Progressive Fork Springs
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Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 58
Likes: 2
The cool thing about the Progressive drop-ins is that they use ordinary schedule 40 PVC pipe as a top spacer. When you install you can cut it the length you want (instructions included) then cut a longer or shorter one later if needed. It's essentially a way to adjust the preload. When I tried a Vetter frame mount fairing on my FXD, I added 5/8" to the length of the spacer to compensate for the extra weight and keep the ride height the same. Worked really well.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
The cool thing about the Progressive drop-ins is that they use ordinary schedule 40 PVC pipe as a top spacer. When you install you can cut it the length you want (instructions included) then cut a longer or shorter one later if needed. It's essentially a way to adjust the preload. When I tried a Vetter frame mount fairing on my FXD, I added 5/8" to the length of the spacer to compensate for the extra weight and keep the ride height the same. Worked really well.
That will come in handy if I get even bigger! LOL
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,117
Likes: 1,145
From: Directly above the center of the Earth
Been tossing around the idea of Progressive drop in springs for my 11 SB. Just want to keep the stock height. I see there is a "standard" and "heavy duty" version listed on their website, and wondered about people's opinions on either if anyone has experience with either?
I'm looking mostly to lose the nose dive. Wouldn't mind a better ride. I ride solo 100% of the time but I am a big (pushing 290) boy.
I'm looking mostly to lose the nose dive. Wouldn't mind a better ride. I ride solo 100% of the time but I am a big (pushing 290) boy.
I'm big too @270 pounds. Got tired of the squishiness of the front end after a while.
I got the heavy-duty springs. Just drop them in as a replacement. Made an amazing difference in the ride quality for the better. Doesn't sink nearly as much as the stock springs, yet handles the bumps and curves etc much nicer without being so stiff you think you're on a hardtail springer.
Go with the Progressive heavy-duty. Nice price and an easy fix. No need to change the oil either. It's an easy job in the garage. Took me about 45 minutes.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
LOL. Wonder what would happen if you installed them in the Soft Tail....? EZ chair with wheels??
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
After 4 years my front shocks were so weak a bug landing on the handlebars could damn near make them sink a little.
I'm big too @270 pounds. Got tired of the squishiness of the front end after a while.
I got the heavy-duty springs. Just drop them in as a replacement. Made an amazing difference in the ride quality for the better. Doesn't sink nearly as much as the stock springs, yet handles the bumps and curves etc much nicer without being so stiff you think you're on a hardtail springer.
Go with the Progressive heavy-duty. Nice price and an easy fix. No need to change the oil either. It's an easy job in the garage. Took me about 45 minutes.
I'm big too @270 pounds. Got tired of the squishiness of the front end after a while.
I got the heavy-duty springs. Just drop them in as a replacement. Made an amazing difference in the ride quality for the better. Doesn't sink nearly as much as the stock springs, yet handles the bumps and curves etc much nicer without being so stiff you think you're on a hardtail springer.
Go with the Progressive heavy-duty. Nice price and an easy fix. No need to change the oil either. It's an easy job in the garage. Took me about 45 minutes.
1 of my seals is seeping a tiny bit. I figured when I replace that seal it would be a good time to swap out springs. Oil will be changed out at this time anyway. Or, if I do springs it would be the best time to change that seal as it is not going to get better.
What oil are you running in yours? If I go heavy duty on the springs I'm wondering about the weight of oil? Somewhat afraid if I go with heavy oil with the heavy springs it will be too stiff.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 7,776
Likes: 2,252
From: wet coast BC
I have read enough on the improvements with the progressive. I have also read about the improvements of just changing out the oil, or changing to SE heavy, or changing to 50/50 stock/SE heavy.
I chose not to bypass just an oil change and chose SE Heavy. after several thou I no longer want/need to go with a spring change, just saying.
Has anyone else done the oil only change and then moved up to a spring change. I am still looking for that experience of difference
I chose not to bypass just an oil change and chose SE Heavy. after several thou I no longer want/need to go with a spring change, just saying.
Has anyone else done the oil only change and then moved up to a spring change. I am still looking for that experience of difference
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,758
Likes: 196
From: Boise, ID
I have read enough on the improvements with the progressive. I have also read about the improvements of just changing out the oil, or changing to SE heavy, or changing to 50/50 stock/SE heavy.
I chose not to bypass just an oil change and chose SE Heavy. after several thou I no longer want/need to go with a spring change, just saying.
Has anyone else done the oil only change and then moved up to a spring change. I am still looking for that experience of difference
I chose not to bypass just an oil change and chose SE Heavy. after several thou I no longer want/need to go with a spring change, just saying.
Has anyone else done the oil only change and then moved up to a spring change. I am still looking for that experience of difference
I would be curious about this as well....