Thanks Gemini and Backwoods

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Thanks to Gemini's special tool and a helping hand from both he and Backwoods, not to mention the moral support. I now have Progressive springs in my forks. It went well with only a few head scratches involved. Once it clears up a bit tomorrow, I'll get in my test ride.

[GeminiII]

The head scratch was when you were scared of cross-threading the fork tube bolt with the special tool. The moral support was when Backwoods and I said, “You’re doing great… just tighten that sucker down.” Or did the head scratch come after we said that.... I don't remember. :roll:
I had a great afternoon and was glad to see Backwoods again after such a long time. If you find out after your first test run it’s not just right and we have to do it all over again - no problem - you know what the “hit man” said… it gets easier after the first time. :wink:

[Tin_Can_Terminator]

Thats what its all about.

Brothers helping brothers.

I hope when I get the chance I can help a fellow Xer.

And NO LJFNJ I wont wash your bike.


TCT

[backwoods]

It was good to see you guys as well. It's been too long. Days like today make me really miss the vtx. :(

[thumper271]

Thats what its all about.

Brothers helping brothers.

I hope when I get the chance I can help a fellow Xer.

And NO LJFNJ I wont wash your bike.


TCT

+1

[Prickster]

OC, I would love to know how different these feel compared to the stock.
Let us know, Greg.

[GeminiII]

One of the great benefits of doing your own mods is you not only get to feel the results of your new parts but you also get to actually feel and actually see the difference in the stock parts and the new parts. I could see a big difference between the stock and Progressive springs and I have seen a big difference between the stock front steering bearing and the tapered AllBalls roller bearing on my 1300. I’ve got the CT ready to go on my 1800 and can see a big difference in it too!

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Ride Report:
There is definitely a difference in the feel between the Progressive and the stock springs. First, my stock springs had started felling a little mushy at times, but if I am reading the manual correctly, they are still within their service limits. The Progressive springs are stiffer and I can feel it in the handlebars. However, riding on some familiarly bumpy roads, I know that the new springs are eating up some of the little bumps and rough spots. Cornering seems more surefooted also. I guess you could say that it's like the difference in a sports car or a luxury car suspension. All in all, I'll give Progressive springs a big thumbs up.

[chrisnsav]

So what were the head scratchin moments? I have new springs, and the fork tool but have been skeptical about tryin myself...;(

[backwoods]

So what were the head scratchin moments? I have new springs, and the fork tool but have been skeptical about tryin myself...;(

Those places in the guide where it says "and make sure you don't cross-thread the bolt" :)

Finding the threads cleanly when the spring is really pushing on the bolt is a little tricky. Actually it wasn't really that bad, but it did help to have someone pushing on the bolt to relieve pressure while someone else worked the wrench.

[Orange Crush/GJC]

Yep. Fear of cross-threading was the big head scratcher. The other one that I recall was trying to measure the distance from the top of the fork fluid to the top of the fork tube. I think the measurements in the shop manual are based on the forks being off the bike, so you can hold the fork up straight and the fluid is level. When it's on the bike, not only is it hard to measure, but the fluid level is slanted from the top of the tube. Funny how when it came time to screw everything back together, neither Joe nor John would even touch the wrench. oh well, I guess I wouldn't want to be responsible for cross-threading someone else's bolts either. :lol:

Don't be afraid to dig into it. It really wasn't bad. It only took us about two hours and that includes everyone offering opinions at every step. I also read Bare's instructions several times each step of the way. Read the directions good and take your time. I may take it all apart and replace the fork fluid sometime this winter.

[xxxrider]

After I added the Progressive Springs VTX 1800R I couldn't believe how much easier it handled. It felt like having power steering as opposed to manual steering if anyone remembers that far back.

I also have the Works Shocks on my new bike now and they are FANTASTIC and very easy to adjust with the supplied tool and even better than the Progressive 440 Shocks I had on my previous bike.

Greg, I think you will be very pleased with the results. We have to get together and ride and I look forward to showing you and John my newly acquired bike that I am still fine tuning to get it closer to the way my other bike was.

[littleJohnnyfromNJ]

Thats what its all about.

Brothers helping brothers.

I hope when I get the chance I can help a fellow Xer.

And NO LJFNJ I wont wash your bike.


TCT

that's not what I had in mind for you, TCT! ...especially since there is a total water ban now!

[littleJohnnyfromNJ]

I put the progressive fronts springs on my 1300 and it is a totally different bike now... bye-bye front end dive!

[Tin_Can_Terminator]

I put on my new risers tonight. Its a much better riding position.

They were the PhatriserII from scootworks. Very nice risers.

I havent gone on a ride yet but I will Sat morning and will test them out then. It is a much different feel just sitting on the bike.

I still need to do the Bearings and springs.

I also want to add a back rest and crash bars with foot rest.

And maybe.........just maybe ...........a widshield some day.

TCT

[Prickster]

TCT~

Next time we meet up you'll see and try out the backrest I have put on.

[littleJohnnyfromNJ]

TCT you already have a backrest named Lacey! Get her to scoot forward a bit more!!!