Fork Ques. progreesive

[frosty]

Thinking of putting progressive springs in forks on my I/S. Hadn't planned on changing the seals,slider and guides when doing this. I will change the oil. Bike has 60k on it. Think I would be o.k with just springs and oil?

[frosty]

One reason for asking is that time I replace all that is more than the springs cost.

[DFragn]

It's a magical occurrence when only changing fluid and/or springs that a short time later a leak develops and you have to go back in.

At 60k, I would change the seals and bushings too. They're inexpensive and no body likes to go back in when the initial spring change is still so fresh in your mind.

[Momz]

+1

[Dag]

Agree with DFragn !

[frosty]

Dag, Where did yiou get the parts list you posted. Thanx

[PAVALKER]

Do it all..... I just got done today installing steering head bearings, progressive springs, fork seals and bushings.  I also had some fairing issues (brass inserts) that I tended to as well.  My butt is draggin, got it all buttoned up tonight but didn't get a ride in... hopefully tomorrow weather permitting.   

Get the seal kit, bushings and the top o ring, some new fluid and go for it.   Go to http://www.hdlparts.com/ to get the part numbers and prices.... then call your local dealer to see if he will match prices (mine did). I didn't have to pay shipping and handling, but I did have to pay sales tax beings it was local.

Hardest part (or most time consuming) was the fairing off and on.... 

[Puffs Daddy]

I'm facing a similar decision as the OP. Just received a set of RaceTech fork springs to complement new Works Performance shocks. The difference is that my bike has only about 16,000 miles and I'm wondering whether to go the whole route of replacing seals, etc. Same advice?

P.S. Should note, I suppose, that the bike in question is a 2002 Standard.

[PAVALKER]

I just got done with mine, progressive springs, seals, bushings, steering head bearings and AMSOIL fluid.  I used the measure method and added an 1/8th to 1/4th inch more fluid and it is GREAT feeling, no diving, nice and firm etc.   If you are going to the extent of doing the springs, you could just replace the springs without pulling the fork tubes (like I did on my VTX), but with the bike being the age it is (regardless of mileage) it's probably in your best intersts to Git R Done all the way.   My VTX was fairly new, only 2 years old if that, when I did my springs. 

I did notice that for a 10 year old bike, the seals looked good and soft still.  The steering head bearings were worn and had indexing marks on it (at 19k miles) that did effect the steering feel.  Soooo, that was my primary objective and everything else just fell into place doing that.  Furthermore, if you have an Interstate with a fairing, it needs some work as well... to tighten it all up and get the brass nut inserts reseated. Used locktite on the fairing bolts.... but antiseize on the little screws for the fairing.  My fairing makes no noise now.

[Steve K (IA)]

With the miles you have on the bike, it is surprising that one of the seals hasn't started to leak.  If it was me, I'd change out everything.  It's not that big of an investment and then you won't have any worries for some time.  Just get the oil seals installed correctly.  Check the old seals as you remove them for the proper orientation.  (it's one of those don't ask things )

[PAVALKER]

With the miles you have on the bike, it is surprising that one of the seals hasn't started to leak.  If it was me, I'd change out everything.  It's not that big of an investment and then you won't have any worries for some time.  Just get the oil seals installed correctly.  Check the old seals as you remove them for the proper orientation.  (it's one of those don't ask things )

I had 19k on the Valk and no leaking seals.  I have 25k on my VTX (same type forks) and no leaks there either.  But, if you are getting into it and replacing springs, oils etc, then I recommend you do it all while you got the time and the forks out to do so.