UPDATE Installed Progressive frt springs 1500

[chuckster131]

I have been looking at doing the front springs like what is describe on Gadgets page.
Has anyone here done this and is there any tricks to be known before I get into this job?

Thanks

[ringadingh]

I have had my forks apart, but never replaced the springs yet, I have considered it as I find them to mushy for what I like.
I switched to a heavier weight oil, 15wt but even it is to light in my opinion.
The forks come apart pretty easy, the only problem I had was removing the top 17mm allen plug, it was in very tight. My 1/2" drive impact gun wouldnt budge it at all. I borrowed a neighbours gun that was stronger and it buzzed it off for me.

[chuckster131]

Ringadingh,
That is what I find with the front forks on mine, that they are mushy too. Today I installed a lightbar on a friends 08 Nomad and I took it out for a ride and the front end is very solid and rides like a Caddilac compared to mine.(minimal dive) So i think maybe after 54,000 miles the springs are getting weak. I did do the oil last year 15wt and it really didn't make that much of a improvemnt.

[ringadingh]

My bike has felt to soft ever since Ive owned it, The more I think about it the better it seems to replace with stiffer springs. Thats a job for next spring.
If you go ahead and install the progressive springs let me know what you think of them.

[Bdog]

Joe..not sure about the 1500 but on the 07, I replaced the front springs with progressive. I added an extra spacer and used 15wt oil. I also removed the forks to inspect and properly drain and fill them. Progressive states to compress the forks then add oil with 5.5in to the top of fork..this works out to 16.5 fl ounces. The result is nite and day. I like my suspension a bit harder than normal (extra spacer), there is no more mushy feeling and rides like a rolls royce. I also got rid of the rear shocks and put on the progressive 412's..another huge improvement. Then went to the avon cobra radials. I now have a new bike than is more like a sport bike in Nomad clothing. She handles extremely well thru the twistys yet nice and comfy down the road. I don't think I would ever want to ride a stock nomad again..the difference is that great...I just finished a 3500 mile trip with about 120lbs of gear on her..she handled excellent and my body aprreciated it too..no more aches and pains ...Bdog

[oldbones]

Chuckster

Last winter I put in a lowering kit with progressive rear shocks
and front springs. With the lowering kit I had to remove the
shocks to take the lower part of the shocks apart. I had to have the dealer remove the retainer in the lower section. Had to add
two springs to lower 2". Also changed the top spring. On the regular spring replace ment. You can do this with out, taking the
shocks off. I got the kit from Scootworks, 4230 shocks.

[donb]

Bdog
Where did you get your Progressive fork springs ?
I also have an 07 Nomad but I can't seem to fine them for the 1600 Nomad.
Thanks for any help you can give me.
donb

[Bdog]

Donb..sorry for not getting back to you sooner but I just got back from camp. I called progressive in Texas for info..they don't make rear shocks for the nomad! What the service gal told me was they didn't have enough demand for them but they've had a few calls. She told me the 07 nomad has a 12.7 in shock and to use the 13in shock for a 99 valkrie. I got the 412's..the ultimate non air shock for the nomad is the 440's but expensive. Being in Canada, there were no listings thru dealers or retailser for the shocks , so I ordered thru customcruisers.com..payed the duty etc..Bdog

[chuckster131]

Ok, The new springs and oil arrived today. I tooked it apart yesterday and it can't be more simple than changing the engine oil. Well maybe a bit more work than that but simple in my book.

For now I have the forks inplace and tire on to check the pressure no,w and I can say it is a whole heck of a lot better than the stock springs.

Tomorrow I will button it up and see how it handles the road and post back.

[chuckster131]

This spring change along with the 15w oil is a great improvment over what I had before.
The dive is very minimal now and it really does ride better. This is a simple job with simple tools, now that I have done it once it would only take about 2 hrs top to change the springs and oil.

[ringadingh]

Thats great Joe, I'll have to do something about mine in the spring. Just yesterday a neighbours freind came over on his 99 Nomad, and commented on the mushy front end of his bike. It seems to be a common problem.
Would you stick with the 15wt oil, or try 20wt oil if you had to do the job again?

[Bdog]

I'm glad it worked out for you Joe..now go put lots more miles on her..Bdog

[chuckster131]

I would stick with the 15w oil, don't see a need to go with 20w unless some day the progressive springs soften up a bit. Keep in mind that progressive warrants thiers for life, so that is a good deal too.

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

Would you stick with the 15wt oil, or try 20wt oil if you had to do the job again?

[rewindgy]

The 412's you put on Bdog - were they the straight 412's or the HD ( Heavy duty) ones?

[Bdog]

Heavy duty ones..Bdog