Questions

[Battleax]

Hello, been along time!

I was following this board years ago when I first bought the Valkyrie, which I bought in 2001.

Since buying it we have put 42,000 miles on it, keeping in mind I have 6 other bikes.

We have really enjoyed the Valkyrie and have made quite a few trips on it, we have seen quite a bit of the country, very fun ride.

Down to the questions, the stock suspension has worked fine, no leaks or anything of that nature, but I fear it is getting a little long in the tooth.

What are the proven fork and shock upgrades.

Our roads here are just terrible and there are a lot of sharp edged bumps and we need something that will cushion the hits but still handle well.

Thanks for your future replies.

[Bighead]

A lot here run progressives on both ends. ( but this is like an oil thread 20 answers and all 20 someone's opinion.) I am still running stock on both mine and no problems. Take into account I am not a hard parts dragger but do hit the pegs from time to time.

[hubcapsc]

I have 13 inch progressive 440 shocks with the heavy duty springs. If you
went that route, you'd have to get 444's now, and query people on the board
who have them for some more details, progressive doesn't have details
for Valkyries anymore. I also have progressive springs. I think they are
an essential upgrade, and I'm not the hardest charger either.

Works Performance shocks have a great reputation.

-Mike "oil and tires  "

[Battleax]

 Thanks again for the replies. What I am mostly concerned with is absorbing the sharp type bump that is so  prevalent on our miserable streets and roads.

 Has anyone noticed a improvement over stock with these type of bumps using an aftermarket suspension set up?

 I have noticed running the tire air pressure down a little helps but of course then you were dealing with tire wear and cupping.

 Right now I have Dunlop Elite 3s on the bike and I am soon to replace the front one with an Avon cobra, the Dunlaps have been seriously crap.

[dalai-lama]

I have the progressive springs in the front.  Went with a bit less fork oil and they are great.  I had progressive 440's in the back and these would bottom out on a severe compression dip.  I have works performance on now and have had them for about 80K miles with no issues.  Got 140K on my I/S right now.

[dalai-lama]

Thanks again for the replies. What I am mostly concerned with is absorbing the sharp type bump that is so  prevalent on our miserable streets and roads.

We have some pretty $hitty roads here in New England as well.  When I initially put the progressive fork springs in I had a heaver weight oil.  I want back down in weight and used just a little less.  Now only the most severe sharp edge gives the bars a little shake but nothing that is bad.

The works performance on the rear never notice the sharp edge bumps nor do they bottom out.  I have the Billet Trackers with ARS on mine.