Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

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Tonyvdb
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Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Tonyvdb »

So my seals have completely gone on the front suspension. And lost a lot of the oil I'm sure. I want to rebuild them with progressive springs.
Is all I need to replace is the springs? Will these work: https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/progre ... rings.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
And these for the seals: https://www.canadasmotorcycle.ca/all-ba ... l-kit.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I just want to make sure I get the correct stuff.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by voyager55 »

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pr ... 00-voyager" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by chevyman1 »

the link below is the best price that I have found for progressive springs.
but if money is no object you might want to look at Race Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Fork Emulators and springs, they will give you a better ride and handling.
you will be looking at about $250.00 for the Race Tech suspension.

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Sea ... earch.y=12
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Tonyvdb »

I was looking at the Race tech ones, do those valves go in and replace I'm guessing the stock ones?
Remember I'm up in Canada so the exchange rate is lousy right now so shipping anything out of the US is not very cost effective thankfully it seems to be improving again.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by triton28 »

Yes Tony those part #s are correct. Right now the exchange for US goods is around 35%, and the same on the shipping charges.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by HarryL »

Tony, when the front fork seals started leaking on my 03 Voyager, Carl Leo suggested I replace the bushings at the same time. I had over 100K miles at that time and while there was some wear on the bushings, there was nothing severe. I used the All Balls kit.
I installed the Progressives at 30k and really like the improved handing and ride

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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Rodney »

I had this exact job done last Friday in a shop near me in Ontario. I have a 2001 Voyager 1200 that I bought last June. It now has 27,000K on it. They replaced the K-teck main fork seals cost $40.00, the K-teck fork wipers cost $30.00, K-teck fork bushings cost $30.00, 2 copper base bolt washers, cost $2.00 and an"O" ring to measure shaft displacement on the forks under heavy load or braking. The Progressive springs 76-1102 cost me $149.99 and the rear 412 Progressive 4213C shocks cost $469.99. The labour was about 4.5 hours. I sat on the bike in the shop and it felt very different but of course I will not get to ride before April. Hope tis is helpful.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Tonyvdb »

So does anybody want to convince me that spending the money on the race tech ones is worth it?

Thanks for the info so far. :-D
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by chevyman1 »

Tonyvdb wrote:So does anybody want to convince me that spending the money on the race tech ones is worth it?

Thanks for the info so far. :-D
I recommend The Race Tech suspension, Defiantly worth the extra money
the Progressives are much better then the stock springs and the Race Tech are Much better then the Progressive springs.
They will take some trial and error to get them setup and you will have to drill some of the holes bigger in the stension tubes.
The emulators just set in under the springs.
If you decide to go with the Race Tech I will give you a starting setup including spring rate that I got from Don and am still using.
If you go with Progressives I have a set of forks with Progressives springs, new seals and wipers ready to install.
PM me if you are interested.
:thmup:
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by voyager55 »

You got ripped off big time.
Front springs are $97 & Rear Shocks $299 at progressive suspension. That's full Full retail to.
Even cheaper if you shop around.


Rodney wrote:I had this exact job done last Friday in a shop near me in Ontario. I have a 2001 Voyager 1200 that I bought last June. It now has 27,000K on it. They replaced the K-teck main fork seals cost $40.00, the K-teck fork wipers cost $30.00, K-teck fork bushings cost $30.00, 2 copper base bolt washers, cost $2.00 and an"O" ring to measure shaft displacement on the forks under heavy load or braking. The Progressive springs 76-1102 cost me $149.99 and the rear 412 Progressive 4213C shocks cost $469.99. The labour was about 4.5 hours. I sat on the bike in the shop and it felt very different but of course I will not get to ride before April. Hope tis is helpful.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by SgtSlag »

If you go with Progressive 412 series shocks, for the rear end, get the Heavy Duty Springs... I went with the Standard Springs, and blew out the rear shock on one side, within a year -- had to replace both, of course, with Heavy Duty Springs. No issues since the upgrade was done, a couple of years ago. I ride two-up, 99% of the time.

The Heavy Duty Springs tend to be quite strong, so start with a softer setting, and work up from there. They are decent but they are not Ohlins, by any stretch of the mind. They are also quite easy to install yourself, if the springs come pre-installed on the shocks: just remove them, one at a time, replacing it before moving to the other side.

With regards to fork oil, that is a personal choice. I tried 10 Wt., but I found it too harsh. I now use Dexron III ATF, which clocks in at 7-8 Wt., and I like that. YMMV, considerably. Cheers!
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Rodney »

My pricing posted last night shows you what has happened to the CDN $. It hurts a lot north of the border.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Tonyvdb »

Yup, the CAD exchange is bad but it's improving. It was nice in 2007 when our dollar was at $1.18 on the US dollar. Right now it's at 0.71
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by sv650guy »

I'm getting ready to install the new suspension front and rear questions
1, emulators needed or recommended worth the$$??
2. for the upgrade opinions compared to stock?
I'm a BMW Tech, with 30 plus years on jap stuff too, just looking for the review on the progressive/ race tech upgrade

thanks Clayton
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Mr Jensee »

I can tell you from someone who rides a lot of very bad Louisiana roads that the regular progressive spring replacements are miles above the original suspension. Yes the ride is little rougher because the suspension will be a little stiffer but that can be compensated with different weights of fork oil. I have never used the Race Tech emulators but if fellow Voyagers swear by them then who am I to argue. Depending your body weight and if you carry a passenger often will depend on whether or not you need heavy duty rear shocks. I have the standard 412 units and I weigh 250 lbs. now. I don't have a problem with the rear suspension being overly or under sprung. Like I said a lot of Louisiana roads are patched and rough but the ride now is not uncomfortable. I did buy some Chinese knock off Kuryakyn ISO grips which really smooth out the roughness transmitted to the bars. If I were still riding long distances which I probably will never do again I would look into better padding for the seat. Other than that I love riding my Voyager because now it handles like a bike weighing a good 200 lbs. less than it is. Good luck with your choices.
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by chevyman1 »

I have both Progressive and Race Tech.
My travel bike has Race Tech front and back, the front is way better then the Progressives ride and handling.
I pulled out Progressives when I put the race tech with emulators in and I could not believe the difference.
They take some time to get adjusted but worth the aggravation.
I am 220 lbs and when I ordered the springs I went one step lighter then the recommended spring .
I have a good starting point for the emulators if you are around that weight.
The race tech coil over shocks in the back are better ride and quality then the Progressive's but I don't think the higher price is worth the difference, there twice the price.
I got a discount when I got mine.
My Team Green has Progressives front and back.
They are both Voyager XII's but they ride and handle totally different.
:thmup:
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by pasam »

Hi,
I ordered my front springs and rear shocks from Carl Leo. He will steer you in the right direction and will treat you right. He has been the goto guy supporter of the 1200 Voyager. The cost of phone call will get you a free answer to any question about the Voyager. HE DESERVED OUR SUPPORT !!
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Roadrash »

How can I get in touch with Carl Leo? Don't seem to be able to use search even though I'm a paid member
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Re: Finally going to switch to progressive on the front...

Post by Mr Jensee »

You can email him at Voyagerparts@bellsouth.net. He will usually call you back if you leave a number.
For Voyager XII Manuals click the link below.
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