[DirtyDrywaller]

Hi
I have a 2001 883 hugger that the forks bottoms out on quite often.

Yesterday I replaced the stock springs and fork oil with Progressive Suspension Stock-Height Fork Spring Kit for Sportster and Dyna | 230-554 | J&P Cycles and this type E fork oil Type E Fork Oil-62600026 | Oils & Fluids | Official Harley-Davidson Online Store.

There is noticeable improvement but I did still bottom them out a couple times when applying brakes and hitting what I consider small bumps.
I noticed that even with the pvc spacers that the fork caps were pretty easy to get screwed back on, the spacers extended about 1.5 inches past the top of the forks and the pvc spacers were approximately 3 inches long out of the box.

I used 9 ounces of oil which is what is called for on wet forks in the book but the springs were dry.
Im wondering if I should either get some heavier fork oil or longer spacers to increase pre load to the springs.

My girlfriend told me im just a fat bastard and should consider losing some weight to solve the problem.
I weigh 225.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Rodzilla6]

I put those springs on my rocker and love them...But I use SE heavy duty fork oil and I think that helps. Like you, I'm not a light weight...LOL. Ride safe.

 

[YoshiV]

That's odd as my 05 FXD has the same front end, is heavier and I'm heavier and I've haven't had any issues bottoming out the front end with those springs, even on the crappier local railroad crossings!

 

[Baldrick]

If you followed Progressives advice then the preload should be OK but why not check it before doing any mods. Measure total fork travel (height with front wheel off the ground - height fully compressed). Then measure height with bike on the ground with no load. Pre-load should be about 20% of total travel. This makes sure the wheel can go down holes as well as up bumps!
If that's OK then I would try Screaming Eagle oil but measure the height of the oil in the fork rather than the volume you pour in (as per Progressives installation instructions). Worked like a dream for me.

 

[DirtyDrywaller]

If you followed Progressives advice then the preload should be OK but why not check it before doing any mods. Measure total fork travel (height with front wheel off the ground - height fully compressed). Then measure height with bike on the ground with no load. Pre-load should be about 20% of total travel. This makes sure the wheel can go down holes as well as up bumps!
If that's OK then I would try Screaming Eagle oil but measure the height of the oil in the fork rather than the volume you pour in (as per Progressives installation instructions). Worked like a dream for me.

yeah you were correct, I went ahead and removed the springs collapsed the forks then over filled the tubes and used a fork oil syringe type tool to get the level at 5.5 inches, per progressives diagram and instructions.
I dunno what that equals in ounces but in my manual it states for the xl1200 that you add oil in that manner, just says 9 oz for wet forks and 12 for dry on the 883.

It rides great now and no where near bottoming out the forks.

Thanks for pointing me in the right direction.

Thanks for everyones imput.