Looking at the service manual it looks like I can just open the fork caps and pull the o-ring and take out the old springs and drop in the new ones right on the bike. Adjust the oil level and away I go. BUT, the dealer says I need to completely remove the whole fork assembly in order to do the spring swap. What's up? How would you do it and why? Has anyone done it themselves?

 

The fork cap goes up into the tree from the bottom and must be removed to open it. You only have access to the fork bolt from the top and that only allows you to put in fluid. So, yes the forks need to be removed from the tree in order to swap springs. If you look at the parts manual as opposed to the service manual it would be easy to see what I mean as it pictures it well.

 

Yes, I just read this tonight in the service manual too. I was thinking of doing it myself but now the $280 dealer fee seems reasonable to me.

 

Removing the fork tubes from the trees is not a bad job. Follow your service manual.

 

If you only change the upper springs only you could pull them out after you remove the forks. There are also springs below the dampner and the lowers have to be disassembled to change them. Its all easy enough to do but you will need a 6mm allen and an impact wrench to to get them apart. The 280.00 is mostly labor as it takes some time to do them.

 

No need to disassemble the lowers to install Progressives.

 

The $280 was only the labor, yes. The HD lowering kit is $150 in addition but I'll be the Progressive kit is better.

 

Sounds like we are talking about two different things. The OP said Progressive replacement springs, which are just the upper (long) springs. Lowering kits do include the lower (short) springs, and do require disassembly of the entire fork assembly.

 

Guys,

Just the Progressive replacement springs and pvc spacer provided. NOT a lowering kit.

Once I get the fork tubes out of the tree and have them open is it just a straight forward one spring out new spring in? Or, are there any hidden issues waiting for me? Do I need to replace seals and other stuff as well? Tips?

 

The pvc pipe will need to be cut to length. The fork oil in my 07 bike was very dirty with lots of sludge I just flushed each leg with out stripping down . I ran a 5 weight for flushing for a couple months and then changed to a 10 weight oil. I might change to a 12 or 15 weight latter on. Its a straight froward job with a manual and torque wrench .