Progressive springs made front reactive to even the smallest bumps

[paulezy]

I recently upgraded to the progressive front springs on my 87 1200. The change made the front end really harsh over even the smallest bumps. It used to glide over the bumps like a Cadillac. I measured 144 mm of oil with the springs in and used a 15w fork oil. Is there anything I can do to get that smoother ride back?

[cranky]

.. NOT a wrench, but just changed mine and everything I know said
to use 10w, and I used 10w Amsoil... can't say I've noticed any
negative feelings, other than the new springs really raised my
front end up!!!! Had to cut my shield down another 3" !!!!!!!

[Barry]

Since you remember that Cadillac ride, do you also remember the front end dive when trying to stop quickly? Also that smooth stock spring ride allowed the front wheel to break contact with rough pavement. With the new front springs and some minor changes to front/rear brake application, the dive should be gone. Try running good old ATF fluid. I seem to remember it's 7.5-10 weight. I don't think it's possible to have that mushy ride with progressives.

[ghostler]

Oil might have something to do with it. I used ATF fluid when I replaced stock with Progressives. Prior, it was rougher riding on rough roads. I was getting a lot of dive on stops. The Progressives smoothed out the ride. Plus, it was harder to set the center stand. Bike would lift up when I put the stand down backing prior to lifting it.

[HarryL]

Did you have the shocks in collapsed position when you did your measurements?
The reason I ask is that I made the mistake of not having them in the down position when I was adding the oil when installing my new springs.
Fortunately I caught it before closing everything up.

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Progressives will give your bike the best ride you ever had provided everything is done correctly. To start with make sure your forks operate smoothly without springs in them. Do they seem to stick at the bottom of the stroke? If so, they need cleaned out first, in fact, this should be done regardless. I used plain old paint thinner, and would put some of that in, and pump the forks up and down, then drain. I would do this until the fluid was fairly clean. If the bushings in your forks are worn, they will cause some binding too. When you replace the fork seals, you should replace the fork bushings also. I took the fork tubes off the bike to do all of this so I could tell more easily if anything was sticking. I then replaced the fork oil with 7w fork oil to the recommended rate. When using Progressives, you also do not reinstall the oil filter in top of the forks, and at least to start off with, do not use any air in them. Adjust with air if you find you need them just a little firmer for more sporty riding. Here is a link to an article I did years ago to install Progressive fork springs:
https://amervoyassoc.org/techtipsXII.ph ... %20Springs

While some find it not necessary, to remove the forks, I've found it easier and more accurate to do so when checking action, and oil level. I also noticed a good difference in front fork performance after I installed a SuperBrace.

[paulezy]

Thanks for the reply. I did a thorough cleaning and inspection when we did the progressive change and I followed your article except I used 15w fork oil. How much difference would the lower weight oil have on ride quality? Just to add, I put new Dunlop tires on front and back at the same time. That may have been some of the difference. It had Metzler tires on dated 2007 when I got the bike earlier this year. Maybe Im just getting old and those bumps dont move through my bones as well as they used to.

[Highway Rider]

What type of Dulops Did you put on

[Gator Mike]

Might try loosening all the bolts on the forks and then retightening. If there is binding this could cause your feeling all the bumps. I found the forks binding after installing a super brace and had the same problem of feeling all the bumps. When I replaced it with the oem brace and the front end rides great. just a thought.......Gator Mike

[Rhinestone Kawboy]

Thanks for the reply. I did a thorough cleaning and inspection when we did the progressive change and I followed your article except I used 15w fork oil. How much difference would the lower weight oil have on ride quality? Just to add, I put new Dunlop tires on front and back at the same time. That may have been some of the difference. It had Metzler tires on dated 2007 when I got the bike earlier this year. Maybe Im just getting old and those bumps dont move through my bones as well as they used to.

The heavier the fork oil you use, the firmer and slower to react to bumps your suspension would be. Do try Gator Mikes suggestion to loosen the front fork pinch bolts to see if there is binding there. I have read quite some time ago, that some of the new style SuperBraces were not quite machined correctly thereby causing binding too. I have the old style SuperBrace, and it just plain works. Have read the new style will work just as well if machined or machining corrected as well. As may have been mentioned, you also want to make sure you have the right amount of oil in your forks. They must be without springs and collapsed to get a correct measurement, otherwise you would be hydraulically locking the forks which would also make for a rough ride, and could blow out the seals.

[ghostler]

Also I'm wondering if Paul used air pressure after installing the Progressives. Air is not needed.

[paulezy]

I meant to respond awhile ago. When i had the tires changed the shop the mechanic told me he didn't have a gauge on the front tire pressure and for me to set it correctly. I didn't listen and that's why I had a rough ride. I put the correct air pressure in and voila Cadillac ride again.

[ghostler]

I'm glad to see you're safe Paul and that you got that corrected. 75 psi might be required with an obstinate tire to seat the bead, (had to do that with a Harley front), but should have been bled down to no more than the tire's maximum stated. Yikes, I'd hate to see the tire blow on you, not good.

[paulezy]

This Voyager XII is really my first motorcycle I have ever had to maintain. Where I am a pretty good mechanic on cars and trucks, my experience sucks on motorcycles. Having said that, I am so glad I took on this journey. Now the other night I was riding with one of my favorite gals, my daughter Jojo. We were heading out for an evening ride. At the edge of town I hit the throttle up into 4th gear and cracked her up to about 70mph. Before I could hit 5th I lost a bunch of power in the throttle. I cut it back a gear and was able to muster decent power but it bogged down if I twisted back the throttle. I limped it back home and drained the float bowls, pulled the filter and cleaned it out, got the NGK Iridium plugs, Napa stock number is 2022 installed. It still has decent power but really boggy if I twist the throttle much. I ordered new plug boots. Dang that is some tight fitting plugs wells on this bike. I hate throwing parts at this thing. Id rather pay somebody for advice.

[triton28]

Check the air filter and the air passages for partial blockage- sounds like too rich a mixture.
Just a guess,
Dave

[paulezy]

My cousin came over and lent a hand. We Put new plugs and boots on her, pulled the carbs and cleaned them nicely, and new fuel filter, had to make a new gas line from the pump to the carb, my vice grips plugging the line cut a hole in it. Well worth the efforts this bike never ran so good. She sounds like an industrial sewing machine tied to a rocket ship. One carb had some crud in the jet.
One plug boot look like it was leaking.