whats better???

[GARTHXS]

What do you think is better, stock forks off a 78 standard, or air forks off 80 standard

[DiverRay]

Stock with progressive fork springs. I have about 60K miles since I put the progressive springs in. Rides and handles great!!

[AlanB]

Hi Garth,

I am with DiverRay about the springs, but I don't think you need to change the forks?

I played around with the air when I got my bike, then let it all out and fitted progressives........ BIG improvement.

AlanB

[GARTHXS]

whats better

The reason IM asking is because I have a complete parts bike a 80 xs1100 standard
with air fork on it and I wanted to see if it was worth the trouble of switching them on to my 78

[79XS11F]

If you want to try the set up with air just change out the fork caps. They should be interchangeable. Just don't remove both the caps at the same time or the bike will NOSE DIVE off the main stand. Do them one leg at a time.
Rob

[Jerry]

FWIW....

Most of those who have upgraded their front forks with progressive (small "p") springs have given up using air pressure to adjust the front forks. Progressive is one brand, most common, but there are a few other ones out there. Seems to me some years of the XS had a "heavy duty' spring option which was, in fact, a set of progressive-wound springs.

Upgrade used to cost about $100.00 for springs and new fork oil, such an upgrade will make your bike handle better. Those OEM front springs are now up to 30 years old and have lost something over the years. I would go with an upgrade instead of swapping parts and pieces if you have the budget for it. Also add a fork brace (FB) if you don't already have one.