Progressive front fork springs
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 169
Likes: 20
From: USA
Progressive front fork springs
Anyone ever switch to these? Just ordered them yesterday. Figured my 42k springs wouldn’t mind getting trashed either way.
Also switching to 15w oil.
Had and to replace fork seals so can’t leave junk alone I guess
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...ngs-for-harley
Also switching to 15w oil.
Had and to replace fork seals so can’t leave junk alone I guess
https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/...ngs-for-harley
Last edited by holytown; Oct 13, 2018 at 09:50 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,914
Likes: 3,205
From: On one of 10,000
That's what I did my to bike years ago (Progressive springs). I also added the (Ricor) Intiminators for valving & heavier fork oil. It reduced front end and made a big difference.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
That's the only mod I've made to my front end so far. When I did it I used the 15w oil. Didn't really like the way it worked so went back to the stock weight. Much better for my liking.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
Running Progressive heavy #11-1546 springs on my Wide Glide; I only weigh 145 pounds and never ride 2 up but the heavy springs were the right choice, also used 15wt fork fluid. Even after I triked the Wide Glide the Progressive springs are up to the task. Follow Progressive's recommendations on the fluid measurement, not the SM...
Road Captain
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 537
Likes: 120
From: DELMARVA
Don't throw away those old springs yet
I read a half dozen books on bike suspension and discovered the stock linear rate front fork springs that came with my Deuce were exactly correct for my weight (200lbs).
My complaint was stock springs with light oil it took sharp bumps great but wobbled like crazy on bumpy sweepers. Plus the brake dive was horrendous.
Heavier oil cured the bobble and dive but rode hard as a brick which hurt my old back and tailbone.
So I put in Intiminators and 2wt oil the softest I could buy.
The Intiminators took out the bobble and front brake dive yet still allowed for a very soft ride over big bumps which is much appreciated.
It is a lot closer to perfect control and I am comparing it to sport bikes that I have owned.
Just a word to the wise in case you are thinking it is a MUST to change your springs.
Mine were fine.
I was being done in by the 70 year old damper rod system that was used on Harleys until they FINALLY changed over to a cartridge valve design a few years ago on certain models.
That old time engineering had such limited control of the front end it really made an improvement with the quasi-cartridge action of Intiminators.
Highly recommended for those that the shoe fits.
My complaint was stock springs with light oil it took sharp bumps great but wobbled like crazy on bumpy sweepers. Plus the brake dive was horrendous.
Heavier oil cured the bobble and dive but rode hard as a brick which hurt my old back and tailbone.
So I put in Intiminators and 2wt oil the softest I could buy.
The Intiminators took out the bobble and front brake dive yet still allowed for a very soft ride over big bumps which is much appreciated.
It is a lot closer to perfect control and I am comparing it to sport bikes that I have owned.
Just a word to the wise in case you are thinking it is a MUST to change your springs.
Mine were fine.
I was being done in by the 70 year old damper rod system that was used on Harleys until they FINALLY changed over to a cartridge valve design a few years ago on certain models.
That old time engineering had such limited control of the front end it really made an improvement with the quasi-cartridge action of Intiminators.
Highly recommended for those that the shoe fits.
Trending Topics
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 50
From: Louisville, KY
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...l#post13010298
I went with the Progressive Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit and very happy with it - far superior damping.
I went with the Progressive Monotube Fork Cartridge Kit and very happy with it - far superior damping.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,914
Likes: 3,205
From: On one of 10,000
It's hard to fathom how the Motor Co. could not have evaluated the simple fix we all did, and the positive results. My buddy has a 2015 RoadGlide and it dives and feels less planted then my bike with those changes. Wake up Harley!
Road Captain
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 559
Likes: 113
From: VA-Nelson Cty
I have been happy enough with them in the past to put some in this week. I can see were you could do better and have used other stuff in the past but subjectively and cost wise I thing that they are worth it for the riding that I do now. I usually put in some aftermarket stuff with first fork oil change--usually two yrs. At 42K you might notice a heck of a difference.