Do I need the AXEO21 "KO" High-Performance?
Beginning in 2018, Harley released the Knockout Wheel Kit (KO Kit), which came as a standard OEM front fork/wheel package specifically on the CVO Road Glide models. The KO Wheel Kit incorporates a 21" front wheel and a longer front fork tube than what had traditionally been offered on FL Touring models in the past. The longer fork tube was Harley's solution to accommodate the larger diameter front wheel included with the KO kit and ensures front fender/fairing clearance, preventing any contact that may occur between the front fender and the lower triple tree under extreme front suspension compression. To fit these models, we designed a cartridge to be used specifically with the KO kit and longer KO fork tube length. The AXEO21 "KO" High-Performance kit we offer has a longer cartridge length than the standard AXEO21 High-Performance kit we offer and does not require the travel limiters to be used in the lower fork leg, which are required on the standard AXEO21 kit we offer.
Keep in mind the KO kit is an OEM product that is offered by Harley, meaning you can purchase this kit for your bike even if it was not a standard package offered for your model from the factory as it was for the 2018+ CVO Road Glides. We have seen Dealerships install the KO kit on other models (Street Glides, Ultras, etc.), and sold the bike new with the KO kit. This means that customers who purchased their bike new from the dealership with a 21" front wheel, may be unaware they have the longer KO fork tubes.
If you purchased your bike new or used and it came with a 21" front wheel, you can determine if you have the KO kit, by referencing the top of the upper fork leg or "stanchion tube". The KO kit will have two grooves cut into the upper stanchion tube where the upper triple tree clamps to the stanchion tube. If these markings are not present, you have an **aftermarket** 21" front wheel and not the OEM KO Wheel Kit from Harley. If these markings are NOT present, you will need the standard AXEO21 High-Performance and NOT the AXEO21 "KO" High-Performance we offer.
Below is a picture of the markings described above: