Harsh front forks

[crash152]

Hi, I am new here. Just purchased a 1997 Standard Valkyrie with 22,000 miles. Love the smoothness and power. When I ride solo and hit a pavement buckle the front forks jolt me. I would like a smooth, plush soft ride. My go fast days are over so no need for a firm frontend. Can anyone help? Thanks.

[The Anvil]

Seals in the Valk are prone to leaking. I know that mine leaked badly and after a (while and a significant amount of fluid loss) it began to bottom badly. So I had it rebuilt and Progressive springs installed and it's better than it ever was before.

Could be your springs are tired (mine were) and you may also have a leg or two with no fluid in them which will cause bottoming fairly easily.

[Gryphon Rider]

Perhaps the previous owner used heavier than stock fork oil.  If you want it soft, don't go heavier than 10 weight fork oil.

[Ricky-D]

Hi, I am new here. Just purchased a 1997 Standard Valkyrie with 22,000 miles. Love the smoothness and power. When I ride solo and hit a pavement buckle the front forks jolt me. I would like a smooth, plush soft ride. My go fast days are over so no need for a firm frontend. Can anyone help? Thanks.

There's not much you can really do to achieve the kind of ride you want. Going over any frost heave is like the same on a speed bump.

It's going to give you a jolt.

Maybe some helium in the front tire might help a bit!

***

[valkyriemc]

While your waiting for other suggestions, I would use the search function, and search current posts along with the old tech archives. There are many thousands of posts over the years on many subjects. IMHO the issues might be possible change of springs, fluid level and weight, seals maybe, fork bearing(?) and don't overlook possible tire pressure(s). G/L

[FryeVRCCDS0067]

Locate and talk to the previous owner if you can. He/she might have installed new springs or replaced the seals. If they have done so, then as was previously stated higher viscosity fork oil and in particular, a higher level of fork oil could make the ride harsh.

That being said, lower viscosity fork oil and/or a lower level of fork oil could smooth it somewhat. I run progressive springs in front, I think it's one of the best improvements I've made to the bike. However, I like my suspension a little stiffer, hence I run a slightly higher lever of oil. Because of that, I don't know whether progressive springs alone could be used to soften up the ride.

Be advised though, the valk has no drain plugs in the forks and changing fluid is a fairly big job.

[JetDriver]

My forks were stock up to about 48,000 miles.  I would hit expansion joints or frost heaves and the forks would give me a good jolt with associated noise from the springs (I suppose it was the springs).  Early this year, I put Progressive springs in, and used 10 wt. fork oil.  Like others have said, you're not going to get a "1970s Cadillac" ride, but the jolts are gone, the noise is gone, and the ride is smoother.  New springs will help your problem.