Rather than start another thread I'll resurrect this one. I finally got around to the Ricor Intiminator install on my 07SM, glad I did. Pulled the tubes and did it right.
I went with the stock springs, stock spacers (uncut), stock caps, & Amsoil 5w fork oil set to 6&7/8" for my baseline. It is generally easier to add oil than subtract it, & adding fork oil is pretty easy with a fluid syringe.
My initial impression is that it is better than what I had before (see above). Much less harsh over the stuff that would jolt the prior version.
Glad I did it, and when working with suspension and brakes, glad I did it myself. Anyone with significant wrenching experience knows what I mean by that.
So far, I like it.
The thing about suspension is that it needs to be balanced. I am currently running 13" Progressive Suspension 444 shocks intended for a V-Max, with standard-duty springs (standard duty V-Max = heavy duty Triumph BA/SM) & heavy duty V-Max valving. I'm a relatively light guy, however the bike carries some extra weight (hardbags with guards, fender rack, center stand, footboards, lightbar, engine guards, yadda yadda)...with only approx. 3mm of preload, the shocks are taught but not harsh. These shocks would be great for a cookie monster or two-up. The spring rate & valving are almost too much for solo, at least the way I do it.
I am also running a 130/70 ME880 front tire, so when I reinstalled the fork tubes I raised the tubes (or dropped the trees) so that just over 4mm of fork tube is above the top tree (as measured with caps removed). And yes, I used a caliper to measure it, cause that's how I roll...
Put it all together & it impresses me as being a "sport cruiser bagger". I don't have a lot of miles on it yet, however I don't think the front end tuning & rear shock balance is optimal...yet. Hey...something else to tune!
