Chopper Sofail ride quality question
- Thread starter mittens
- Start date
ChopperFred
Member
The only part numbers I found was from an old list of BDM chopper part numbers.
For what it's worth, it says:
BDM130-00008 11" HIDDEN SHOCKS, 1220LB SPRG
BDM130-00010 BOLT, HEX SHOULDER(SHOCK)
boomer4444
Active Member
might want to take a look at the way your rear fender is mounted onto the struts, might be able to tweak a half inch out of it with some shims etc! looks to me like they mounted the fender way to low on the struts which would compound bottoming out
boomer4444
Active Member
possably,But i have seen plenty of bikes that had suspension issues that the inside of fender was rubbing the tire during suspension travel before getting to the bump stops,, worth checking as a possability . that was why I threw it out there ,take it as you wish,, advice is free! good troubleshootin mechanics are NOT! good luck
:lol:bigdog2003
Member
Bottoming out suspension
I ride a 2003 chopper and have never had a problem with it bottoming out, even two-up. However, I do find that the suspension doesn't work well above 70mph. It just doesn't recover quickly enough and it starts bouncing around. Now, I rarely ride above that speed anyway, but it would be nice if it smoothed out like most bikes to allow faster top speeds, particularly on open roads. My last bike was a lowered HD softail custom that had been heavily modified and, even it rode much better than my BDM. You're riding a hotrod after all so you can't expect a smooth ride. Like they say, "you can be cool, or comfortable." Sounds like you've made your choice.
I ride a 2003 chopper and have never had a problem with it bottoming out, even two-up. However, I do find that the suspension doesn't work well above 70mph. It just doesn't recover quickly enough and it starts bouncing around. Now, I rarely ride above that speed anyway, but it would be nice if it smoothed out like most bikes to allow faster top speeds, particularly on open roads. My last bike was a lowered HD softail custom that had been heavily modified and, even it rode much better than my BDM. You're riding a hotrod after all so you can't expect a smooth ride. Like they say, "you can be cool, or comfortable." Sounds like you've made your choice.
mittens
Active Member
Ok guys have some thing for you. Watch and Compare. This is my 190lbs father, with his left knee that was replaced 2 months ago, just pushing on the one rear peg while holding the bike up. you can see the rear suspension travel.
2004 Big Dog Chopper (softail) - YouTube
Now to me if its only supposed to barley move with 200lbs fully sitting on it, then its moving to much at this point. Just figured I would share. since he sent me the video.
2004 Big Dog Chopper (softail) - YouTube
Now to me if its only supposed to barley move with 200lbs fully sitting on it, then its moving to much at this point. Just figured I would share. since he sent me the video.
mittens
Active Member
Ok guys have some thing for you. Watch and Compare. This is my 190lbs father, with his left knee that was replaced 2 months ago, just pushing on the one rear peg while holding the bike up. you can see the rear suspension travel.
2004 Big Dog Chopper (softail) - YouTube
Now to me if its only supposed to barley move with 200lbs fully sitting on it, (3/4 inch sag) then its moving to much at this point. Just figured I would share. since he sent me the video.
2004 Big Dog Chopper (softail) - YouTube
Now to me if its only supposed to barley move with 200lbs fully sitting on it, (3/4 inch sag) then its moving to much at this point. Just figured I would share. since he sent me the video.
francoblay1
The Spaniard
My K9 is on the lift at the moment so I can´t try it, but..... as discussed in previous threads... I think you definitely need to change those shocks.... I can´t remember for sure right now but wasn´t Carlos who was selling you a set of progressive ones? or talk to Curtis (WSW).
Fat_Bastard
Active Member
Hey Mittens,
Saw the vid -- nice...
I can say (IMHO) to a certainty that your rear shocks are bad!
I got the same 2004 Chopper and mine don't do that!
If I were to replace mine I would look into the air shocks. They are very cool and get a lot of attention when you play with 'em... Then you can adjust for what ever size "bitch" you put on the back.
bearman
Active Member
I have the Progressives on my ’06 Mastiff. Trust me, you want to be able to adjust the height different from the spring rate. It is worth the extra money. You can make a 2004 Chopper ride like a fat boy with them.
If you really want to throw some money out, someone does make an air shock setup that is air adjustable for spring rate and air adjustable for height. But for me that is just something else that could fail and possibly leave you stranded.
If you really want to throw some money out, someone does make an air shock setup that is air adjustable for spring rate and air adjustable for height. But for me that is just something else that could fail and possibly leave you stranded.
PurpleDog
Well-Known Member
I've been searching around for hours (years absent from the site honestly) for modern/decent '07 K9 rear shock part numbers. I have 2 sets of Air Shock setups that I've dealt with leaking and too low (ride height) for a decade. I could put 'em back on and carry on if necessary - but I figured I try to ditch the air in favor of the correct set of Progressives or height adjustable others? Anyone have correct part numbers? I've called Progressive Suspension directly to no avail btw...Thanks.
/jim (a/k/a PurpleDog)
/jim (a/k/a PurpleDog)
The Kaptin has been working on that. Might give him a shout and see what he's come up with.