[bryanova]

The thread title pretty much says it all, i would really appreciate an explanation of how progressive front fork springs benefit or improve daily riding on our vtxs. I dont want the usual, oh they are so great, or oh the ride is amazing, oh i love them, blah blah blah, i want to know WHY and HOW they improve the ride of a stock vtx. Thanks if you can tell me. :choppersm Bry

 

[jbs89]

I have the exact same bike as you (except color) and felt that the progressive springs were a great improvement to the handling because it keeps the front wheel planted on the ground. No more bottoming out with that hopping feeling when hitting a bump in a curve. Stiffer, yes, but well worth it.

 

[Greg Riddle]

the bumps are stiffer but dont last as long. the bumps hit quick and done no long bounce and rebound. feel more comfortable diving into corners and no more bottoming out on big bumps.

 

[MPD193]

Just like the name implies, they get progressively stiffer as they compress.

 

[yfx4]

On my 1300 I had progressives. After I put them in I felt the bike had better handling especially in the bumpy turns b/c the springs kept the wheel on the ground more. The ride was stiffer, sure. I guess the best way to describe it is like the handling difference between a touring car and a sports car--the tires stay on the ground rather than in the air so it handles better.

 

[Donut]

It also stops the common clunk some here and keeps the front end from caving in on a turn and keeps the uncontrollable mushy feeling in a turn. If a bike mushes down in the front in a turn you are going to have time turning and it will want to go straight.

Doug

 

[bryanova]

Thanks for the posts, that was exactly what i wanted to know. So for a stiffer ride, i will have less mushiness and possible bottoming out and better control going into tight turns. I gotta be honest, at my ripe old age i dont exactly swoop into those tight turns anymore, and my floorboards are not toooo marked up from dragging on concrete. I am planning a week long ride down the East coast after Labor Day, and one last question about the progressive fork springs is do they give a lot of jolting or impact on the highway expansion lines. thanks again for your input. :mosh: Bry

 

[Donut]

Thanks for the posts, that was exactly what i wanted to know. So for a stiffer ride, i will have less mushiness and possible bottoming out and better control going into tight turns. I gotta be honest, at my ripe old age i dont exactly swoop into those tight turns anymore, and my floorboards are not toooo marked up from dragging on concrete. I am planning a week long ride down the East coast after Labor Day, and one last question about the progressive fork springs is do they give a lot of jolting or impact on the highway expansion lines. thanks again for your input. :mosh: Bry

You will hardly know the difference in stiffness they are progressives and increase the more they are compressed.
They are pretty easy to install. Some say it is one of the best things they do to there bikes.
And no they are not going to jar you to death.
But there are other things that improve the bike too.
Doug

 

[Justpics]

But there are other things that improve the bike too.

expound on this will you?

 

[Donut]

But there are other things that improve the bike too.

expound on this will you?

Risers
Seat
All-Balls steering bearings.
Tires
Dynabeads
Shocks.
Clutch relief
external A/F adjuster
Grips
I have done all of the above and more.
levers

 

[hunter9296]

I am looking to replace my fork springs with progressives also. I'm having a little trouble finding the correct part number. Does anyone know the part number and/or a good place to purchase?

 

[Donut]

This is where I got mine years ago.

http://www.directlineparts.com/byBrand.asp?brd=Progressive+Suspension&str=13

PRO-111126

Progressive Suspension front fork springs for VTX1300C and VTX1300S Retro. FREE SHIPPING.

Retail Price: $92.95
Our Price: $70.99

 

[WoodyZ]

Thanks for that info Doug. Not as bad as I thought they were.

 

[Donut]

Thanks for that info Doug. Not as bad as I thought they were.

 

[WoodyZ]

Might even be able to stick those in before my Vegas ride in January.

 

[Donut]

Might even be able to stick those in before my Vegas ride in January.

Easy to install front end has to be off the ground to take most of the weight off the spring. Just be careful when you remove the cap covers (under some light pressure). First loosen top pinch bolts only.

 

[bryanova]

Thanks all, now all thats left is the buying and the installing if i decide i want them. It would be an easy swap, i have risers and my handlebars wont even have to be taken off. I just dont know if i will enjoy any major difference in riding/handling. hmmmm, gotta think about this some more.

 

[prkuehn]

You will want to change the fork oil as well.


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- Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Zrex1]

I have the exact same bike as you (except color) and felt that the progressive springs were a great improvement to the handling because it keeps the front wheel planted on the ground. No more bottoming out with that hopping feeling when hitting a bump in a curve. Stiffer, yes, but well worth it.

+1 I just replaced the front springs and used 10/w Honda oil and installed 11 1/2 rear shocks also..The ride is 10 times better..I cut the front supplied spacers 3/4 inch shorter than the Originals.

 

[BlueMaxMoe]

I really notice the difference when braking,no more "diving". Like some others I did the fork springs,the fork oil and all balls steering stem job at the same time. It's a major difference in how she handles,IMO.

Ride Safe :choppersm