progressive fork springs

[rbert]

I installed progressive front fork springs on my tourer which work good, but actually I cannot tell any difference in handling. It seems to me that the front of the bike now sits lower. Is this right or am I just imagining it. How can I raise the front up higher? Most of you are trying to lowers your front ends, but I like the looks better if it is higher. Anyone have any comments or suggestions?

[Dag]

The progressive springs are 1" shorter than stock.

[Airetime]

I installed progressive front fork springs on my tourer which work good, but actually I cannot tell any difference in handling. It seems to me that the front of the bike now sits lower. Is this right or am I just imagining it. How can I raise the front up higher? Most of you are trying to lowers your front ends, but I like the looks better if it is higher. Anyone have any comments or suggestions?

Check to make sure that you have the correct amount of fluid in the forks. You will notice a difference in the curves and it won't dive as much as the oe fork springs especially when you hit the front brakes. Little things add up, I have them in my tourer for the past 4 years and really like them, well worth the bucks IMO.

[DFragn]

The progressive springs are 1" shorter than stock.

Yeah but - Correct me if I'm wrong. Don't the longer stock springs compress more just from static load then the Progressives and in reality the shorter Progressives don't actually 'lower' the bike?

Fluid - I don't think it's that most are lowering the front end. It's that some are reducing their fluid levels by 1 -2 ounces to reduce the Progressives harshness. This is because air compresses, fluid does not.
For me that personally smooths my normal riding and decreases bar movement when leaned hot and heavy over dips & bumps in the twisties.

[Dag]

I think you are right....  Do as Airtime suggest, check the fluid level.

[Steve K (IA)]

The front of my I/S sits well over an inch higher than stock with the progressive springs in.  Had these put in years ago and Don't like them.  Unless I am riding 2 up, it rides like a lumber truck.  Suppose they got too much oil in there?  I need to replace seals...will be a good time to check the oil level.   

[rbert]

I have lowered the oil and it is much smoother. The only reason I want it to sit higher is for looks. Would it be that the prgressive springs make the bike sit lower when the bike is just on it's own but hold up better and just as high when I jump on?

[DFragn]

I have lowered the oil and it is much smoother. The only reason I want it to sit higher is for looks. Would it be that the prgressive springs make the bike sit lower when the bike is just on it's own but hold up better and just as high when I jump on?

Did you take before/after bike height measurements? I didn't, but when I bought mine they were reported not to affect height. And, they shouldn't! They're a performance spring, stiffer, slightly shorter, heavier spring, not designed to reduce cornering clearance. I have not experienced any reduced  lean angles, in fact I believe they improved my lean angles. I would have noticed a 1" variance between my upper tube and stone guard/fork tip. The OEM springs compress more under static load! Perhaps your fork tubes are too high in the clamps...

[Tundra]

I measured mine before and after, no difference noted. I also reduced my fluid level by 1.5 ounces each side. Very noticable improvement.

[rbert]

Thanks for the info. I also changed my rear shocks and installed a car tire, so I think that raised the back of the bike making it sit quite different when it is just the bike alone with no weight. It is probably sitting about right when we are riding.