Front Fork Springs?
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 35
From: Northern California
Check the Amsoil website where they convert the H-D fork oil p/n to the Amsoil p/n - but, I believe the Dynas are 10W. I was planning on using Amsoil synthetic 10W fork oil.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL
I put in the progressive springs up front. I really like them, works great with the 418's in the rear. You can adjust the pvc spacer to lower or raise the front end. Not rocket science just go to home depot. If you put the stock springs beside the progressives, you can see the difference in quality. Like comparing apples to oranges.
Thread Starter
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 838
Likes: 35
From: Northern California
I put in the progressive springs up front. I really like them, works great with the 418's in the rear. You can adjust the pvc spacer to lower or raise the front end. Not rocket science just go to home depot. If you put the stock springs beside the progressives, you can see the difference in quality. Like comparing apples to oranges.
flyscoal - I am not looking to raise or lower the front end. What is a good starting point for the PVC spacer length? How many times did you have to take off the fork nuts and adjust the length of the spacers? Where did you find a 1 3/8" socket for the nuts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
Likes: 4
From: NC
hmmm..
OK, So I have been looking at the fork blowup in my service manual,and no wonder these forks are so crappy. There isnt even any valving from the factory!! No wonder the emulators are so popular. Looks like I am gonna be buying the Race Tech kit complete with the valving setup or emulators as some call them.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: SOCAL
flyscoal - I am not looking to raise or lower the front end. What is a good starting point for the PVC spacer length? How many times did you have to take off the fork nuts and adjust the length of the spacers? Where did you find a 1 3/8" socket for the nuts?[/QUOTE]
I don't remember the PVC length (ballpark 6") but when you take the cap off (just use a big crescent wrench and put a plastic bag over the nut so you don't scratch it) be very careful because the sh%t is under lots of pressure. I actually cut my hand pretty good when the stock steel spacer came flying out and I tried to apply pressure to the nut to keep everything from launching. Wear some leather gloves and make sure you aren't standing over a drain where you can loose something.
Once you have the stock spring and spacer out you can just compare it to the new spring length and cut an appropriate length of pvc. Progressive supplies the PVC spacer which you just install as is unless you want to lower the front end, you just cut it as required. This is a really easy job but PLEASE cover you bike with something thick that will protect it from flying fork nuts!!! I used Screamin Eagle Race oil, the thick stuff.
As a side note the nut was fairly easy to put back on because the progressive spring was designed to be softer at the top end and nice and firm at the bottom. Sounds worse than it is just do it and you will be happy.
I don't remember the PVC length (ballpark 6") but when you take the cap off (just use a big crescent wrench and put a plastic bag over the nut so you don't scratch it) be very careful because the sh%t is under lots of pressure. I actually cut my hand pretty good when the stock steel spacer came flying out and I tried to apply pressure to the nut to keep everything from launching. Wear some leather gloves and make sure you aren't standing over a drain where you can loose something.
Once you have the stock spring and spacer out you can just compare it to the new spring length and cut an appropriate length of pvc. Progressive supplies the PVC spacer which you just install as is unless you want to lower the front end, you just cut it as required. This is a really easy job but PLEASE cover you bike with something thick that will protect it from flying fork nuts!!! I used Screamin Eagle Race oil, the thick stuff.
As a side note the nut was fairly easy to put back on because the progressive spring was designed to be softer at the top end and nice and firm at the bottom. Sounds worse than it is just do it and you will be happy.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,306
Likes: 3
From: Vancouver, BC
I ordered the Works spring kit. Couple of questions -
- what big *** wrench did you use for the fork nuts?
- what fork oil did you use? The shop manual calls out HDxxxxxx; doesn't say 10W or whatever
- what did you do about the pre-load spacer? Did you use the PVC tube that came with the kit, if so, what is a good starting length to trim it to?
- what big *** wrench did you use for the fork nuts?
- what fork oil did you use? The shop manual calls out HDxxxxxx; doesn't say 10W or whatever
- what did you do about the pre-load spacer? Did you use the PVC tube that came with the kit, if so, what is a good starting length to trim it to?
I used the progressive drop-in kit so didn't have to change out the oil or anything; just pull the old springs and spacer and replace em with the ones that came in the kit. The spacer comes 3" for stock height; if you cut it to 2" you lower it an inch; if you cut it to 1" you lower it 2" and so on........ 15 minute job including putting the bike up on the lift and trimming the spacers. The ride is WAAAAY better than the stock setup. Steering is quicker and front end dive on braking is much improved. It is stiffer but what can you do?
Last edited by CRF; Jul 15, 2010 at 11:08 AM.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I'm in the same queue! Like you Ohlins already on the rear, seems only natural....
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 2,938
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From: NC
Fork oil measuring technique
Can I just measure oz or ml in a ratio rite cup (measuring cup) and just dump in the proper amount without measuring the height in the fork?? I dont want to buy a gauge for a job I will rarely do. I will be using the Race Tech valves and springs. I have heard forks need a slightly less amount with the emulators or valves installed...
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
You don't need to buy one, just make one out of a 1/8" dowel rod, or old car dipstick, or whatever, not sure if you can use the OZ method since you are changing springs, what do the spring instructions tell you? Do they give you a quantity or just tell you to measure?
Last edited by 8541hog; Jul 15, 2010 at 02:38 PM.