Next week, I will be installing Progressive stock length fork springs on my 06 1200-C, and new fork oil. I have Progressive 12" S.D. shocks on the back.
What I'm looking for is as smooth a ride as I can get on the front, with out bottoming out to easy. I ride solo about 195 lbs. I did a search on this, but I get conflicting advice on the spacer length. Some leave them un-cut and some cut them in half and about everywhere
in-between.
So what advice can all of you give me on the spacer length for the kind of ride I'm looking for...Thanks.
GP.

 

I just followed the instructions when I put them on my 05 1200C. I am 225. I think it raises the bike a half inch or so with me on it, shich is ok because it gives me alittle more lean angle without scraping sh*t. If you wanted to play with different spacer lengths, it is a simple pvc pipe cut to length.

 

The springs come with a work sheet (at least when you get them from Race Tech, they do) that helps you calculate all the pertinent values.

 

hogsport

Whats your impression of the new fork springs, did the ride smooth out. or is it still choppy, and was it a tuff job getting the fork caps back on?

Thought about changing mine out also, as I have the rear shocks installed.

thanks
tom

 

'chornbe' My springs came with a lot of instructions, the more I read the more confused I got. But I think I got ot down though, except for the spacer. I got a small piece of paper for the spacer, and for a XL-C it just says 'spacer included' now to me, that means install it un-cut. But I remember 1 or 2 guys that said that made it to stiff, thats the last thing I want. I got the stock length springs.
'hogsport' Did you cut down the spacer? if you didn't, do you think it rides smoother then stock?... Thanks guys.

 

The spacer(s) should be 2 pieces of white PVC plastic pipe (2-3" long, I don't remember). They go on top of the new springs after you drop the springs into the fork tubes, with a flat washer in between. I didn't cut them and the ride is perfect.

 

Thomas,
Progressive fork springs made a big dfference for me, much smoother ride, no bottoming out.
Yes, fork caps are a bit of a challenge, I used a 1 3/8 six sided socket (from autozone $8) with some styrofoam to fill the extra depth. wrapped electrical tape on the caps to prevent scratching. Make sure you have some force on the cap when removing it (25 lbs or so).

I did not cut the spacers. I have the custom which may have slightly longer forks. If you get the right kit form progressive, it should work fine.

Weight probably does matter - I am 225 before gear. I can see a benefit for lighter riders cutting the spacer. If that is your plan make sure you put the spacer on top of the spring. If I remember, the instructions had me put the spacer and washer under the spring.

 

'hogsport' Thanks.
Sounds like yours rides the way I want my Custom to ride. I'm about 30lbs lighter then you, so I think I will cut about 1/4" off the spacer, that should make it ride about the same as yours with are whight defernce...
Thanks to all of you for the advice I have got so far...
GP.