progressive springs

[Lucasind]

Maybe this has been discussed before.... but everyone is talking about how much better their ride is with p-springs ... in what way ? harder.. softer... better cornering... braking control... please post your observations and where to get them...... I don't have a problem with my 03... but anything could always be better !! tony

[gearheadfla]

Better handling, a lot less dive when braking. They way they work is at normal riding and roads they have the same spring rate as you do now, when you ride a little harder they react more firmly. Depending what weight fork oil you refill with, you will get different rides, I used 15wt oil because I ride two up most time and I weigh 280, it's pretty firm now, I'm thinking about going down to 10wt, some use transmission fluid (about 7wt) so it depends what you want, big advantage is NO MORE AIR worries, and like I said, a lot less dive when braking. Good upgrade. And I like the way it handles, I've been known to really dive into the turns when I get a wild hair and the bike seems to like it too.

[Mr Jensee]

Trust us, go with progressives all around. You'll never look back!

[debron]

.....Firmer, but smoother ride, less dive when braking, just feels more solid....

[Air Force]

What Mr Jensee said!

[gearheadfla]

Ordered my rears today, can't wait to rip the air lines right out of the bike.

[Lucasind]

Ordered my rears today, can't wait to rip the air lines right out of the bike.

All right,, what brand did you order,... and where did you order them from ?? oh yeah... where did you order your front p-springs from also.. tony

[gearheadfla]

Ordered my rears today, can't wait to rip the air lines right out of the bike.

All right,, what brand did you order,... and where did you order them from ?? oh yeah... where did you order your front p-springs from also.. tony

I got my fronts from Carl Leo last year, I ordered Progressive 412's with heavy duty springs (we ride 2 up most the time) off E-Bay for $221.03 and free shipping. I will find the ad on E-Bay and will try to post here in a bit.

Here is the link http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Progressive ... 27&vxp=mtr

I also found a NEW front light bar for the crash bars.

[Markus56]

I just did this upgrade two weeks ago with 15W oil on Carl's recommendation and it made all the difference in my '02 Voyager XII. Mine were sagged out and would bottom out easily........now it's never felt so good! My bike has less that 10,000 miles still so it wasn't from millage, it's the junk springs these bikes were born with is the problem (just like a lot of other Kawasaki motorcycles I've got or had). Thanks Carl for guiding me through the rebuild on my forks, your expertise is greatly appreciated and was very helpful. He also happens to be an excellent source for any parts you may need! Thanks again Carl.....you da' man!

[wyofisher]

Its all you guys' fault. I just upgraded to progressives all around, and love it. Of course it does help make them look good when all 4 shocks are worn out.

So new progressives springs and rear shocks, new fork seals and bushings, new steering head bearings, new swing arm bearings, new rear wheel bearings, greased drive shaft, new rear tire, and new oil all around. Yeah, I had neglected the bike, I'm not proud of that. Rides better than ever, smother and quieter, like its on rails. Thanks to the suggestions of all on these forums.

[Lucasind]

All right..!! sounds like ur bike is ready to ROLL.... see ya at the rally !!

[dmwoost]

I am changing the front springs out, the question is on Oil. The only single wt oil I can find is 30Wt is there any issue using a multi grade? What other options?

[Tat2demon]

You need to find Fork Oil. Should be sold at most every motorcycle shop.

[SgtSlag]

Fork Oil is a specific product, usually available only from shops/dealers. As an alternative, you can use Dexron III (conventional)/VI (Full Synthetic) ATF fluid, which clocks in at ~8 Weight; Fork Oils come in 5, 7, 10, and 15 Weight, if I remember right. The ATF sells for around $4-$8 per quart; the Fork Oil sells for around $15 per quart. Both last the same time, so it is more about the weight, and the cost. Cheers!

[Bruce in OK]

You don't want to use motor oil in your forks. What weight you should use is dependent on your riding tastes (how firm you like the suspension), your riding habits (such as riding two up or with the bike heavily loaded most of the time), your riding style (aggressive or sedate), and even your environment (average ambient temps, etc.). All of this is subjective and you may wish to experiment a little.

That being said, my perception is most opt for heavier weight oil with 12 or 15 wt. the most popular.