Progressive Springs for forks

[Redbaron]

Just received my progressive fork springs, R&R process seems simple enough. Are there any gotcha's I should be aware of? Any advice in this area would be appreciated, I plan to install these on Sunday, next. The manufacturers, progressive suspension, inc., say no spacers are required and that oil level should be 5.5" below top of lower fork. Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks in advance.

[Snow]

Progressive says you don't need spacers, so you have standard forks I take it? I would consider taking the opportunity to clean the insides of the forks with some brake parts cleaner with the springs out. Also, make sure you have the right weight of fork oil, I believe the US XS11's take 10 weight?

The toughest part of the whole process is getting those d*mn fork caps back on. I believe there is either a tech tip or a thread about those suckers.

[Mike Hart]

Have a look in the Maint/Suspension Forum for the thread on Replacing Fork Caps

It's a much faster/easier job than replacing fork seals. Once you get the feel for getting the threads started (a little ccw action) you're home free.

[beechfront]

i had no problem with the fork caps - my front end was elevated though. fork seals - not fun. i had a harder time with the fork seals than i did tearing into the tranny.

[Jerry]

I had Progressive install my springs at Americade in 2001. No special comments, but they did recommend using the fluid level method rather than the volume specified in the manual due to wear in the forks.

[MartyA]

I just replaced mine. Standard forks do not need spacers, the specials do. If you want to just replace the springs take the caps off and remove the old, drop in the new. It IS a good idea to clean all though.

My old originals were about 4" shorter than the replacement progressives. Went together fine.

I propped the front end up to extend the forks all the way, so the caps did not blow off when I unscrewed them. For the fork oil I used 15 wt fork oil instead of 10 wt since I am a little heavy and I have a fairing. I bought a pint of fork oil and just split it in half. Clymers says 7.12 oz (212cc) for each side, have not noticed any problems with the extra .78 oz.

What a difference in the ride!! MUCH better.

By the way, 4 years ago I replaced the fork seals with some aftermarket ones. They had pretty much completely disintegrated. I put in genuine Yamaha ones this time.