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Posted by Troll
- December 03, 2012, 10:42:46 AMProgressively wound springs are just what they sound like. The initial compression is pretty soft, allowing the wheel to react quickly to small bumps and expansion joints without the jolt the stock straight wound springs give. As the weight is transferred forward, say during braking, the spring rate gets progressively higher, resisting both bottoming and excessive fork dive. When I got my 1500, the front end was quite stiff and refused to comply over small bumps, and was quite jarring over the larger ones. The rivets in my front fender failed twice in 10,000 miles. I have over 22,000 miles with the progressive springs, now, and no more problems. Much more compliant and the fender rivets are still healthy.
Posted by testpilot
- December 03, 2012, 09:16:11 AMWhat are the advantages of progressive springs. How does it change the rideability, handling, stability, braking, steering? Seems like a nice winter project (if I get my man-cave wiring/heating project done before the big freeze comes).
Posted by Troll
- December 02, 2012, 16:05:28 PMGood. It's a pretty easy job. Much more trouble on a Harley...lots of preload with them and the plug screws in and holds the upper end of the tube in place....
Posted by made2care
- December 02, 2012, 16:01:50 PMthis helps!! Thanks.
Posted by Troll
- December 02, 2012, 15:07:21 PMBuy a kit from Progressive Suspension. Follow the instructions. You need to get the front end off the ground (or at least the legs extended) to relieve the preload. Pop off the plastic caps on the top of the triple clamp. You will see a plug with a drilled indent in it. Press this down with a #3 phillips screw driver while you have somebody you trust dig out the earless snap ring that is holding it all together. I used a small gear puller to hold the plug down, while I used a snap-on angled pick to remove the ring.
Posted by made2care
- December 02, 2012, 14:24:09 PMSo no special tools required?? I take it the purpose of lifting the wheel is to remove spring pressure?? I have never attempted this so no surprises right??
some suggest a spacer. what would be the correct (if any) length of this say 3.25?
Posted by Troll
- December 02, 2012, 10:34:51 AMEasy job. I put them in every bike I have owned since the mid-80's...Absolutely transformed my '84 Moto Guzzi. The only thing you need do with the Drifter is get the front end off the ground. I changed the fork oil in mine while I was at it, but you don't have to if you don't want to.
Posted by made2care
- December 02, 2012, 08:23:51 AMDo i have to remove the forks to install progressive springs?? What about the drop in kits, could this be done on this bike? 02