fork brace and springs

[billbob]

Who thinks this is a good upgrade to the front of your gl1800 Goldwing?

[thrasherg]

Springs definitely, the stock springs are not strong enough, fit progressive or other springs, disable the anti dive and enjoy a much better front end. I fitted a fork brace and I couldn't really tell any difference, so not sure it's worth the money, the only down side was the cost so if you are not worried about the cost, then fit one, in theory, one fork on the wing controls compression and the other rebound, so a fork brace should make a significant improvement as it makes the front end more rigid, but I just couldn't feel it..

Gary

[DaveO430]

Springs definitely, the stock springs are not strong enough, fit progressive or other springs, disable the anti dive and enjoy a much better front end. I fitted a fork brace and I couldn't really tell any difference, so not sure it's worth the money, the only down side was the cost so if you are not worried about the cost, then fit one, in theory, one fork on the wing controls compression and the other rebound, so a fork brace should make a significant improvement as it makes the front end more rigid, but I just couldn't feel it..

Gary

Actually the right fork does all the dampening, compression and rebound, the left just does the anti-dive. I agree on the springs but I would do both ends, not just the front. I never had a fork brace on an 1800, can't feel any flex as they are.

[Viking]

I did both. Progressive springs, and fork brace. As I did them together, I do not know which did what, but it certainly made a big difference when I did it. I also disabled the anti dive at the same time. I did all this when my bike was less than a year old, and even then, with the almost new OEM components, it showed considerable handling improvement. I would definitely advise the fork spring upgrade; if money is not tight, then also the fork brace, and finally, disable the antidive. You can get a kit for under $20 that comes with a spacer, and longer screws, or just find a washer the size and thickness of a nickel and be careful tightening the stock screws so as to not strip them out. When the antidive is working correctly, it works great, but when it doesn't, and this happens a lot, it makes your front end like a rock.

[DaveO430]

You can get a kit for under $20 that comes with a spacer, and longer screws, or just find a washer the size and thickness of a nickel and be careful tightening the stock screws so as to not strip them out.

You can get an oil drain plug washer much cheaper and it works just as well.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Who thinks this is a good upgrade to the front of your gl1800 Goldwing?

GL1800s with 20,000 miles on the OEM front springs, needs the springs replaced. I've tried Progressives and was disappointed with the pogo bounce at about 30mph. Currently I run Traxxion front springs. Theirs are more customized to a riders riding style and needs verses the Progressive spring is a one-size-fits all.

As for a fork brace. If you do get one, be sure to get one that has a center adjustment instead of a fixed distance between the forks. Traxxion and I think Kury makes one too. However, before installing one of those, have you installed tapered steering head bearings ???

[iancardwell]

Hi, I've JUST finished installing Progressive Springs front & rear, along with a Fork brace to my brand new GL1800.
It isn't even registerted for the road yet and has only .05miles on the mileometer but the first thing I do to all the Goldwings I've had since 2006 is FIT Progressive Springs front & rear and a Superbrace to the forks. It makes a MASSIVE improvement to the handling of the bike.
Over the years Ive fitted around 20 sets of springs for pals and they ALL now say the same thing "what an improvement!"

The fork brace isn't as noticebale and I wondered whether I should fit one to this new bike, BUT.... just before I sold my 2016 bike I removed the fork brace thinking I might resue it and if not I could sell it. I then went on a ride with some pals and boy I could feel the bike wallowing in the fast bends and twisties. I've used a fork brace since 20016 and I'd forgotten just what a difference they make.
The bike feels fine without a brace at normal speeds and on straightish roads BUT when you lift the speeds in the twisties you can feel the bike starting to wallow - its just not as stable if it hasnt got the forkbrace fitted.

Since 2006 I've had 6 GL1800's '06,'08,'10,'12,'14,16' and now I've just got one of the last 2017 bikes which I'm getting ready to put on the road on March 01st.
I had ordered a new 2018 - 6speed manual in White, but when I saw it at the motocycle Live Show in Birmingham UK last November I switched my order to a current model - its got more luggage space etc etc etc.

[billbob]

I,m going with traxxion springs and all balls tapered bearings.

[Dark Angel]

I would not replace the ball bearings for no reason. When and if they wear out ok. Just tighten them up by feel. I think 21ftlbs is too light. I would snug test, snug and test. Also make sure you get the locknut about 90 degrees past right. That WILL prevent wobble if all other things are good and you get all the benefits of the ball bearing responsiveness. Fork brace makes a huge difference on the old fashioned (non upside down forks) forks.

[Gasgasman]

I installed straight rate springs and a gold valve kit in mine just waiting for the weather to break and test it out!

