Progressive spacer
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Progressive spacer
I'm replacing the stock springs on my 08 Sportster, my question for anyone that has done this is, did you cut the PVC spacer or use the ootb length? With the thicker spring and tighter wind I don't want to compress it too much, but I don't want to cut the spacer and drop the height and screw up the preload.
Thanks
Thanks
I'm replacing the stock springs on my 08 Sportster, my question for anyone that has done this is, did you cut the PVC spacer or use the ootb length? With the thicker spring and tighter wind I don't want to compress it too much, but I don't want to cut the spacer and drop the height and screw up the preload.
Thanks
Thanks
Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 304
Likes: 43
From: hhhhh
I'm replacing the stock springs on my 08 Sportster, my question for anyone that has done this is, did you cut the PVC spacer or use the ootb length? With the thicker spring and tighter wind I don't want to compress it too much, but I don't want to cut the spacer and drop the height and screw up the preload.
Thanks
Thanks
You could also use a piece of like diameter PVC pipe from a home supply store, cut a couple pieces to the desired length and try that without altering your the Progressive spacer.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 1,127
Likes: 226
From: middle Tennessee
Mine called for a 3 inch spacer. I cut new ones to 3 and 1/8. 3 inch gave me a little too much sag. 1/8 longer was a bout right. You need to measure sag. Measure it with the bike weight and with you on the bike. That's the only to get it right.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Good suggestion, but use a proper pipe cutter, to keep the ends square. Don't rely on a hacksaw! Of course if you have a lathe, that would be perfect. The whole purpose of using spacers is to adjust sag with you sitting on your bike, to approx 1/3rd of total fork travel. That will give you an optimum ride, within the limitations of our forks.
Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 304
Likes: 43
From: hhhhh
Good suggestion, but use a proper pipe cutter, to keep the ends square. Don't rely on a hacksaw! Of course if you have a lathe, that would be perfect. The whole purpose of using spacers is to adjust sag with you sitting on your bike, to approx 1/3rd of total fork travel. That will give you an optimum ride, within the limitations of our forks.
I usually cut PVC with my table saw or power miter saw both with carbide teeth blades. Makes a very clean and true cut. A bit of dust though. . .
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Hadn't thought of them! The critical thing is a square cut, to keep the spring in line.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Novice
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Thanks, I cut the spacers to 3 3/8, took it for a ride on some choppy roads and it felt great. The only problem is now I realize how much better the front suspension is over the rear. 
. I rolled over small stuff with out even noticing, the big hits were noticeably softer. I even ran a little to low for third gear and the it was much smoother.
I used a pipe cutter to make sure that I had an even cut all the way around.
Thanks for the help.
. I rolled over small stuff with out even noticing, the big hits were noticeably softer. I even ran a little to low for third gear and the it was much smoother.I used a pipe cutter to make sure that I had an even cut all the way around.
Thanks for the help.
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
Tourer
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 304
Likes: 43
From: hhhhh
Thanks, I cut the spacers to 3 3/8, took it for a ride on some choppy roads and it felt great. The only problem is now I realize how much better the front suspension is over the rear. . I rolled over small stuff with out even noticing, the big hits were noticeably softer. I even ran a little to low for third gear and the it was much smoother.
I used a pipe cutter to make sure that I had an even cut all the way around.
Thanks for the help.
. I rolled over small stuff with out even noticing, the big hits were noticeably softer. I even ran a little to low for third gear and the it was much smoother.I used a pipe cutter to make sure that I had an even cut all the way around.
Thanks for the help.
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
Likes: 306
From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
A couple of us have installed 12" 412-4068C or B rear shocks with good results. Plenty of travel, smoother ride, and no bottoming. The 4068 12" has a HD spring even though it is listed as "Standard" in Progressives product guide. It is one step up from the other "Standard" grade 412 shocks.
The 12.5" or longer shocks provide a noticeably better ride than that with the <=12" shocks.
.