Ohlins vs Progressives?

[Aliend.DNB]

Hello all, soon to be Vmax owner just waiting on meet up to purchase bike. While looking ahead i see that there is a lot of mentions of the death wobble in the older year Vmax's when exactly did things improve for the Vmax's if so? Buying a 2005 20th anniversary edition very well taken care of. In the past i had a GL1500 Touring Valkyrie with a massive sound system and a pull behind trailer and Progressive 444's on it and it worked amazing. Scanning through the forums i see a lot of mentions of the Ohlins shocks and that they are rather pricey. Wondering if anyone has had experience with any progressive shocks or not worth the money? 250lb rider usually with a back pack full of tech gear and maybe some side sadles in the future with emergency gear locks etc.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

 

[Fire-medic]

The pricier PS will give good service. The 412's (PS) are similar to the OEM, maybe a bit better. Ohlins are $$$ and are probably the best available. You can look at Race Tech too. Not cheap! https://racetech.com/g3-s-custom-shock/

Race Tech:


$1,000.
https://racetech.com/custom-order-form/

 

[Aliend.DNB]

Thanks Medic, Also looking at getting some decent LED headlights:

Light: https://www.ledperf.us/led-headligh...1mOtJlronvtJ9z5RZ8fuKfhAc_xV8zoMBoaXee1RMYlhl
Mount: https://www.ledperf.us/satin-black-...-led-optics-of-yamaha-v-max-1200-p-35649.html

Would i need some sort of converter for the power to led?

 

[Fire-medic]

That looks like a good piece for the headlight & bucket. I like ones which have rubber sleeves for the mount arms, but that bracket pair should work OK.

The CREE is a well-known brand of illumination.

You might do a search on here for some threads about using a relay to feed the headlight its 'juice.'

 

[wayne billings]

Please excuse my big nose hear, I have heard that Hagon in England can customize rear shocks. I have heard good things. Might be worth a try.

 

[MaxMidnight]

Thanks Medic, Also looking at getting some decent LED headlights:

Light: https://www.ledperf.us/led-headligh...1mOtJlronvtJ9z5RZ8fuKfhAc_xV8zoMBoaXee1RMYlhl
Mount: https://www.ledperf.us/satin-black-...-led-optics-of-yamaha-v-max-1200-p-35649.html

Would i need some sort of converter for the power to led?

No, the web page says iot w

Thanks Medic, Also looking at getting some decent LED headlights:

Light: https://www.ledperf.us/led-headligh...1mOtJlronvtJ9z5RZ8fuKfhAc_xV8zoMBoaXee1RMYlhl
Mount: https://www.ledperf.us/satin-black-...-led-optics-of-yamaha-v-max-1200-p-35649.html

Would i need some sort of converter for the power to led?

According to the link they will run on 12 volts so no.

 

[Dorney]

I just got a LED replacement bulb for a V-MAX plug & play. Works great nice & bright.

 

[for_gdw]

Thanks Medic, Also looking at getting some decent LED headlights:

Light: https://www.ledperf.us/led-headligh...1mOtJlronvtJ9z5RZ8fuKfhAc_xV8zoMBoaXee1RMYlhl
Mount: https://www.ledperf.us/satin-black-...-led-optics-of-yamaha-v-max-1200-p-35649.html

Would i need some sort of converter for the power to led?

I think the problem is you need to have these horrible bowls on the forks, the LED headlights need a bit more room than the standard bowl allows.

 

[for_gdw]

Hello all, soon to be Vmax owner just waiting on meet up to purchase bike. While looking ahead i see that there is a lot of mentions of the death wobble in the older year Vmax's when exactly did things improve for the Vmax's if so? Buying a 2005 20th anniversary edition very well taken care of. In the past i had a GL1500 Touring Valkyrie with a massive sound system and a pull behind trailer and Progressive 444's on it and it worked amazing. Scanning through the forums i see a lot of mentions of the Ohlins shocks and that they are rather pricey. Wondering if anyone has had experience with any progressive shocks or not worth the money? 250lb rider usually with a back pack full of tech gear and maybe some side sadles in the future with emergency gear locks etc.

Thanks in advance for the feedback!

Best thing I got were the GSX 1400 fully adjustable and good value secondhand market out there

 

[MaxMidnight]

I just got a LED replacement bulb for a V-MAX plug & play. Works great nice & bright.

