[pdorman]

I will be changing the springs tonight to progressives and using Amsoil 10 w fork oil. My question is how much oil goes back in once done?? I have a 98 1200C ?
Any tricks on changing would be nice also, I've changed springs out on my Magna and kinda know what to do but all bikes are a little different..

Thanks
Phil

[skull2007]

that can be a little tricky. is your front end stock? if not you may need to use a little more. the manual kinda goes by the way side once you use non-stock parts. some legs/sliders are bigger and require more. i'd start a little on the light side and add a little at a time. also 10 wt seems kinda light, about that of ATF. are you sure you don't want to you a little heavier wt?

[pdorman]

I managed to drain both sides and get the top cap off with a wrench and not a socket. The biggest socket I own is 1 5/16 and it's just a little small to fit, would like to know what size I need. The progressive springs I have are about 3 inches shorter than the stock springs but came with pvc spacers. I will try using the 9 0z of oil with this setup and see how it feels. I weigh right at 200 and wonder if the 10wt will be enough or should I go to a 15wt oil? I'm torn down now and can't go any further until I find a socket to put the cap back on and decide if I will go heavier on the oil. Anyone done the progressive front spring swap on a 98 1200C ???? tips would be helpful

Phil

[chucktx]

from memory i thinkit is 1 3/8......?????
i think you will like the 15wt better for cruising and such.......i have not done a progressive spring swap........

[VYBR8ER]

The nut is a 35mm and the amount of oil will depend on if the springs are lowering springs or not. If they are stock you can get the oil quantity on page 2 of chapter 2 under specifications in the service manual. Without the book you need to call a dealers service department and ask the service writer, they do have the manual. Depending on year, it's 10 1/2 to 11 1/2 ounces. On a frontend that doesn't have cartridges or enulators I prefer SE heavy oil and with the valving I use the standard fork oil.

[pdorman]

Thanks,
I will try to pick up a 35 mm socket tomorrow and some 15wt oil. My bike is a stock setup 98 1200C. I just didn't expect the progressive springs to be shorter than the stockers. My Magna's progressives were the same length. I'm wondering if I should put in a couple more washers in between the spring and the pvc pipe also?

Phil

[SPORSTERBOY]

if you left the forks on the bike, you should be able to put the cap in your hand and push down and turn it back on.

[pdorman]

I will try just putting the cap on by hand tonight. With the springs being shorter than stock it did seem pretty easy to compress the spring/spacer but I thought it would be easier with the socket. I'm still a little concerned about the progressives being that much shorter than my stock springs. When I install the washer and pvc spacer, they measure about 1 inch shorter than my stock springs. The progressive do feel firmer so maybe they will be fine being a little shorter. I think I will cut another set of pvs spacers just incase.. Anyone else put these springs on their older sporty??

https://www.onestopmoto.com/ProductD...de=HDPS-FS-043

Thanks

[Lucifer]

with the 1" difference in lenght maybe do one leg and compare it to the other stock one to make sure its the same lenght. You wouldn't want your front end lower than the rear.

[pdorman]

Ok, guy's the deal is done. I did buy a 1 3/8 socket and bel-ray 15wt fluid for the swap. I was concerned with the spring height compared to the stock but not after trying to compress them to put the cap back on.. I had the bike jacked up just enough to turn the front wheel to take pressure off the springs.
I put 10 oz of oil and the pvc spacer and tried to put the cap on by hand but couldn't get it to catch enough to tighten on up. I did mark where it started to catch thinking I would be close enough but didn't work that way for me.. I got my 1/2 inch ratchet and new thin walled socket and went to work. I was able to put enough pressure by pushing down on and turning at the same time. I have not been able to ride it as of yet because I just finished it up at 2 am and had to go to work (raining a ton anyway). I did sit on the bike and noticed it did not sag or sink when I got on it like it used to. It seems a little on the stiff side now but I will judge this again after riding a bit.

I learned on this and will be able to help someone else out that is thinking about the progressive swap... Thanks again to all that have helpled..

Phil

[hotroadking]

Thanks for posting the results , lots of times folks ask and you never hear back and wonder wth happened to them...


heavier oil will help reduce dive, I like it better firmer ride too.

[SPORSTERBOY]

glad to hear it worked out for ya, did you try holding the front brake and pushing on it, that will give you a realgood idea on how stiff it really is. Prob feels like it jacked the front end up a little too.

[pdorman]

Yep, I did do the front brake thing and I notice a lot less dive just rolling a little and using the brake. Yep again on the front being higher, it does feel like it raised it a little.

Now I just need to get out and ride !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks again!

[skull2007]

i went from atf to 20 wt and feel as if the front end is higher too. could that be ?

[Red Rider]

I'm thinking about the same swap, so PLEASE let us know how you like it after you get some good saddle time.