fork preload

[greenbarn]

wish me luck.  I'd like to get started on this tomorrow.

[chief]

Yeah, its just PVC so get some start with the standard and experiment... changing it is simple.  That's what I did to get the right feel.

[greenbarn]

Planning to install the progressive springs in the 800 springs this weekend.  I need some help choosing a pre-load spacer length, b/c my kit doesn't have the Drifter 800 listed.

Per Chief's recommendation I bought the 11-1145 spring kit, which Progressive specifies for the Drifter 1500.  They specify a 11-1126 for a vulcan 800.

Both are the same length springs, the 1145 are 40/65 rate vs. 30/50 rate for the 11-1126.

Is the spacer length for the 1500 even close to the 800 or are the shocks completely different? (both springs are same length making me think they might be similar).  Progressive's instructions say to use 3.5" spacers for the Drifter 1500.  They also say most bikes need 3/4 to 1" of preload.

If I can reach Progressive's tech help, and they give me the standard spacer length for the Vulcan 800 or Classic 800, should I just use this spacer length???

Another option: I can measure and calculate the preload with no problem (I think).   Should I just start with the standard 1" preload (whatever spacer length this calculates to) ?  Or should I go with less due to having heavier springs?

Thanks in advance for any help.