Softail Models Standard, Custom, Night Train, Deuce, Springer, Heritage, Fatboy, Deluxe, Rocker and Cross Bones.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

correct progressive PVC spacer length

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 08:58 PM
  #1  
evo1340's Avatar
evo1340
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default correct progressive PVC spacer length

I have a 97 softail custom, with FLSTF front end.

I have bought a fork spring (NOT a lowering one) from progressive suspension, but I really donīt know the right size for the pvc spacers I gotta use.

Does anyone can help me?
 

Last edited by evo1340; Jan 26, 2010 at 09:06 PM.
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 09:44 PM
  #2  
Rockyriver's Avatar
Rockyriver
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,178
Likes: 6
From: N.C.
Default

If you are not lowering the bike and you are keeping stock height, I would say go to progressives website and find your springs part number, you should then be able to find the installation PDF file that will tell you what you need to know.
http://www.progressivesuspension.com/










X
 
Reply
Old Jan 26, 2010 | 10:34 PM
  #3  
olongapo1's Avatar
olongapo1
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 970
Likes: 19
From: Philippines
Default

Evo,

Just recently I installed a set of “stock height” Progressive Springs in my 02 Fatboy. My Fatboy is fully dressed and I weigh 195 pounds. Over the phone, a Progressive Tech Rep recommended that I Do Not cut the spacer. I installed everything “as is” without cutting the spacer and filled the forks with Amsoil Shock Therapy 5 wt fork oil. I used the “Measure Method” to fill the forks with oil to 5.5 inches from the top.

On relatively smooth roads, the bike rode and handled phenomenally however on rough roads, the front end felt “Springy”. The springs had too much Preload and the Rebound was insufficiently dampened. I changed the fork oil to 10w but this compounded the problem. After putting about 500 miles on the bike to allow the springs time to settle-in, I disassembled the forks and trimmed the spacers to 1 inch above the tube and refilled with the 5w oil. I now consider the ride and handling perfect for me.

To find that perfect ride you desire, I recommend you experiment with the spacer length and oil weight. It’s a bit time consuming but worth the effort.

Good luck.
 
Reply
Old Jan 27, 2010 | 10:19 AM
  #4  
XARAN's Avatar
XARAN
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
Default

I had the replacement progressive Springs in my bike. They improved the ride. The spacers work to preload the forks so the amount of preload is dependent on the weight. On my bike Im 210 lbs and I ended up cutting the PVC to about 1/2 in above the top of forks with the front wheel off the ground and that gave me the ride I wanted. I also changed the fort oil to SE heavy
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
subgunner
Touring Models
22
Sep 25, 2018 11:38 PM
dynasnow
Dyna Glide Models
9
Oct 3, 2017 04:25 PM
Dyna_Bagger85
Dyna Glide Models
13
Feb 17, 2015 11:56 AM
gregeinsc
Softail Models
8
May 24, 2013 01:16 PM
GPHDXLC
Sportster Models
11
Mar 26, 2008 07:27 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 09:56 AM.