92 and Progressive springs

[teteague]

Hello, I am going to change to Progressive front and rear setup, my question is, anyone that has done this, did it change the ride height? I can’t handle it being any taller?

Thanks Terry

[GrandpaDenny]

Hi, my old springs were well and throughly clapped out, so the new springs raised the ride hide substantially. YMMV - it depends on how worn out your existing suspension is. Why do you want to change to Progressives? If your suspension is in good shape and you've changed the oil in both ends, Progressives aren't that much of an improvement. If your suspension is shot, then they are a HUGE improvement.

[teteague]

well to be honest, I don't know how bad my suspension is, with no air, I am flat footed and can still put it on the center stand with now issues. I have air leaks, and have not changed the fluids as of yet, thought if I was going to go to all that trouble, i would upgrade while doing it.

be now I'm concerned, if it will actually raise the bike over the height with air in the suspension

Terry

[GrandpaDenny]

With no air in the suspension the bike's going to ride like crap. It's designed to have air in it. So your choices are to either fix the air leaks or go with Prograssive springs and shocks. Either way, if with no air in the suspension you can barely flat foot it, you're not going to be happy with the ride height with a properly functioning suspension, whether OEM air or Progressive.

Doodle With A Motorcycle https://www.youtube.com/@DoodleOnAMotorcycle is a little tiny wisp of a gal who rides anything regardless of size, weight, or seat height. Check out her videos for tips. BTW you shouldn't always be putting both feet down at a stop, just the left foot. Keep the right foot on the brake at stops, and the bike in gear.

I highly recommend MSF and/or Total Control classes for everyone. Here in PA they're free for PA residents and you can take them as often as you want. Some states offer partial subsidies, some don't.

[teteague]

Well, I went ahead and put the rear progressive shocks on. I have not done the front forks yet those are coming in the near future. What I have discovered is the progressive shocks actually lowered the bike to the level, the bike was without any air in the shocks. Which leaves me flat footed, I’ve ridden the bike about 5 miles since I put them on and I’m quite pleased with the ride. They have so far, more time in the saddle will tell more. So if the front doesn’t raise it, I’m gonna be a happy camper. by the way, I tested mine putting it on the center stand with no air in the front or the rear just to see how it went, it worked fine without any issues at all. It goes on the center stand fine now with the rear progressives on it also. Thanks all for the comments, I’ll follow up when I get the front installed

Terry

[buzzcut]

I have found that using the 15w oil has eliminated the need for air at all with the progressives in front. I left the air stuff all there in case though adding air made it too harsh.

[GrandpaDenny]

I have found that using the 15w oil has eliminated the need for air at all with the progressives in front. I left the air stuff all there in case though adding air made it too harsh.

I ran 15w oil in Gertrude's forks, and it was too stiff. Should've stuck with 10w. Some of the guys on here recommend ATF, which is approximately 7-8wt equivalent.

[SgtSlag]

Well, I went ahead and put the rear progressive shocks on. I have not done the front forks yet those are coming in the near future. What I have discovered is the progressive shocks actually lowered the bike to the level, the bike was without any air in the shocks. Which leaves me flat footed, I’ve ridden the bike about 5 miles since I put them on and I’m quite pleased with the ride. They have so far, more time in the saddle will tell more. So if the front doesn’t raise it, I’m gonna be a happy camper. by the way, I tested mine putting it on the center stand with no air in the front or the rear just to see how it went, it worked fine without any issues at all. It goes on the center stand fine now with the rear progressives on it also. Thanks all for the comments, I’ll follow up when I get the front installed

Terry

Make certain to leave the spacers out of the fork tubes! The spacers will preload the Progressive Springs to a point where the suspension is dangerously stiff! Made that mistake, couldn't get them out fast enough -- really a scary ride with them installed...

Whatever fork oil you use, I highly recommend using full synthetic: lasts twice as long as conventional oils. What viscosity you install is personal choice. As mentioned, Dexron ATF (only, do not use any other type...) can be used: approximately 8 WT (middle of the range, 5-15 WT); transmission fluid maintains its viscosity over its entire operating temperature range, same as Fork Oil; Dexon ATF was used as Fork Oil by Honda, and other bike makers, in the late 1970's, so it has a proven history. Dexron 6 ATF is full synthetic, and it is highly detergent, so it will keep crud inside your fork tubes dissolved into the ATF oil (Fork Oils are non-detergent, as far as I know). The Dexron 6 ATF will last 2-4 years, under normal usage. When it changes from red, to brown, it needs to be changed.

Regarding your Progressive Springs, on the shocks... If you ride two-up, more than 50% of the time, you will want/need the Heavy Duty springs. I blew out one shock, within a month, as we ride two-up, 98% of the time. Bought new shocks, with HD springs, and we've been riding them ever since they were installed, in 2010. Cheers!

[teteague]

Update,
After installing the Progressives front and rear, I used 10w fork oil. I have decided the bike sits at the level it previously sat at, with no air in either end. I can say I feel like the bike is far more responsive, now. I can not feel the washboard roads as bad as I did before, but I did notice this morning, and sharp bump seems a little more harsh, but still much better.
After going to Bike Week at Sturgis, this year, I wished I had gotten around to doing this before I went, as I think the bike rides and handles MUCH better..

Terry

I used standard shocks on the rear, I weigh 170lbs and my wife around 125lbs.

[SgtSlag]

I used standard shocks on the rear, I weigh 170lbs and my wife around 125lbs.

The Standard Duty Springs may support you and your wife, without issue. Just check them before each ride, as a part of your standard bike check protocol.

If you see oil on the outside, one of them has blown its seals, and you will need to replace both shocks (they only sell them in pairs) -- upgrade to the Heavy Duty Springs when you order replacement shocks. Cheers!