Progressive forks springs

[79beem]

I know this isn't news to a lot of you but.
I just installed a pair of these and I cannot recommend them enough if you haven't done it already then look into it.
With new rear shocks and fork springs my bikes handling is transformed .

Happy days. [smiley=bmw_smiley.gif]

[Boxer_Bolshie]

Just ordered a pair.  The OEMs were rusty but I was going to do it anyway.  Can't wait!

[Barry]

I just installed a pair of these and I cannot recommend them enough  

I'd be interested to know what the spring rates were for your progressive springs (or the part No) so that I can compare them with the rate of the stock springs.

Opinions about progressive springs tend to be polarised with some saying best thing ever and others saying they are far too stiff and spoil the ride. The reason is probably because generalisations can't be made about springs without taking some account of the riders weight so if it's not too personal an idea of your fighting weight would help me understand why they work so well for you and whether or not they would work for me.
 

[Bob_Roller]

I installed progressive wound springs from Progressive Suspension on my '81 R65 about 5 years ago .

I did not notice any real substantial improvement in handling over the springs that had been installed for the previous 78,000 miles .

Only real noticeable difference, is they are a bit stiff / non-compliant at slow speeds, but that feeling goes away at higher speeds .

They also make an odd 'squeaking' sound when I go over the curb going into or out of my driveway .

[montmil]

I recall the old slam against Progressive front fork springs goes something like, "The best way to store your new Progressive springs is in a vertical position within a 55-gallon trash barrel."

Personally, I've never tried them so I don't have a dog in this fight.

Our 30+ year-old, vintage Airhead bikes will never handle like the latest Euro canyon carvers unless you're willing to pony up big money to mod not only the suspension but the chassis, too. I occasionally play with different weights and volume of fork oil in the R65's front end and find that that, plus the proper Hagons on the rear, to be adequate for my personal level of fun in the Texas Hill Country.

IMO, enjoy them for what they are without going overboard in trying to make them something they're not.

[smiley=2cents.gif]

[clonmore1]

I've ordered progressive springs for my rebuild plus new Hagon's for the rear. Couple these with BT45's and "fully floating" front discs (OEM units are almost £300 each!!!!) and EBC pads and I hope to have modernised mine a little...

[Justin B.]

They also make an odd 'squeaking' sound when I go over the curb going into or out of my driveway .  

I also noticed a "squeak" on heavily bottoming out the forks after installing the Progressives...

[79beem]

Barry,  I'm no porker @ 75kg. I cant remember the length of the new springs ( motorworks UK  ) when I installed them but they were definitely 15 - 20mm longer than the specs in the Clymer manual. They did required a little more pressure to get the retaining clip in but it wasn't a problem for me. The old springs were still within acceptable tolerances but had worn down in a few spot on the outside of the coils. I found with the new springs and 10wt oil she held her lines better through corners.