HD front fork springs

[bikermike]

Last year i installed HD frork springs, new seals and 15wt fork oil as per Leo's suggestion. Since that time the forks seem very harsh, picks up every tar strip and concrete joint in he road... Has anyone tried cutting them a little shorter? The forks now seem to have "Stiction".... Do you think i may need new bushings?

[chevyman1]

Are the HD fork springs Progressive springs? if so did you leave the filters out(they are not used with Progressive springs) also try using a lighter oil 10W or 7W .
I had Progressive springs in both my Voyagers Just changed out the one with Race Tech springs and cartridge emulators, what a difference that made.
Much better ride and handling.
they are more money and work to get setup to your liking but worth it.

[Mr Jensee]

Make sure you have the right amount of oil, whatever weight you are using, in the forks. If you put too much there will not be enough ability for the oil to move through the valving fast enough to give you a smooth absorption over bumps. Eventually it could blow another set of seals. 10 or 15 wt. oil should be sufficient. I have used Honda oil with good results on all my previous bikes including the Voyager. Make sure you are NOT pressuring up the air tubes as Progressives don't require air.

[bikerking.biz]

In addition to the oil filter in the forks as previously mentioned, another thing that can cause stiction in the front forks is if you have not cleaned them out within the past few years. The longer the time goes, the forks can and do collect "grundge" on the bottom of them and can cause sticking towards the bottom of the stroke in severe cases. To test, you should remove the forks, remove the springs, and compress them to the bottom. If they stick and you have to pull them very hard at all to extend them again, they need cleaned. An easier way without checking is just to drain the fork fluid out, and continually flush the forks (I used paint thinner) until the thinner runs fairly clear, then fill with new fork oil. I used 7 wt. If the fork bushings have not been checked within the last 4 years or so, I would do that as they wear out and also can contribute to stiction.

[jre258 in SoDak]

Some people have had stiction problems after installing an aftermarket fork brace. It seems like their machining was just a little off and would bind up the forks.