XJ11 fork rebuild & spring choices.

[KA1J]

Hey there,

I still haven't done the oil seals on the forks on the XJ11 but am getting ready to do that now.

I'm wondering if the progressive springs are a worthwhile addition or if there is a better option I should consider. Seems like after 33 years and many miles, new springs might be in order & as long as I'm in there...

Any thoughts?

[3Phase]

Hey there, Jack, LTNS!

It's up to you what kind of springs to get! Are you looking to get rid of the air assist on your XJ and go with progressive springs or what?

.

[Bonz]

Hey guys, can I play? I am a big fan of the air assist on my 80SG, and the front end is really nice in regards to plush yet controlled with the factory fork springs. Despite my lithe appearance for 6'11" tall , I still weigh 275-ish with riding clothes and helmet. I have a 2001 ZRX 1200 that I put Sonic Springs in for my weight, and the SG is easily tuneable to give a similar feel with air adjustment, and a fork brace would be all that's needed to fix up the handling on the XS, per se, in the corners which springs won't do anything for fork flex. NO, the XS won't handle like the ZRX because of frame flex, etc, but I would put the ride quality of the XS up with any bike I have owned if a guy will simply work with the air pressure. Other bikes I have owned/ridden/tuned are ST1300, VStrom 1000, Bandit 1200s, Nighthawk 550, CX500.

If air assist is working and not blown out, I would get a fork brace in lieu of springs and tune the air assist. Would/will make a much better handling bike and have the ride quality as well. Go to a heavier/lighter fork oil if you want, but I find ATF is perfect and want for nothing more.

I know I will get counter points to this from guys, however air is a really good way to tune that isn't on many bikes anymore.

[jetmechmarty]

I'll throw another out there. Throw that old stuff away! Get straight rate springs and emulators. Bring it into the 21st century! If you don't, my bike will always be better than yours!

[KA1J]

G'morning gents,

I didn't realize I'd be giving up air assist to use progressive springs, it looks like they are a drop in replacement for the existing springs so I wasn't thinking they would be affecting the air assist other than perhaps requiring a different air adjustment.

Here's the ones I'm considering: http://www.progressivesuspension.com...ork-spring-kit

Even though the XJ11 has a more solid factory brace in the front fender than the earlier XS1100's (not sure about the special), I do have a T-Kat fork brace I added a couple of years ago (A beautiful brace).

I have one blown oil seal so need to replace them on both forks. I have progressive springs on the rear of my XJ700 Maxim-X which did make a positive difference although not a great one on that bike. Handling and road-feel are important to me and I know nothing about progressive springs replacing the stock springs in the forks.

Now's my time to learn.

[jetmechmarty]

I believe the stock springs probably are progressive. The ones I pulled out of my SG were. You can probably still put some air in there. That, viscosity, and fluid level is all the tuning you get.

[bikerphil]

The XJ forks will not accept emulators unless the adjustable rebound damping feature is disabled. New springs whether progressive or straight wound is a worthy investment, JMHO

[KA1J]

What are emulators and would they be an advantage over the stock XJ11 air adjustment?

I'm not clear on the advantage of progressives in the forks of this bike vs stock springs. if there's minimal difference for me, I'd go with the less expensive option.

[Bonz]

My point of reference is keeping the bike as stock as I can internally and externally, pretty cherry condition for an 80 SG. Given the flexy nature of the forks, the brace would be my first step and you have that already, so yeah, Springs would be a good thing to add to accentuate the air assist.

[Bonz]

Dang, missed the edit time window.

New Springs can be had in rates specific for your weight, if you ride fully loaded, riding style, that type of thing. And any spring of new manufacture specific to your needs and style is an improvement over stock springs that are one size fits all.

I like Sonic Springs, they are straight rate but progressive rate springs are preferred by some guys since that is what came stock I believe and help keep the original feel. But any new springs are better springs in the sense you have them tailored for you and your bike.

[KA1J]

I'm not a big guy, 5'11 & 200 pounds. I have vetter hard bags I usually run with. Rarely, the GF comes along for the ride, she's about the same weight.

For the most part I ride the XJ11 on longer trips & on major highways. I prefer the Maxim-X for back roads as it's got the same acceleration as the 11 but the X is much more nimble for the twisties. The XJ11 is a larger cruiser and much more comfortable on a long tour, and it definitely holds its own on the back roads. My own riding style is I love acceleration but don't push the bikes hard when it comes to twisties. I do want excellent handling in whatever road condition I encounter but I don't want the suspension so stiff I feel every defect in the road jarring the handlebars.

Not sure how all that helps in choosing the springs best suited to my riding style but that's how I usually use & want the 11 to ride.

[BA80]

The XJ has air adjustable front forks and rear shocks. Springs are a pretty moot point.

[jetmechmarty]

I'm not a big guy, 5'11 & 200 pounds. I have vetter hard bags I usually run with. Rarely, the GF comes along for the ride, she's about the same weight.

For the most part I ride the XJ11 on longer trips & on major highways. I prefer the Maxim-X for back roads as it's got the same acceleration as the 11 but the X is much more nimble for the twisties. The XJ11 is a larger cruiser and much more comfortable on a long tour, and it definitely holds its own on the back roads. My own riding style is I love acceleration but don't push the bikes hard when it comes to twisties. I do want excellent handling in whatever road condition I encounter but I don't want the suspension so stiff I feel every defect in the road jarring the handlebars.

Not sure how all that helps in choosing the springs best suited to my riding style but that's how I usually use & want the 11 to ride.

This information is what you give to a suspension expert. I sourced my springs from Traxxion Dynamics in Woodstock, GA, but there are quite a few vendors. My custom wound springs were about $125.

I think you should do some research before you decide what is right for you.

http://motorbikewriter.com/set-motorcycle-suspension/

http://racetech.com/html_files/EMULATORGV.HTML

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3QYZEQoN_M Watch this one!

http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/suspension-setup-101-part-i-setting-sag

http://automotivethinker.com/suspension/linear-vs-progressive-rate-springs/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ByPqyyTQe8

You can get a pretty decent ride with the original parts if they aren't worn out, but if you want an old bike to perform, you have to do something different.

[cajun31]

all good points

First thing I would do before deciding to do a spring replacement would be to get those forks off and not only replace the seals but do a very thorough cleaning and replace the fluids. I did mine last year and what came out of mine in the form of gunk made all the difference in the handling of the bike once I got everything cleaned sealed and adjusted. On top of that I don't ride with a brace and you stated you have a tkat on yours so I really wouldn't think you need new springs unless you find something wrong with them when you get everything disassembled. Just my two cents but that worked for me and you and I are exactly the same height and weight.