Just did the forks

[NCGus]

Can't believe the difference. Only new parts were bushings and seals. I'm sure the Lucas Syn fork oil I used made all the difference. While I was there I greased the bearings in the steering stem.
I may keep it yet!

[redjay]

Good job !

[Vulcan Bill]

Did you have any problems getting the inner cylinder bolts on the bottom of the lower legs out? I struggled with them for two days before buying a air hammer. That got 'em out in about 10 seconds.

[vulcanscott]

what weight oil did You go with ?

[waboritas007]

I just serviced my '01 with new oil, seals, bushing and Progressive Springs - what a difference. For someone coming from the sport bike world, I was happy to improve handling and get rid of massive front end drive

[Oracle]

I had a very different experience whit my '01 than Waboritas. I changed everything and went to the progressive springs and it was bad... I would go over hump and small bumps and the front end would bounce like a ball. After dealing with a tech at Progressive and my mechanic, I decided to go up a notch on the oil weight, replace the seals one more time (since I took everything apart several times), and put my original springs back in. Now that was the difference I desired from the begining. Not only did the massive front end dip stopped happening, but the front end stayed on the ground as well. One extra plus was the ride overall. I went from a basic big bike cruiser feeling to a sporty cruiser feeling. I still have the Cadillac floating when on long highway stretches, but I gained a more stable roll when going through a tight corner... Love it!!!

[ldhthept]

I'm getting ready to change my fork oil again and have even bought the progressive springs thinking of giving them a try. Don't really have too much problem with the front end he way it is just got a good deal on the springs. I have an 06 with 56k miles, any thing I should know about changing out the springs?

[redjay]

Make sure the front end is off the ground before you remove the top caps as the springs are under load. I use the rafters in the garage and loading straps to support the handlebars when I remove the handlebar clamps.

[ldhthept]

I meant when changing to the progressive springs is there anything I shd know.

[DragonLady58]

Originally Posted by ldhthept

I meant when changing to the progressive springs is there anything I shd know.

Just follow your regular directions here the guys gave you, its not hard. Just be aware that the springs have a little preload on them when taking things apart. Have your bike up on the jack, letting the forks hanging free.
Springs themselves are just a swapout if thats all your doing.
BUT Consider This, while you have the bike up in the air, depending on you year and mileage, consider swaping out your seals, bushings for new ones, since your right there.
Just a few hours more, you can replace your steering bearings/wheel bearings....
Be sure to lash your bike down when on jack, your removing some weight off your frontend, bike could come off fairly easily.
I strap down on my front/rear crashbars....

[redjay]

There will probably be a length of PVC pipe with the Progressive spring kit.
The instructions with the kit will tell you what length to cut the pipe to give the correct preload of the spring.

[ldhthept]

06, 56 k miles, replaced steering head bearing 2 years ago when I changed fork oil. How often does that NEED to be change? The fork seals, bushings and wheel bearings have not been changed. I am getting a new front tire installed, good a time as any to replace what is needed but I am not having any probs that I know of. Thoughts?

[redjay]

Sounds like you got it covered. Just change the springs.
Maybe change the brake fluid ?

[ldhthept]

Yeah its time for new front pads as well, plan is to change all fluids over the "winter" though it is sposed to be in the 70s next week.

[DragonLady58]

Originally Posted by ldhthept

06, 56 k miles, replaced steering head bearing 2 years ago when I changed fork oil. How often does that NEED to be change? The fork seals, bushings and wheel bearings have not been changed. I am getting a new front tire installed, good a time as any to replace what is needed but I am not having any probs that I know of. Thoughts?

The head bearings should be good for at least 15 years if they're the tapered type.
Fork seals and bushings jiggle up & down on a avg. road probably about 15 to 20 times following road irregularities per mile, you do the math.
Wheel bearings on heavier bikes easily last 15 years or so, depending on mileage and usage.
Brake pads, I avg. about 1 1/2 years to a set, but I put ALOT of miles on my bike.
Fluids, I change every 4 years.
I do preventive maintenance, If you wait till a component fails or goes bad, its quite possible to have other damaged parts as well.... Just sayin....