There is an issue with pairing an LED bulb with a reflector and lens designed for incandescent bulbs.
In the UK it is illegal to do this and as the beam is not as well controlled it can dazzle oncoming vehicles.

 

[Aliend.DNB]

There is an issue with pairing an LED bulb with a reflector and lens designed for incandescent bulbs.
In the UK it is illegal to do this and as the beam is not as well controlled it can dazzle oncoming vehicles.

Appreciate this if i do change i will buy the housing that goes with it as i want a 7" LED headlight since stock is 5.25" i believe. I was more concerned if any thing needed to go inline between power and LED to clean up any power issues.

 

[Aliend.DNB]

That looks like a good piece for the headlight & bucket. I like ones which have rubber sleeves for the mount arms, but that bracket pair should work OK.

The CREE is a well-known brand of illumination.

You might do a search on here for some threads about using a relay to feed the headlight its 'juice.'

Yeah relay is what i was wondering if i needed for LED if anyone has any links or suggestions i have no clue what could work at this moment

 

[MaxMidnight]

As a LED light will have less current draw than OE then I don't see need or benefit adding a relay would bring.
IMO there is no advantage in complicating the wiring and you will be adding the potential for something to go wrong.

 

[Dansmaxresto]

I just got a LED replacement bulb for a V-MAX plug & play. Works great nice & bright.

Can you share the name and part number for the LED bulb you put in?

 

[Fire-medic]

As a LED light will have less current draw than OE then I don't see need or benefit adding a relay would bring.
IMO there is no advantage in complicating the wiring and you will be adding the potential for something to go wrong.

A relay reduces the amps sent through the headlight circuit switching, so the make or break circuit to the bulb doesn't develop pitting from the arc of a circuit being opened/closed. Remember what happens to the headlight when you press the starter, it turns-off, momentarily. Take a look at the fuse for the headlight to see what voltage/amperes surge you're protecting.

Same thing w/the horn, if you have a relay, the circuit being switched is lesser amperes while the voltage to the appliance is maximized.

 

[MaxMidnight]

A relay reduces the amps sent through the headlight circuit switching, so the make or break circuit to the bulb doesn't develop pitting from the arc of a circuit being opened/ closed.

True and may be relevant if a bulb with a higher current draw was being fitted but we are talking about a LED bulb which, I assume, will draw less current that the OE fitment? IMO the condition of the connectors is more likely to cause a voltage drop. Making and breaking them several times will clean them up.

Remember what happens to the headlight when you press the starter, it turns-off, momentarily. Take a look at the fuse for the headlight to see what voltage/amperes surge you're protecting.

As the starter is activated via a relay for the reasons you have stated above is there going to be a surge?
Whilst happy to be proven wrong, I have always assumed the headlamp dimmed to ensure the maximum current is available to turn the starter which could be an issue in cold weather or reduced battery charge

 

[Aliend.DNB]

So dialing back around to progressives, I am thinking about getting the 13" Harley Progressive 444's that match the ones for the vmax that are discontinued. What front forks should i also aquire to best accompany or compliment these that are in a decent price range nothing crazy. Please & Thank you in advance will be for an 05 vmax that is 100% stock at this momet.

 

[MaxMidnight]

In terms of bang for buck all you need are decent springs my preference would be for a single rate e.g. Racetech. combined with their Gold emulators.
You then you have a front end that can outperform the majority of riders ability.

The alternative is to go for a USD front end but this will cost significantly more for little if any benefit in handling.

 

[Aliend.DNB]

In terms of bang for buck all you need are decent springs my preference would be for a single rate e.g. Racetech. combined with their Gold emulators.
You then you have a front end that can outperform the majority of riders ability.

The alternative is to go for a USD front end but this will cost significantly more for little if any benefit in handling.

Good prices is this all I would need? How difficult is it to do myself or are there places I could go to have it done if I buy the parts? Is race tech a brand that is serviced at most major bike repair shops? Never hear for used them before but trust your recommendations!

 

[Dorney]

Hi Dansmaxresto
Sorry I got sidetracked & till I went through my paperwork to find it. It's a 32w 3000LM COB LED Hi Lo Beam H4 Motorcycle Headlight Front Light Bulb Lamp Item #252172581172 Seller [email protected]