Front fork springs

[scoobydoo]

Going to rebuild the front forks. Is it worth the money to install progressive springs? Where is the best place to buy them?
Thanks

[hubcapsc]

Almost everyone will not just say "yes" but "YES", and I've
seen a couple of people who didn't like progressive springs...

A quick google search shows prices from $77.60 to $91.55... the best
place is Amazon prime for $87.30 

Are you going to do it? Have you ever rebuilt any cartridge forks before?
Do you have a plan for seal-driving and some kind of info (I used the
manual) about how to get or make the special tools you'll need? Back
in 2006 I took a set of Valkyrie forks to a dealer and got charged too much
for a bad job that I had to redo six or eight months later...

-Mike "not all dealers are bad"

[DarkSideR]

I am hoping to start rebuilding my front forks this weekend, and upgrade to progressive springs. Front end dive is what got me upgrading, and both forks have leaked at one time or another. The general consensus is with the stiff progressive springs and too much new oil can result in a harsh ride. I plan on using 1 ounce less oil in each side to achieve a good ride. If I get it done this weekend I will report back here on my thoughts. Having put 20k + miles on my Valk with stock springs the difference should be immediately noteable.

[longrider]

Progressives are a good upgrade.  Removing one ounce is the way to go.  I changed and added the recommended amount and the ride is harsh.  I will be removing an ounce when I get home from winter vacation

[hubcapsc]

Removing one ounce is the way to go.  I changed and added the recommended amount and the ride is harsh.

I would never remove an ounce. Stanley Steamer removed all of his and replaced it with the OEM amount of
15 weight... you have to start somewhere... you'll find out what is right for you...

-Mike "a lot of people whose fork seals have leaked think an ounce here or there isn't even noticeable"

[Gryphon Rider]

Removing one ounce is the way to go.  I changed and added the recommended amount and the ride is harsh.

I would never remove an ounce. Stanley Steamer removed all of his and replaced it with the OEM amount of
15 weight... you have to start somewhere... you'll find out what is right for you...

-Mike "a lot of people whose fork seals have leaked think an ounce here or there isn't even noticeable"

If one removes an ounce and find it's too soft, he can add a quarter ounce at a time until it's perfect.

[longrider]

This was just an observation when I changed the springs out last summer.  After filling with oil I moved each fork up to its full compressed position.  The oil almost came out the top of the fork meaning it is full at full compression.  This also means that the air inside is compressing and when it is almost full of oil there is little room in there.  Removing an ounce won't hurt.  The bushings will have lots of lube

[h13man]

Put some on my 1100 Spirit and difference was nite and day. 28,000 mi. later with alot of two up riding they started to get a little soft. I'm currently running Racetech #80. They were a little stiff at 1st. but they broke in so to speak. I acquired them from another member here because he thought they were too harsh also. I'm extremely happy with them @ 165 lb. rider weight.

[DarkSideR]

I ran into an issue with rebuilding my front forks with Progressive Springs. I stripped a Hex Allen bolt by using a ball end allen wrench (so FYI - don't use a ball end allen wrench). I have a new bolt ordered and won't be able to put it back together again until it arrives. And won't be able to report on how the new springs are until then as well.

So far here is my game plan; I am disassembling 1 fork at a time (per the manual). After the fork has been disassembled I am cleaning everything with Brake Cleaner, whereas I don't want any nasty old oil to compromise the new oil.

Upon reassembling the forks I am going to use Honda Pro-Line SS-8 Fork Oil (again per the manual) and because you measure the oil prior to installing the springs I will be putting the recommended amount of oil back in. 

FYI - SS-8 oil is 10w. I think guys reporting a harsh ride have used heavier weight oils, or are even using ATF. I think when using a heavier weight oil they are using 1oz less to soften things back up again. Only seems to convolute everything. My plan to to rebuild per the manual and let the progressives do their thing.

[nerider2]

YES, it will ride much better.

[DarkSideR]

Progressive Springs ride report.

I recently rebuilt my front forks with all new bushings, seals, and upgraded to Progressive Springs. I rode a couple hundred miles today and am happy to report the ride was superb. No front end dive occured. Ride was not harsh at all. It is a different ride than the stock set up, that is for sure. But in my opinion it is a better ride.

I followed the manual during the rebuild, used the recommended SS-8 fork oil, and put the recommended amount of oil back in. Followed the manual to the T. Only difference is I dropped in the new springs instead of the old.

[Challenger]

Progressive Springs ride report.

I recently rebuilt my front forks with all new bushings, seals, and upgraded to Progressive Springs. I rode a couple hundred miles today and am happy to report the ride was superb. No front end dive occured. Ride was not harsh at all. It is a different ride than the stock set up, that is for sure. But in my opinion it is a better ride.

I followed the manual during the rebuild, used the recommended SS-8 fork oil, and put the recommended amount of oil back in. Followed the manual to the T. Only difference is I dropped in the new springs instead of the old.

My findings exactly. Front end on my I/S would almost bottom out when front brake was applied. Rebuilt with progressives springs, stock oil and stock amount. Love the ride and no dive now.