Progressive spring tight-end direction?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 20, 2011 | 10:16 AM

Bigg Lou

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 311

Likes: 10

From: Las Vegas, NV

Progressive spring tight-end direction?

OK, I just received my progressive springs and getting ready to swap them out, during the procedure I thought it would be a good idea to clean the assembly while I'm at it. Since this is a first time I've ever done this procedure I diligenty read through the HDForums and watched Aimee's very informative and educational video at motorcyclemetal.com in addition to watching my Dyna maintenance video from Fix My Hog, hence my dilemma.

Both videos are very well done. Aimee knows her stuff and without question her cleaning procedure is a simple and thorough step by step outline. Perfect for my lack of experience doing this. The Fix My Hog videos have been very informative as well so I now do all my service work myself. But when it came to the progressive springs there is a contradiction

Fix My Hog says to place the tighter springs towards the bottom of the forks, while Aimee at motorcyclemetal.com says the tighter springs should be placed towards the top, the cap. Did I view this wrong or is one of these great "instructors" wrong?

Nov 20, 2011 | 10:57 AM

rooti

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 5,477

Likes: 5

From: New Braunfels, Texas

It really doesn't matter, both will work out fine. I usually do the tight springs in the bottom, but as you can see by the progressive instructions they don't specify

Nov 20, 2011 | 11:12 AM

EricInNCa

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 2,960

Likes: 26

From: Sonoma County, CA

You can put the spring on either way....I don't see how there can be any difference in performance. It's just a matter of personal preference. That's why one video has you putting it on the top (their preference) and the other had you putting it on the bottom (their preference). Go with the orientation that you prefer...

Nov 20, 2011 | 11:23 AM

Bigg Lou

Thread Starter

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 311

Likes: 10

From: Las Vegas, NV

Great. You both make sense, no difference so I won't worry about it, thanks.

Nov 20, 2011 | 05:06 PM

wideglidebob

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 3,871

Likes: 4

righty tighty lefty loosy

Nov 20, 2011 | 05:44 PM

DCLXVI

Road Warrior

Joined: Aug 2009

Posts: 1,630

Likes: 17

From: Central FL

Mechanically it doesn't make a difference. Usually tight wound side down will be less noisy on some bikes.

Nov 20, 2011 | 05:59 PM

FXD_TG

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2011

Posts: 737

Likes: 8

From: Near Atlanta, GA

What he said... and right from the Progressive Installation Instructions

Quote:

#3. Install your new fork springs into the forks. Mechanically, it
makes no difference which way the springs are installed.
Some manuals will state; install the spring with the close
wound end towards the bottom. This is done because
sometimes there will be less spring noise. The springs will
perform exactly the same regardless of which direction they
are placed. Check the spacer length requirement for your
motorcycle in the enclosed supplement. If not listed, you
must calculate the pre-load. What is pre-load? Pre-load is
the distance the spring compresses when the fork cap is
installed. You may or may not utilize a spacer to achieve
proper pre-load. The spacer in itself is not "pre-load". It just
helps to achieve it. Why is pre-load important? It
determines the proper ride height which in turn affects how
the bike handles.