[mrbreeze]

I think my VTX1300R is a bit harsh when going over potholes or rr tracks, places where you can't avoid a bump. I am thinking I would like to improve the ride, and the handling. I am thinking of changing the stok shocks to Progressive 412 HD 12" shocks, and changing to their fork springs as well.

I couldn't find a thread on this. Has anyone done it? Any advise would be appreciated.

Link to the shocks here

thanks

 

[Gearhead759]

Many here have used progressive shocks with great results. I am sure you will get a lot of votes for the progressive fork springs as well and they do improve the ride. That said, I was looking for a little more refined ride than the progressive springs offered up front. I ended up with new racetech springs, some Gold Valve cartridge emulators, and 20 wt fluid. The bike is so much more responsive with hardly any nose dive during hard braking; suspension is plush on sharp bumps yet firm and stable on the little ones. When I came out of the first good corner, I almost had to get off to make sure I was on my bike. Gone is the low speed mushiness and harsh reaction to pot holes, its been replaced with a comfortable and predictable controlled ride. Every aspect of handling is improved. Guess you could say I am happy with the results. Wish you luck

 

[mjklaser]

I was looking for a little more refined ride than the progressive springs offered up front. I ended up with new racetech springs, some Gold Valve cartridge emulators...

Gear, can you please provide links to these two items so that we can research them? Right now, you're just making us jealous... LOL!

 

[compster]

I think my VTX1300R is a bit harsh when going over potholes or rr tracks, places where you can't avoid a bump. I am thinking I would like to improve the ride, and the handling. I am thinking of changing the stok shocks to Progressive 412 HD 12" shocks, and changing to their fork springs as well.

I couldn't find a thread on this. Has anyone done it? Any advise would be appreciated.

Link to the shocks here

thanks

I did exactly what you are proposing to do. You're smart to go with the HD shocks. I tried the regular duty and they are too soft for two-up. Progressive springs prevent the front end dive when braking, but over bumps it's still relatively harsh.

Gearhead's suggestion of Racetech is the best option, but more expensive. http://www.racetech.com/ProductSearch/2/Honda/VTX1300/2002-08

I contemplated going with Racetech for my Blackbird, but ended up installing Sonic springs instead as a cheaper option, also available for the VTX.
http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=25_248&osCsid=c7c936587f20218b449e8273e703a5f6

 

[sumdatx]

Did the Progressive HD 412's and fork springs a few years ago. Fork springs are fine but not some much the 412's, which are described by Progressive as their "economy" shock. One of mine started going soft with no apparent fluid leak. I was lucky enough to get a set of OEM shocks with only 3K on them. Got a "lifetime" warranty set of bushings (2 piece, beveled) and they are much better than the 412's had worn in to. If you consider that the stock shocks retail for $192 ea, Progressive does sell much better shocks than the 412's, just more money involved. The Chief sells a good shock as well, MB's.
I had the shocks on the bike for nearly 3 years, roughly 20K miles. I was looking for a set of low mileage shocks from an 1800, as I was told they had some extra valving due to the increased weight over a 1300. I had no luck, but the OEM 1300 shock is good as long as I can keep good bushings in them.

 

[Gearhead759]

Comptser beat me to it so I won't double up links. That said I bought my racetech parts through amazon as they were 30% cheaper. Keep in mind there are many suspension vendors that make good products and most reputable spring vendors will offer comparable products. My own previous experience has kept me using Racetech and Traxxion components. Our biggest limiting factors on the VTX suspension is the poor bushing quality of the rear shock and damping rod style forks with relatively soft spring rates. Damping rod forks are a bad compromise that makes bikes suspension too soft at slow suspension speeds and too harsh at high suspension movement speeds. VTX factory sring rate is about .45 kg/in Racetech recommended 1.01kg/in spring for my body weight (235lb). That was a bit stiff so I ended up with .95 kg/in. If you choose to use cartidge emulators or similar make sure you use a straight rate spring otherwise it will be very difficult to properly dial in the proper damping and rebound adjustments. Far too many riders just deal with poor suspension and invest more in seats than I have in the forks to get some comfort back. I still use the factory seat and can ride for significantly longer now that the suspension does its job. If you have any questions I will be happy to help.