what that cost. I don’t know what words to use to describe the ride other than it doesn’t knock your teeth together and throw you off the seat. Harsh bumps are still harsh bumps but they’re handled so much better. And the small stuff, it just floats over like a boat on a wave. Highly recommended
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Excellent 2 people found this helpfulPaired these with progressive front springs and what a difference. Highly recommend and customer service with DK is great!
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A Good Option For the Front 0 people found this helpfulI'm on the lighter sided and added these to my 2020 Road King with Progressive springs replacements too. I didn't think I needed to reach the Apex of the best possible ride available, but feel its greatly improved the front suspension, perhaps, and just about reaching my expectations for the two mods.
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Mandatory Dyna 39mm Upgrade 1 people found this helpfulI had significant brake dive and a lot of wallowing over medium freeway bumps on my '05 Dyna 39mm forks with stock springs, so after some research, I tried the heavy duty fork fluid. That helped the brake dive and wallowing a lot, but now I felt every line and crack in the roads, which bothered my hands on rides from all the jolting. So after more research I chose Intimidators because you don't have to drill out the damper rods because they are designed around very thin fork oil. Easy install, but does increase spring pre load due to the thickness of the shim stack now being added to your springs. Not a bad thing, but definitely noticeable for my 180lbs. BUT, the Intimidators produce an amazingly better ride! Lines and cracks in the road are gone. Brake dive reduced. Firm, yet supple at the same time. Forks feel better matched to stock rear shocks. My hands don't feel beat up after rides. Totally worth it and DK Customs was great to deal with.
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Should’ve installed them sooner! 0 people found this helpfulThese are one of those parts that make you kick yourself after installation because you realize you’ve been missing out and suffering without them for so long! First off the install is VERY EASY. Seriously don’t sweat it, if you have the tools to get your fork tubes open you can put them in. Literally as simple as dropping them in. I installed them in my 2014 dyna, and reused the stock springs. I’d recommend getting springs too, as I still have some more brake dive than I’d like and a little bit too soft of a ride still. And I’m a fairly light guy at 150lb. Although the brake dive now happens at a much slower rate. (Takes more time for the forks to compress.) But WOW these valves really changed how the front end soaks up bumps and becomes much more predictable going into corners and with road undulations. The dampening with these valves is so noticeable that I had to stiffen up the rebound on my Bitubo shocks two clicks each, to have the perfect ride! I think that right there shows how noticeable the change was and just how mushy the stock “damper” setup is.
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installed the Ricor intiminators from DK Customs today 2 people found this helpfulTook the forks apart and installed the Intiminators. Relatively easy job, but did take a buddy and I to put the fork cap back on considering we did it manually with out a press. Once we had the first one figured the second one only took 15 minutes or so. Prior to the change I rode a route that included city driving, pavement cracks, bad asphalt, and a cloverleaf. I crossed a set of train tracks twice. I also braked fairly aggressively from 50 kmh to try and quantify the brake dive. After the change, I essentially rode the same path. From my seat of the pants study, I believe the bike dives less quickly than prior when braking. It also strikes me that braking with some dive and hitting an expansion joint is less “abrupt” after the change. The bounce over the tracks is hard to say since the whole bike moves anyway. During some of the shallower bumps on the city streets, it feels like the bike is more planted. Perhaps the rebound is more controlled. It also seemed that the bike tracked better during the relatively aggressive cloverleaf turns. All in all, I believe there is a difference; however, it doesn’t strike me as a nite and day difference like I had when I changed my ’89 and ’07 E-Glides from stock to progressive front springs and 412 rear shocks. Nor as significant as going from the ’07 to the ’19. But I believe there is a difference. As I said, it does feel more planted on the ground. Is it worth it? i am not exactly sure what i expected, but yes i think it is. the bike seems to hug the road better. i am not regretting the purchase at all Now a word about DK Customs. these are good folks to deal with. i first started down the path for this item due to this You Tube video. i had some questions that i sent by email directly to them. Dwayne got back to me with in 24 hours both times. the tag line on their email signature is " To give real service you must add something which cannot be bought or measured with money, and that is sincerity and integrity." It looks like they live by this. really good folks to deal with
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Big improvement 0 people found this helpfulI installed these along with the RaceTech springs on my 2019 and 2020 H-D FLH bikes. Huge improvement over stock forks. Handles bumps much better and no more brake dive. Very easy to install. I highly recommend them.
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Update to earlier review 2 people found this helpfulJust an update to my earlier review. Out on a ride today and was forced to really get into the brakes. The difference between the upgraded front end and the original can’t be compared. A world of difference in the ability to really get into the brakes when needed. The upgrade provides a much more controlled transition into braking.
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Front Suspension Upgrade 3 people found this helpfulI upgraded the suspension on a 2013 883 Iron. Based on DK Custom Products recommendation used the progressive springs and intimidator valves. The ride is now a lot tighter and more comfortable. Glad I made the switch. Don’t even notice bumps that would have jarred me before. Installation Note: The intimidator valves would not fit into the fork tubes without sanding the expansion rings around them. They also had to be pushed into the tubes with a piece of PVC pipe (recommended by DK Customs). If you install both the springs and valves you also have to cut the provided spacers 5/8 inch shorter than recommended in the instructions.
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Excellent product 0 people found this helpfulI installed these on an 06 XL custom. I also put in progressive forks and a 2 3/4 pre load. Maybe a little too stiff but I can adjust it later. This eliminates break dive and add confidence to down hill cornering! Stock sucks, if you aren't sure DK is always been there to help out and gives the best advice. It well worth the money and probably one of the most underrated mods you can do. Its easy as pie just go on and give it a try!
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150% Better with Race Techs Installed 2 people found this helpfulThese were installed in my 2017 H-D XL1200X. First, I installed the Race Tech 1.03kg springs, then later installed the Ricor Intiminators. The RT springs provide a 100% better suspenion over OEM; with the Intiminators installed, the upgrade is 150% better than OEM. The ride retains its sporty performance, but adds a little more plushness to absorb bumbs in the road. Just an all-around better ride! Highly recommend! Install notes for H-D XL1200X: OEM Fork Oil Level is 150mm in depth, which converts to 646mL. With the Ricor Intiminators installed, the fork oil level becomes 155mm, which is 627mL. The Schedule 40 PVC spacer that comes with the RT Springs required cutting of 12.3mm off the length to account for the Intiminators "washers" space. The RT Spring sits in the recess of the Intiminators, hence the 12.3mm cut; which includes the loss of .74mm due to the unused washer that went between the spring and damper. Again, very easy install and the ride is vastly better!! Very pleased!!