progressive mono tubes or springs?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 1,307
Likes: 926
From: Squamish, BC
I am willing to spend $ on suspension on any vehicle, upgraded my FLTR rear suspension to Pro Actions and decided to simply try Progressive HD springs with stock 10wt oil before potential cartridge upgrades. It took about 2500km of break-in before the springs didn't feel stiff, so to speak, and now they ride quite well. I do ride on a lot of winding highways, and I like the response of these springs. I have thought about looking at Fox, but I don't feel a need, I am content with these HD springs for now.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,803
From: Western South Dakota
Progressives work great for me, front and rear.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
Dunno if this solution would apply to a FLHTC but I installed Ricor Intiminators and constant weight springs in my 2014 FXSB several years ago. You do not have to suffer sloppy control in exchange for a softer ride. The trick is to replace or override the archaic fixed aperture damper tube suspension you have with something that varies the effective aperture size as required, (valves). The Ricor Intiminators are a "drop in" way to do this. Check em out.
https://store.ricorshocks.com/bmw_s/47.htm
Progressive rate springs are a compromise at best and a POS at worst. Get the correct constant weight spring for your size and riding style and be happy.
.
https://store.ricorshocks.com/bmw_s/47.htm
Progressive rate springs are a compromise at best and a POS at worst. Get the correct constant weight spring for your size and riding style and be happy.
.
Last edited by HKMark23; Mar 6, 2020 at 08:26 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
have you tried just changing out the fork oil? some folks like to use the screamin eagle heavy, while some like to use a 50/50 mix of stock and heavy.
if you've never changed your fork oil, it is 10 years old now and probably in very bad shape.
if you've never changed your fork oil, it is 10 years old now and probably in very bad shape.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 6,175
Likes: 1,966
From: Great State of Canada
This explains my earlier post better:
The difference between this brand and my Ricors is that the Ricors require no damper tube modification. You just switch to very light weight oil which essentially overrides the damper tubes and lets the emulators, which are designed for light (faster) oil, take over. As I've said, a simple drop in. You should, once again, also install decent single rate springs custom picked to suit you and the riding you do.
I do understand how some people perceive a significant improvement in ride quality simply by changing oil weights, thus changing the ride characteristic to a better compromise between bump absorption and handling. Nothing wrong with that but you should understand that its still a compromise. You've got oil squishing back and forth through holes of a fixed size regardless of whether its caused by a wheel rebounding off a bump or the compression of springs caused by braking or cornering. Emulators will differentiate between the two scenarios and cause oil flow rate to adjust accordingly. Ricor will send your Intiminators pre-adgusted per the info you supply them and Race Tech's website has the tools you need in order to specify your optimum spring. From there, you get your stuff in the mail and its a very simple DIY project if you decide to do it.
.
The difference between this brand and my Ricors is that the Ricors require no damper tube modification. You just switch to very light weight oil which essentially overrides the damper tubes and lets the emulators, which are designed for light (faster) oil, take over. As I've said, a simple drop in. You should, once again, also install decent single rate springs custom picked to suit you and the riding you do.
I do understand how some people perceive a significant improvement in ride quality simply by changing oil weights, thus changing the ride characteristic to a better compromise between bump absorption and handling. Nothing wrong with that but you should understand that its still a compromise. You've got oil squishing back and forth through holes of a fixed size regardless of whether its caused by a wheel rebounding off a bump or the compression of springs caused by braking or cornering. Emulators will differentiate between the two scenarios and cause oil flow rate to adjust accordingly. Ricor will send your Intiminators pre-adgusted per the info you supply them and Race Tech's website has the tools you need in order to specify your optimum spring. From there, you get your stuff in the mail and its a very simple DIY project if you decide to do it.
.
Last edited by HKMark23; Mar 6, 2020 at 11:44 AM.
Thread Starter
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 52
From: South Jersey
Well, I had to stop the mental anguish over making a decision. I ordered the mono tube cartridges from Progressive. I hope I made the right decision.
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