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Old 08-21-2016, 11:30 AM   #1
Ridefree   Ridefree is offline
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Progressive fork springs on 1500fi advice

So I got my progressive springs on Friday ( 11-1145 ) . I've read the gadgets how too on this and it seem pretty straight forward . I've been pondering doing it myself . I have the tools and have built up enough self esteem to try doing the job myself .
I know that some of you have done this on the 1500fi's . Any extra advice , tips or tricks are welcomed and greatly appreciated .

I will be using 1" of the pvc pipe as a spacer as per gadget . And also 20w fork oil .
Should I be using 20w or would it be wise to use 15w with the new springs ?



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Old 08-21-2016, 01:00 PM   #2
DragonLady58   DragonLady58 is offline
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You could run the 20w, if its a little too firm for you, its simple enough to drain out. I miss the good ole days when folks put a drain hole at the bottom of the forks....
I filled mine w/20w, drained about 1/2 out and replaced it with 10w....perfect ride then....
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Old 08-21-2016, 04:26 PM   #3
Ridefree   Ridefree is offline
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Thanks for the input . I was concerned that the 20w with the new springs might be to rigid . I have to go to the dealer tomorrow so I will pick up a couple jugs of 15w .
Speaking of drain holes . The research of done doesn't tell me what the bolt at the very bottom of the fork does . I'm wondering if that is a drain hole ? I'm thinking of taking it out and see if oil comes out .
 
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Old 08-22-2016, 05:09 AM   #4
MAS Tequila   MAS Tequila is offline
 
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The bolts at the bottom of the forks are NOT drain holes.

If you remove those bolts you could have one hell of a hard time getting things bolted back in correctly.

Just take the forks off and turn them upside down like Gadget's instructions say to do.

My 03 has the cartridge forks so it's a little different, but still the same principles.

I went with the Progressive springs and the 20w and absolutely love it.

I had the 15w with the stock set up.

The Prog's and 20w make such a world of difference that it's unbelievable, it just soaks up the small road imperfections and makes the big ones seem small.

Go for the 20w from the start, would be my advice.

MT
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Old 08-22-2016, 06:47 AM   #5
redjay   redjay is offline
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The biggest complaint I had with the 1600 Nomad were the forks.
They were terrible at soaking up bumps in the road. It was like they turned into a solid piece of steel when hitting a bump. I had Racetech emulators and springs installed and they were not much better, certainly not worth the cost.
The Voyager front forks, even when stock, were much better at soaking up the bumps.



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Old 08-22-2016, 07:42 AM   #6
ringadingh   ringadingh is offline
 
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I installed the Progressive Springs and it did make an improvement over the oem springs.
Its not a difficult job to do, but it is much easier with an extra set of hands.
I also made a simple tool to help compress the spring while someone else can thread the top plug back on.
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Old 08-22-2016, 10:07 AM   #7
Ridefree   Ridefree is offline
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Thanks guys for all your advice !! Mas , I will not touch those bolts at the bottom of the forks . I should have some time this afternoon to remove the forks and get a good start on them . Ring , I have seen the tool you mentioned and doesn't look that hard to manufacture .

Thanks again and appreciate all your knowledge and advice !!!
 
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Old 08-24-2016, 07:18 PM   #8
hammer   hammer is offline
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Quote:
I also made a simple tool to help compress the spring while someone else can thread the top plug back on.
Roger that!!

I took the forks off when i did the steering stem bearings and hung them up to drain for a couple of days. I flushed with 10w and filled with 15W BelRay. Yes it helped but I am going with Progressives over the winter. I will stick with the 15W so swapping out the springs will be pretty easy.

Wrench party!!
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Old 08-25-2016, 09:26 PM   #9
Ridefree   Ridefree is offline
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Job complete with new 11-1145 prog springs , all ball bearings for steering and a new tire to boot . First ride today and "WOW" rides like a dream . The original springs were shot .

Now for the rear shocks , was thinking 412's hd 13" .... any comments on this decision are welcome .
 
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