Front end response when braking

[doubletee]

As it pertains to diving and front suspension, how does your front end react when braking? Is it smooth and progressive? Mine dives hard for an inch or so at the outset, and then smoothly progresses. It's almost like it's a bit frozen and then let's loose at the very beginning. "Bouncing" the front end while sitting at a stop with the front brakes engaged reveal nothing conspicuously wrong. Thoughts?

[DeathWishBikerDude]

Fork springs and fluid wear out over time.I just enjoy the ride as my machine is 20 years old and is aging gracefully.

[hubcapsc]

If you haven't put Progressive springs in there, you might find
you like that. Excessive "diving" is one of the things they correct.

-Mike

[rocketray]

my forks needed a rebuild long before I did it this summer--the difference is substantial--2002 standard 54K miles--the Honda dealer charged some $1,500 but I think that included a new front tire

[rafster]

If you haven't put Progressive springs in there, you might find
you like that. Excessive "diving" is one of the things they correct.

-Mike

I second this. The Progressive springs are aptly named. They provide a nice progressive controlled dive with no surprises. Though its been years since i replaced my OEM springs, I recall feeling much more confident jn the bike with the progressives. 

[sandy]

In addition to springs, the internal bushings wear out. You probably need a front fork rebuild and a spring change. I've had Progressives in my former Valk and Hyper Pro springs in my wing. I like the HP's better. They do make a set for Valks but they're more money.

[hubcapsc]

Progressive springs cost about $100, if there's even better ones (Hyper Pro), I
bet they don't cost too much more... if you aren't interested in doing the
rebuild yourself, it should be possible to get a good job of it done for
two or three hundred dollars... don't let rocketray's $1500 put you off...

When I first got my tired eBay Valkyrie, it needed a lot. There's special
tools you need (some here use special techniques  ) to do the rebuild,
so I just took my forks off and down to the dealer to let him "rebuild"
them. He did an awful job, they leaked a few months later, and charged
me several hundred dollars... I've aquired several of the special tools
since then, and I've refurbished several sets of Valkyrie forks, it is very
much not rocket science.

-Mike

[BnB Tom]

I installed Progressive several thousands of miles ago and they just keep on working!!!

[Bagger John - #3785]

...
Progressive springs cost about $100, if there's even better ones (Hyper Pro), I
bet they don't cost too much more...

Mine were $173 shipped, including fork oil.

Throw another $60 in for a set of All Balls seals, bushings and snap rings.

The fact that the rear end is in dire need of shock replacement is now readily apparent.