Swapping fork springs

[81xsproject]

I have a set progressive front springs that I got off ebay some time back.

I was looking at the fork diagram in the Clymer and it looked like all I have to do to change springs is pull the handle bars, remove the top fork caps, and pull/replace the springs...

Is it really that easy?

[mason79]

yes did mine the other day, easy and the results are nothing short of a complete transformation.

oh yes the bike has to be jacked up otherwise it'll bounce down and the springs up.

the tough part is putting the caps back on without stripping them

i would when all the springs are out and the fluid changed and pumped and measured, take the cap and go ccw, until it clicks in the tread and mark the 12 o'clock position

then during install wuththe spring, position the cap at 12:05 go ccw until the click and go cw, and now you have a bite...

good luck!

[Snow]

+1 on trying not to strip the caps when reinstalling. I'm a bit ham fisted and did that once.

[DiverRay]

If you have a standard, yes it is. Do be careful with the caps, as they are easy to strip. I used a jack to get the front of the bike in the air, and then pulled the handlebars and caps. Putting the caps back on, I use a socket and small ratchet, pushed down hard and slowly turned the cap to get it started.
If you have a special, you will have to put a PVC spacer on the springs. That should be in the instructions that came with the springs.
Ray

[81xsproject]

I do have a special and got the springs off ebay. I don't know if there is a spacer included. I don't remember the auction saying anything about a spacer. Is it something I can make myself?

[mason79]

Originally posted by 81xsproject
I do have a special and got the springs off ebay. I don't know if there is a spacer included. I don't remember the auction saying anything about a spacer. Is it something I can make myself?

mine is a standard and i did not use the spacers, they gave me, if you need them or copies of the instructions let me know i can measure the pvc pipe for you to get some at your home depot and fax the instructions

[DiverRay]

Yes, you can. I'll check when I get home, or you can search the progressive web site, and they should have the length you need for each spacer. The one thing you WILL need is a washer to go on top of the spacer. I don't know the diameter, but it needs to just fit inside the fork tubes.
Ray

[TopCatGr58]

Hey Ray,

Don't you mean a washer between the spring and the spacer, in other words, on top of the springs? Or are you saying to put the spacer in the tubes first? I put my spacer on TOP of my springs when I put on my 4" over tubes! I don't remember using a washer but it's been many years since I put it together!

So...since I have a Special which are already longer than the Standard, to use the Progressive springs I would possibly need to get a spacer about 8" long? Hmmmm?
T.C.

[81xsproject]

Well, I opened up the box and there were the spacers(~4"). No washers, though Oh well, those should be easy enough to get at the hardware store.

[mason79]

use the washers that i think are in the bike, my standard had it, i don't know about specials, if you have preload adjustments then then there should be a washer.

[pggg]

Tight coils on the top for progressive forks, also way easier to get the fork caps back on with the forks off the bike.