[Ilovemyvtx]

I am seriously considering buying the progressive vtx fork springs during the hdl sale. I know I have asked this before but not all of it.

1 Is the fork spring swap truely easy??? I am pretty mechanical and have read bare's instructions a couple times, but it seems a little over my head. I am going to buy the fork spring tool if I decide to do the job.

2 If i buy the shop manual, should i consider replacing the fork seals or just wait--- TILL--- they start leaking? I have 15k on the bike and im just wondering. #2 isnt as important as #1 is right now.

Thanks.

 

[Jon's1800VTXC]

You just have to follow the directions on Bares website. I personally only know of 2 bikes in my area that had leaking seals. I have replaced close to 30 sets of springs and they aren't bad at all. If you want to borrow a tool, I have 2 loaners and can forward one the next time it becomes available :wink:

 

[Ilovemyvtx]

Ok, well its no problem to spend $40 bucks on it. I will let it circulate like the others. Thanks for the offer though.

Yeah i kinda figured the seals could wait and i will let them go until they start leaking. I really havent ever had a bike long enough to know when exactly to replace them. So I will see on the x.

I guess I will go ahead and buy the springs today or tomorrow. 8) I will probably buy an MTC to go along with them... Later and thanks Jon

 

[Evi|grin]

I wouldnt call both sides easy. If i remember the left side was a little harder. Cant remember for sure we had a few beers

Print out the directions on Bares site and follow them very closely. A extra set of hands helps alot too.

Ive heard the GW length springs are a bit harder.

 

[TCB]

I Too have done more than 30 sets of these and they are Very Simple.. Just take your time and Follow Bars Instructions and U should Be fine..

 

[Guest]

Did mine last winter, you'll do fine following the instructions.
If the seals ain't broke, leave'em alone!

 

[Ilovemyvtx]

I got my progressive springs today, but the tool is on backorder. Anyways one is about a 1/4 in longer than the other. Is it supposed to be like that or what??? thanks

 

[Thrill]

I'm not an expert, but I think they are supposed to be the same size! I'm pretty sure mine were, as were the stock ones I took out (I still have them)

I don't know how easy or not it is to install,... I got the dealer to do mine because he was rebuilding the front end to try to fix the wobble under warrenty, so I said, "while you have it apart, could you these springs in instead of the stock ones?" and he did.

However, as far as ride goes,... I put in the progressive goldwing springs and I personally LOVE them! I am only 5'10" but 250# and ride 2 up alot.
They raised the front end a good 3/4" from stock. Sometimes when I go over big bumps or potholes (love those PA roads) the forks top-out, but not very often. But they NEVER bottom out anymore. The bike feels like it handles better, tracks better, and isn't so "front-end" heavy anymore.

some guys said "don't get the GL springs" but I'm glad I did!

 

[fozzir]

It's not that hard. You'll need a helper on the left side. Took me a couple hours but I took my time.

 

[VTXSgt]

The spring installation was not that difficult at all. A helper does indeed with this evolution. The left side was more of a PITA that the right but overall was not that bad of an installation. Follow Bare's instructions to the T and you will be fine.
I did the spring change on a 1300 and it was a piece of cake, much quicker than the 1800.