Upgrading the front forks. What springs to use?

[tubagod]

I'm seeing various Traxxion options, Progressive Monotubes or springs. I'd like some guidance by those how have come before me with this quandary. I have had the Anti-dive shim since about day one of having my 2012 bike. Now I want to see what to do to not get the bottoming out feeling in the front. Besides, it's probably past time to get them serviced.

I'm a heavier rider (320#) and am looking for suggestions.

TIA.

[DaveO430]

It all depends how much money you want to spend.

[cahaulah]

Dave, I think I rode with you before, with Mike K when he lived in Arkansas. If you are who I think you are, I know you do your own maintenance, so I'll ask you? Which is better for front shock replacement? Progressive springs or monotube cartridges? Pretty much decided against Traxxion, too much $$$. Opinions?

[newday777]

I'm seeing various Traxxion options, Progressive Monotubes or springs. I'd like some guidance by those how have come before me with this quandary. I have had the Anti-dive shim since about day one of having my 2012 bike. Now I want to see what to do to not get the bottoming out feeling in the front. Besides, it's probably past time to get them serviced.

I'm a heavier rider (320#) and am looking for suggestions.

TIA.

Racetech and Traxxion offer springs in multiple weight ratings options, based rider weight on the calculator, on their web sites, as opposed to Progressive monotubes or their springs, having only 1 spring rate that's 'suppossed' to handle any size.
Looking at Racetech calculator for 320 # rider, standard street riding, it shows you need 1.15 spring rate(pictured) but the ratings offered are 1.1 or 1.2.
I would suggest you get 1.2 unless you want a softer ride than stock springs. Talk to you suspension installer.



Racetech also offers the Gold Valve Emulator that is adjustable to help in rebound and compression of the forks. I put it in my 08 along with Racetech springs for my weight. Much better ride.


Also to note. If you have gone more than 20,000-24,000 miles since servicing the forks you will have a poorer ride and the bottoming out you have expressed.
Keep you forks serviced properly on time. 24,000 miles maximum. Replace bushings, seals and fork oil.
Buying new fork legs and tubes will be costly from not doing preventive maintenance on time.

[Bartho]

I do not find replace spring on the racetech website for the GL1800 2018+

[newday777]

I do not find replace spring on the racetech website for the GL1800 2018+

The original post on this should not have been put in 2018 wing. I notified Scott.

2018 doesn't have this type fork. Traxxion is developing on the 2018 suspension.

[AZgl1800]

Racetech and Traxxion offer springs in multiple weight ratings options, based rider weight on the calculator, on their web sites, as opposed to Progressive monotubes or their springs, having only 1 spring rate that's 'suppossed' to handle any size.
Looking at Racetech calculator for 320 # rider, standard street riding, it shows you need 1.15 spring rate(pictured) but the ratings offered are 1.1 or 1.2.
I would suggest you get 1.2 unless you want a softer ride than stock springs. Talk to you suspension installer.

yeah, I noticed that real quick on the '02 that I bought with Traxxion springs.

the PO, who I have talked with, said that he and his wife together total out at around 500 lbs.... so he had to fix the suspension so it would not bottom out, and it would handle all of the whoopie doos around that he likes to ride on.

well, for me, as a single rider, it rides like a dump truck, it is "almost" that soft in the springs for me... but it does track straight as a string, and nothing out there has yet to upset it and make the bike go where it is not pointed.

One day, my bike will go to my son, and he weighs 350ish, plus add his wife at 180ish, and it ought to ride "just right" for them.

[am3098]

Personally I'm a Progressive fan. I've had their front fork springs and rear shock on my 1500 for about 50K miles. I noticed a big improvement when I upgraded the front springs, and what was sweeter, was a set of springs ran me about $110.

So I just picked up an 08 1800 in November and I was all set to upgrade the fork springs to Progressive (still around $125.00), then I started hearing about Progressive's Mono Tubes for the 1800. The guy who does my heaver work for me highly recommends them, he said it's basically like putting gas shocks on your front end, supposed to improve handling and reduce brake dive. Plus no more fork oil changes or leaky fork seals, and Progressive warranties them for life. Now the down side; they run $350-$400 depending on where you buy. If I go with the springs and later upgrade to mono tubes, then I just tossed $125 out the window. It makes sense to go with mono tubes and spend the extra money now knowing that you wont have to spend money on fork oil changes or leaky seals and you have a lifetime warranty on them.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Even if you put in new OEM springs, your ride quality will greatly improve. Having tried Progressive and Traxxion products, I prefer the Traxxion. If you do decide to go with an aftermarket spring, the front will rise about 1" and when using your side stand, the bike will lean over father on the side stand because of a taller spring.