Fork spring help. Progressive springs
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Fork spring help. Progressive springs
Hey guys,
I posted my delima over at the XL Forums but I thought I would see what you all have to say.
I recently made a couple attempts to install my 11-1527 progressive spring kit on my 2009 Iron with no luck in sight.
The first attempt I cut the spacers flush to the top of the forks, used 5.5" oil level, and 10wt bel ray fluid. When I set the bike down the forks collapsed all the way.
The second time I cut new spacers to go 1" (3") above the fork tubes and changed the oil level to 6". This result was better but it only got me about an inch of travel and as soon as my 220lb neighbor sat on the bike the forks bottomed out.
Any thoughts?
I posted my delima over at the XL Forums but I thought I would see what you all have to say.
I recently made a couple attempts to install my 11-1527 progressive spring kit on my 2009 Iron with no luck in sight.
The first attempt I cut the spacers flush to the top of the forks, used 5.5" oil level, and 10wt bel ray fluid. When I set the bike down the forks collapsed all the way.
The second time I cut new spacers to go 1" (3") above the fork tubes and changed the oil level to 6". This result was better but it only got me about an inch of travel and as soon as my 220lb neighbor sat on the bike the forks bottomed out.
Any thoughts?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
How much fork oil does the manual call for. Should be close to ten ounces per side and no higher than 5.5 inches from the top with the springs out and the forks compressed. Sounds like not enough oil. Do you have a factory service manual?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 10,907
Likes: 8,758
From: Galt's Gulch - MI
zippster, what did the instructions included with the Progressive springs call for? That's what you need to follow...
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
I originally called progressive and they stated for my weight (160lbs) to cut the spacers to the top of the tube (approx 2.75") and run the oil level at 140mm. This is what I did the first time.
I'm tempted to just buy a cheap set of factory springs and try putting ricors.
I'm tempted to just buy a cheap set of factory springs and try putting ricors.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
When you put the fluid in did you work the sliders with no springs in to move the fork oil in and around the dampeners? Sounds like there is an air pocket. Is the bike on a lift? Pull the front wheel and work the sliders one side at a time.
How hard was it to put the top caps back on?
How hard was it to put the top caps back on?
Thread Starter
|
4th Gear
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
When you put the fluid in did you work the sliders with no springs in to move the fork oil in and around the dampeners? Sounds like there is an air pocket. Is the bike on a lift? Pull the front wheel and work the sliders one side at a time.
How hard was it to put the top caps back on?
How hard was it to put the top caps back on?
Pumped the crap out of it. Caps were somewhat hard to put in.
Trending Topics
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2016
Posts: 2,530
Likes: 546
From: Wayne County, PA
How much does the front end sag when taking it off the lift and holding the bike up from the side of it?
Edit: it might be worth trying to cut two 3 inch spacers to increase to preload a bit.
Edit: it might be worth trying to cut two 3 inch spacers to increase to preload a bit.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public
Verdad Gallardo
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window
Verdad Gallardo
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
i didn't cut my space but, my bike sits higher than an iron.
what is your bike lifted on. are the tubes/sliders fully extended while you are working your magic?
also assuming that you put the springs in with the tightly coiled part facing the cap.
i watched this about 3 times before i got in there.
what is your bike lifted on. are the tubes/sliders fully extended while you are working your magic?
also assuming that you put the springs in with the tightly coiled part facing the cap.
i watched this about 3 times before i got in there.
Last edited by cvaria; Dec 5, 2016 at 05:03 PM.