So I purchased a set of Progressive springs for the front forks and performed the "lazy" switcheroo. Too my surprise the previous owner had appeared to have installed these already. No difference in the feel, maybe a little stiffer. Think I will remove the forks next time and replace fork oil. Anyhow, if there is anyone who is thinking of changing to Progressive springs, the install is a snap, if you apply the "lazy" method of course.
Thanks to the tips out there. Could not have done it without a gear puller or similar device.
Kawasaki uses progressively wound springs as I recall.
The springs I took out of my '01 were straight wound...