[Dark Angel]

I got my 1.2 traxxion springs installed. 15wt lucas, 125mm gap, kuryakyn adjustable brace, Disabled the antidive. The wing always felt like it was knifing and packing in corners and way too twitchy at low speed. I ran my forks flush. Did not raise them 10mm as recommended in the instructions. Really like the change. Bike turns much better, as in neutral and smooth, holds the line, and no squatting or
wallowing. I had strongly suspected dropping the forks would make a big improvement, but at flush there was no where to go. With extra extion we achieve the same result. Also able to run proper pressure at 36 up front and still have stability instead of the abusive 41psi. For about $150 bucks this is a very solid improvement. Wish I would have done it sooner.

[1potter1]

Who thinks this is a good upgrade to the front of your gl1800 Goldwing?

GL1800s with 20,000 miles on the OEM front springs, needs the springs replaced. I've tried Progressives and was disappointed with the pogo bounce at about 30mph. Currently I run Traxxion front springs. Theirs are more customized to a riders riding style and needs verses the Progressive spring is a one-size-fits all.

As for a fork brace. If you do get one, be sure to get one that has a center adjustment instead of a fixed distance between the forks. Traxxion and I think Kury makes one too. However, before installing one of those, have you installed tapered steering head bearings ???

First time changing springs and fluid, I have all OEM bushing and seals along with traxxion springs, was wondering with the traxxion spring what weight of fork oil did you use, and I see by the traxxion literature they indicate the fluid level at 128mm. I would assume by my conversions of the 128mm that would be about the 5" level fairy close to the factory specs. of 125mm?

[GoldWingrGreg]

Who thinks this is a good upgrade to the front of your gl1800 Goldwing?

GL1800s with 20,000 miles on the OEM front springs, needs the springs replaced. I've tried Progressives and was disappointed with the pogo bounce at about 30mph. Currently I run Traxxion front springs. Theirs are more customized to a riders riding style and needs verses the Progressive spring is a one-size-fits all.

As for a fork brace. If you do get one, be sure to get one that has a center adjustment instead of a fixed distance between the forks. Traxxion and I think Kury makes one too. However, before installing one of those, have you installed tapered steering head bearings ???

First time changing springs and fluid, I have all OEM bushing and seals along with traxxion springs, was wondering with the traxxion spring what weight of fork oil did you use, and I see by the traxxion literature they indicate the fluid level at 128mm. I would assume by my conversions of the 128mm that would be about the 5" level fairy close to the factory specs. of 125mm?

Traxxion springs come with installation instructions and the instructions state what weight oil they want. Because some of the weight they want may not be available in my small town, and because they sell oil fairly cheap, at least to me, I often order it from them. Depending on if the ADV is still used then left and right might take different weight oils. But I believe they use 15w for just springs.

To convert 128mm ... I always let google to that. But if I recall, 128mm is about 5".

Greg

[Ken Scourse]

I hate the flexing fork front end feel in slow intersections and parking lots.So....

Have any of you guys ever installed fork springs while forks still in bike, I ask only because I have zero leakage and fork dust boots are great as well.If I could raise bike front end completely and let forks hang......remove from tire assembly......drain oil.Then replace springs and new oil.??
Thinking about a fork brace as well at same time
Sound crazy ?

[DaveO430]

The only time I ever got that feeling was when the front tire was in need of replacing. Easy to change the springs in place but 1800s have no drain bolt other than the bolt in the bottom that holds the forks together, which will suffice.

[keithg64]

Actually the right fork does all the dampening, compression and rebound, the left just does the anti-dive. I agree on the springs but I would do both ends, not just the front. I never had a fork brace on an 1800, can't feel any flex as they are.

Since this is true can we take the internals out of the left and put right side internals in for an even better ride? Or is this not achievable?

Has anyone put in drain holes in the side of the tubes for easier fluid change?

[DaveO430]

Actually the right fork does all the dampening, compression and rebound, the left just does the anti-dive. I agree on the springs but I would do both ends, not just the front. I never had a fork brace on an 1800, can't feel any flex as they are.

Since this is true can we take the internals out of the left and put right side internals in for an even better ride? Or is this not achievable?

Has anyone put in drain holes in the side of the tubes for easier fluid change?

I have done both of those things. A spacer has to be made to make the damper the right length for the left fork, 21mm diameter 17mm long, 8mm hole through it and an 8x40 mm allen screw.

[keithg64]

I had a kuryakyn fork brace on mine after disabling the ADV and the left fork seal leaked. I took the brace off and it quit leaking. Back and forth I did this 3 or 4 times. I have since sold the brace and not a leak for the last 13k miles. Go figure.