Difference in forks question.

[John Schmidt]

I'd like to swap the forks from the old bike, '98 Tourer, over to the trike...a '99 I/S. I looked on the parts list and the assemblies have two different part numbers. I can't see any difference on the parts breakdown so does anyone have knowledge of what it might be. I rebuilt the forks on the Tourer in 2018 and they're also polished so would like to have them on the trike. Appreciate any input.

Thought I'd post this in both the General and Tech boards in hopes of more exposure.

[98valk]

the I/S forks are valved differently vs. the std/tourer, for the fairing weight, which resulted in many stating a harsh ride,  it is the wrong way to do that. stronger springs should have been used.

otherwise everything else is the same btwn them as far as I know.

[John Schmidt]

I have Progressive springs in the forks on the Tourer, wondering if that would be sufficient to use on the trike which is a converted I/S. Any thoughts? FWIW, I've had a Harley faring on the old bike for quite a few years with no issues re. handling. Plus, when I rebuilt them a couple years back the bushings were in pretty good shape, to the point I almost wished I hadn't ordered replacement before disassembling them. But since I already had them I went ahead and installed them along with the new rubber parts.

[Warlock]

they should work with the stock triple tree. If you go to a different rake like a 6 degree the guy that builds them in Alabama puts I think some fork extenders. Either 1 and 3/4 or 2 inch extenders. Only reason I used the Goldwing 1800 progressive springs was to gain back what I have lost using the 5 degree rake kit. By adding the rake it dropped my front end around 1 inch.
David

[John Schmidt]

Since the trike is level & already has a 6 deg. installed, I'm debating pulling one fork to remove the cap and see if it has a spacer already installed. If it does, then I'm thinking I'll pull both forks and install those off my old bike after installing the spacers. Supposed to be in the low-mid 30's this next week so will take advantage of it since the garage/shop usually runs about 10 deg. warmer...gives the IR heaters a running chance to warm it even more up to about low 40's. That I can handle, or should say my hands can. When cold they get too stiff in short order even with mechanics gloves.