Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums Performance Mods Progressive Springs

I installed a set of Progressive fork springs yesterday and did not get a chance to try them out. Needed to get something to my son in Austin today, checked the weather, mid 70s (must suck to live up north) a little windy and off I go. 250 miles later these are my observations;

1. The front end dive when braking is gone.
2. Holds the road much better. Especially while cornering.
3. Wind buffeting and front end wobble is not near as bad. Several trucks blew by me at 80 mph and the bike held the road much better.
4. The buzz I would get in my right hand at cruising speed is almost gone.
5.When I hit a crack or hole in the road I didn't need to hold my mouth open to keep my teeth from shattering.

I don't understand why the factory would put such crappy springs in to start. Highly recommend.

I used to think so also, until I went with Ricor Intiminators, Amsoil 5w, PVC spacers & adjustable pre-load caps, with the OEM springs...

After today I think anything would be a BIG improvement over stock. I am kicking myself for waiting so long.

Digging up an old thread here, but in the interest of helping any future researchers:

I can say I noticed all the same improvements after swapping my 07's stock springs for progressives. I made the change a few years ago and swapped out the rears while I was at it. The bike was instantly more fun to ride and the extra control gives a big confidence boost in the corners. The lack of front end dive also makes for much more confident and controlled braking.

Riding on this configuration for a few years now, there isn't a single thing I regret other than waiting too long to upgrade the suspension to start with. Of all the modifications I've made, the suspension upgrades had the biggest impact, hands down.

Can I ask those who've done this...does the front end still sit right....I recall fitting progressives to the front of my old dyna wide glide and the front end thereafter sat an inch or so lower...presumably because of the initial spring compression.
Maybe the TBA is lighter?

Ricor Intinimators perform better, and with the stock springs. web page Yes, I have tried both.

So, in the interest of answering the question that was asked rather than the standard "no this isn't what you asked but my way is better" (eye. roll.)

The bike will continue to sit right as long as you don't go with the lowering springs, in which case you would just need to replace the rear as well. My 07 just has the normal length springs on the front and the rear. Sits fine. My 06 I used the lowered springs front and rear and it sits about 1.5" lower