Fork Travel Question

[rugguy]

2000 Valk I/S
19xxx miles
Bought with bad left fork seal
Replaced seal and refilled to capacity with proper weight fork seal fluid and it does not leak

Question: The front end still appears to be spongy compared to other bikes I have ridden/owned. When I come to a full stop the front forks compress a fair amount (can't measure while riding). When I take off they obviously release. How much play should there be in the front forks? Do you get some "bounce" when you hit a bump or ride on rough roads? I know that there has to be a certain amount of travel but how much is too much?

I hate to ask such an imprecise and subjective question....but it is what it is.

[Michvalk]

The front and rear suspension is fairly soft on the I/S, that's why so many have gone to Progressive suspension. I think there is only about 4" of travel on the front, and can bottom on hard bumps. I had the bike a week, and switched the front to Progressive. A little stiffer ride, but, no bottoming, and a little better handling. I never noticed any bounce with the stock suspension