front suspension

[marki61701]

My front suspension is terrible on my 1987 kawasaki voyager,i can feel the bumps very harshly while riding.Seems like maybe I need progressive forks or springs,would that be expensive.At the moment it's almost unbearable to ride on uneven roads.

[JHD]

Look on Amazon, you should find a good price.

[triton28]

Some things to check:
tyre pressure could be too high, try 38lbs
shock oil could be too high a viscosity, go down in oil rating, ie: 15 wt go to 10wt; 10wt go to 7wt.
too much air pressure in front shocks
Just a thought.

[debron]

Everything Triton said plus:

It could be that a previous owner did install Progressive springs but mistakenly reinstalled the spacers/filters (there is a part that is used for stock springs but not for Progressives.) That spacer will compress the Progressives giving a hard ride.

Or there could simply be too much oil in the shocks.

Or the oil could be original OEM, grungy and clogging up the works.

[chevyman1]

The best price I found on Progressive Springs is $67.00 at Phat Performance Parts

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Sea ... earch.y=12

I replaced my Progressive springs with Race Tech springs and Cartridge Emulators.
I get a much better ride but they are more expansive (approx. $220.00 for everything ) and you have to set them up

[Mr Jensee]

Seriously take note of debron's post. The standard suspension on the Voyager should be anything but stiff. Most complain the air suspension is spongy and soft. If the oil is really old it could be thick and muddy and not flowing properly through the stanchion. Could be exactly what debron posted. Could be the last person who serviced it put too much oil in or the wrong weight oil. Hopefully it is not due to rust build up from old oil leaking out being replaced by water leaking past the seals. I have seen this happen too.

[voyager55]

Here's the spring install instructions, very easy. Be sure to change the fluid to

http://www.abbikeboard.com/jeff/spring/spring.html

Also look at getting Progressive 412 HD rear shocks, Spring loaded & no more oil & air worries.
IMO the best ride & handling improvement you can make on the 1200. The difference is amazing

[vmaxgirl]

Do you still use your stock air adjustable system with Progressive Fork Springs?

[debron]

Do you still use your stock air adjustable system with Progressive Fork Springs?

Most do not. If you do, use no more than about 2 lbs.

[ekap1200]

Do you still use your stock air adjustable system with Progressive Fork Springs?

You will still need all the EXTERNAL components of the system. The fork tubes are cross drilled for air inlet. However there are a few components in the tube on top of the stock springs that must be removed for use of the new progressive springs. The springs can be replaced without removing the tubes from the bike. Gene K.