Maintenance Work

[ComputerGeek59]

I just ordered a bunch of stuff for my new to me 1998 Voyager Xii. I ordered tires, brake pads, progressive fork springs, and rear shocks. I put new springs in my ZG1000 a while back and there was spacers that needed to be put into the system. Are there parts the go with the Voyager or do you just put the springs in and move on. I also wonder about the settings for the rear shocks. I ordered the standard springs because neither my wife or I are heavy. I do most of the riding solo but the wife will occasionally ride with me. My question is settings for the rear shock. I am 205 lbs. and my wife is about 145lbs. Do any of you have suggestions on which setting to set the rear shocks? I know that it is personal preference to some extent but would like to have a starting point since I am new to this bike and have not use the progressive rears on any bike in the past.

Thanks,

Brad

[voyager55]

HD springs

[voyager55]

Use the HD springs for the rear

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

[Mr Jensee]

You don't need HD springs. My wife and I together push the 500 lb. level and I have standard springs on the Voyager. When I ride alone the ride is smooth and non jarring even on Louisiana roads. I don't know why you all are pushing Heavy duty springs to a guy and his wife who don't weigh that much.

[voyager55]

Progressive says--Notes

Heavy Duty Applications are recommended for riders that ride 2 up over 50% of the time.

[Mr Jensee]

Those are recommendations not gospel.

[SgtSlag]

I installed Standard springs on mine, a few years ago. Ride 2-up, 99% of the time. Together, we weigh around 450#. One rear shock began leaking oil after a year/3,500 miles; we both got zing'ed by bottoming out, several times, on bumps... Not healthy!

We also tour every year. Bike gets loaded in both bags, and the trunk. Even more weight on the suspension...

That is why I recommend HD springs. YMMV. Cheers!

[ghostler]

I just ordered a bunch of stuff for my new to me 1998 Voyager Xii. I ordered tires, brake pads, progressive fork springs, and rear shocks. I put new springs in my ZG1000 a while back and there was spacers that needed to be put into the system. Are there parts the go with the Voyager or do you just put the springs in and move on.

If you ordered these springs, https://smile.amazon.com/Progressive-Su ... 007RY0XKE/

there is a spacer like a short piece of steel tubing at the top of the stock springs, about 1.5 - 2 inches long (been a while since I did mine, going on memory) that you remove and discard. The fork Progressives are longer than stock spring. They restored the front height to factory and no longer require additional air pressure for suspension action. I am thoroughly impressed with them because they have very smooth road handling and are less tiring on long rides.

I also wonder about the settings for the rear shocks. I ordered the standard springs because neither my wife or I are heavy. I do most of the riding solo but the wife will occasionally ride with me. My question is settings for the rear shock. I am 205 lbs. and my wife is about 145lbs. Do any of you have suggestions on which setting to set the rear shocks? I know that it is personal preference to some extent but would like to have a starting point since I am new to this bike and have not use the progressive rears on any bike in the past. Thanks, Brad

One of the previous owners installed an aftermarket rear air shock system. They work fine and have felt no need to upgrade to Progressives, of which I'd have to get a set of OEM shocks in first place to do that.

Factory manuals specify a maximum air pressure, so you don't blow out the rear shock seals. Personally, I'd set it per manual and experiment to find out what works best. If you can't find a satisfactory setting, then by all means upgrade. Over time, you'll find what best suites yourself. If possible, might not hurt to drain oil and refill. Over time, the oil breaks down with humidity mixed in, which degrades oil performance. When I did the front forks about 2 years ago, the oil was a medium grayish spooge that was really nasty looking, wouldn't surprise me if it was 14 year old factory oil. New oil and the Progressives (also replaced seals to be safe) certainly was a 100% improvement.

[ComputerGeek59]

Completed the install of the progressive front springs and rear shocks! Thanks to those of you who provided the council on the install of the front springs. Everything went great except getting the top plug in and out of the fork tubes is not an easy task. Overall the job went well and I don't have any leaks! I replaced the fork seals and lubed and adjusted the steering bearings, replaced the front and rear brakes and wheel bearings. I also put new front and rear tires on the bike. I put on the Pirelli MT66 tires that were recommended by some on this board. Thanks for the recommendation! Great tires from a handling perspective (I hope the tire life is as good)!

I figured as long as I had it apart it made sense to do the maintenance while I was in there. All turned out great and the bike rides like a million bucks.

Thanks for the responses!

Brad