Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
Six months ago I ordered a set of Progressive rear shocks and fork springs. I installed the rear shocks the day after they arrived but put off installing the fork springs out of fear, based on several posts here regarding problems that people had getting the fork tube cap nut back on. Silly me, I wasted 6 months worrying about nothing. Another forum member volunteered to come over and supply a second set of hands to help with the job so I took him up on the offer and we tackled the job today. While it may not be mandatory, this is one job where 2 people make the job a breeze, just having someone to hold the forks steady when you get ready to reinstall the fork tube cap nuts. Start to finish took 1 hour, allowing time for smoke breaks and a bit of BS'ing. The real trick when doing this job is to order one of the fork tube cap nut sockets available on EBay and elsewhere.
While I was skeptical as to how much of a difference the Progressive fork springs would affect the ride quality, I have no more doubts. The difference is very noticeable. For just under $70 this change really did improve the ride.
While I was skeptical as to how much of a difference the Progressive fork springs would affect the ride quality, I have no more doubts. The difference is very noticeable. For just under $70 this change really did improve the ride.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
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RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
I've been hearing so much about the progressives (front and rear) on this forum. I'm going to have to take the plunge soon.
Right now going down the gentle gutter curb from the driveway is something I dread every time I go over it.
Even non-potholed pavement that isn't entirely smooth really works me over with rythmic bouncing.
Are these the sort of things that the progressives will address in my ride?
Right now going down the gentle gutter curb from the driveway is something I dread every time I go over it.
Even non-potholed pavement that isn't entirely smooth really works me over with rythmic bouncing.
Are these the sort of things that the progressives will address in my ride?
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
There is no problem getting the springs out, in fact you need to use caution when unscrewing the fork tube nut. The stock spring is longer than the fork tube by a couple of inches so the nut will "pop" loose as you release the last thread leaving the top of the spring sticking about 2" above the triple tree. You need to drain the fork oil before starting and then refill before reinstalling the cap nut.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 3,146
Likes: 50
From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
ORIGINAL: cHarley
There is no problem getting the springs out, in fact you need to use caution when unscrewing the fork tube nut. The stock spring is longer than the fork tube by a couple of inches so the nut will "pop" loose as you release the last thread leaving the top of the spring sticking about 2" above the triple tree. You need to drain the fork oil before starting and then refill before reinstalling the cap nut.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
There is no problem getting the springs out, in fact you need to use caution when unscrewing the fork tube nut. The stock spring is longer than the fork tube by a couple of inches so the nut will "pop" loose as you release the last thread leaving the top of the spring sticking about 2" above the triple tree. You need to drain the fork oil before starting and then refill before reinstalling the cap nut.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 6,478
Likes: 12
From: Nashville, TN
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
Hey...glad to hear that went well for ya. I echo the extra set of hands in this process. Another tool that greatly helps is a palm wrachet. If I remember correctly, seems that cHarley has one of those. And if you have a model that doesn't have the same risers as the custom models. Go ahead and remove the handlebars. It will make the re-install much easier.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
ORIGINAL: Thumper26
Congrats on the conversion! Progressive shocks and fork springs are on my list for this winter. What fork oil and weight did you fill up with?
ORIGINAL: cHarley
There is no problem getting the springs out, in fact you need to use caution when unscrewing the fork tube nut. The stock spring is longer than the fork tube by a couple of inches so the nut will "pop" loose as you release the last thread leaving the top of the spring sticking about 2" above the triple tree. You need to drain the fork oil before starting and then refill before reinstalling the cap nut.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
There is no problem getting the springs out, in fact you need to use caution when unscrewing the fork tube nut. The stock spring is longer than the fork tube by a couple of inches so the nut will "pop" loose as you release the last thread leaving the top of the spring sticking about 2" above the triple tree. You need to drain the fork oil before starting and then refill before reinstalling the cap nut.
Yes, the ride quality, bottoming out and harsh bumps , is greatly improved without sacrificing handeling or feeling like a mushy couch.
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
ORIGINAL: SportyPig
Hey...glad to hear that went well for ya. I echo the extra set of hands in this process. Another tool that greatly helps is a palm wrachet. If I remember correctly, seems that cHarley has one of those. And if you have a model that doesn't have the same risers as the custom models. Go ahead and remove the handlebars. It will make the re-install much easier.
Hey...glad to hear that went well for ya. I echo the extra set of hands in this process. Another tool that greatly helps is a palm wrachet. If I remember correctly, seems that cHarley has one of those. And if you have a model that doesn't have the same risers as the custom models. Go ahead and remove the handlebars. It will make the re-install much easier.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2005
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From: A barrier island in NJ
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
ORIGINAL: cHarley
You can use any standard weight fork oil. I used Bel-Ray "High Performance 15w Fork Oil". No engine oil allowed here.........
You can use any standard weight fork oil. I used Bel-Ray "High Performance 15w Fork Oil". No engine oil allowed here.........
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
RE: Progerssive Fork Spring Installation
Some people use a heavier weight fork oil with the stock springs to firm up the front suspension but if you are changing the springs to Progressive's I would use the standard 15 weight oil.