Motorcycle: Current Rides - 2002 GL1800 - Pearl Orange 1983 Suzuki GS850GL - Blue & Black
Past rides - 2003 GL1800 - Illusion Blue 1996 GL1500 Aspencade - Pearl Blue 1992 GL1500 Aspencade -Candy Red 1980 GL1100 - Custom Cobalt Blue 1985 GL1200 Aspencade Brown 1983 CX500 Custom Red 1982 CX500 Custom Blue 1978 CX500 Standard Black 1982 Suzuki GS650 Red
Progressive Monotubes or Traxxion Dynamics Upgrade --
It seems to me that one can get nearly 75% of the upgrade for nearly 1/2 the cost when comparing these two front fork suspension upgrades?
I know many thing the Traxxion is the best way to go and it probably is -- but budgets also dictate where the upgrades can go --
ANY real world experience with the Monotubes ? Please share
Did you install them your self?
How hard was it to do ...
I already have a new rear actuator and spring system for the rear end which will be an upgrade to existing -
Now I am going to tackle the front at the same time over Winter...
Postings are my opinions based on experience and acquired knowledge.
Your results may vary. Universal disclaimers apply.
Munk's Maxim -- There is no such thing as a cheap motorcycle
Because of many issues that others report with Progressive stuff, here at my shop, we only install Traxxion products. In my case, I have many customers who do continental tours, long summer rides, or use their Wing for weekend get-aways. In my opinion Progressive are good for ones who just go on lunch rides. That way, when a mono-tube seizes, home is not far away.
If you do decide to go with mono-tubes, do like most do and purchase 2 sets. They'll install one set and have another set on the shelf for when the first set fails.
Goldwingergreg,do you or your shop have any personal knowledge of progressive failures,or are you just basing comment on theory,more money,must be better? I myself have had good experiences with progressive 416 air shocks,fork springs and monotubes. I'm not doubting the quality of Traxxion,but what they cost is ridiculous.
Just did my front on my 06 last night,,doing the rear spring and fluid fill tonight,pump didn't start "working" until at 15 on screen,low fluid,typical on 1800
Goldwinger365 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 09, 2018 7:02 pm
Goldwingergreg,do you or your shop have any personal knowledge of progressive failures,or are you just basing comment on theory,more money,must be better? I myself have had good experiences with progressive 416 air shocks,fork springs and monotubes. I'm not doubting the quality of Traxxion,but what they cost is ridiculous.
I've had a couple of customers wanting me to replace their mono-tubes because of failure. Other want me to install them into their Wings. Having a reputation as the "go to shop" for long distance, reliable, safe travel is far more important to me than to help someone install parts with "known" issues. In short, because there are better options available, the answer was no to both .
I also hang out on another forum where many jumped onto the mono-tube thing when they first came out. Back then, failures were so common, the members promoting them would recommend everyone order in 2 sets. The idea was ... when the 1st set fails, they had a back-up set. I believe much of their failure issues have been resolved. However, there are some who still report problems. Basically, I'm into reliable repairs and upgrades. No shop likes doing warrantee work because of failing parts.
Goldwinger365 wrote: ↑Fri Nov 09, 2018 7:02 pm
Goldwingergreg,do you or your shop have any personal knowledge of progressive failures,or are you just basing comment on theory,more money,must be better? I myself have had good experiences with progressive 416 air shocks,fork springs and monotubes. I'm not doubting the quality of Traxxion,but what they cost is ridiculous.
I've had a couple of customers wanting me to replace their mono-tubes because of failure. Other want me to install them into their Wings. Having a reputation as the "go to shop" for long distance, reliable, safe travel is far more important to me than to help someone install parts with "known" issues. In short, because there are better options available, the answer was no to both .
I also hang out on another forum where many jumped onto the mono-tube thing when they first came out. Back then, failures were so common, the members promoting them would recommend everyone order in 2 sets. The idea was ... when the 1st set fails, they had a back-up set. I believe much of their failure issues have been resolved. However, there are some who still report problems. Basically, I'm into reliable repairs and upgrades. No shop likes doing warrantee work because of failing parts.
Very true greg about the warranty work. And I digress about the progressive suspension. I have no experience with the mono tube set up but I do with the spring replacement with well over 100k miles with not a problem one.
When you do this stuff for a living life is different. I dont.
keithg64 wrote: ↑Sat Nov 10, 2018 10:40 am
When you do this stuff for a living life is different. I dont.
That is very true. The DIYr can do whatever they want. For the professional, he/she is held accountable for their decisions, and others pass on to others their good/bad experiences.
I work for a Ford dealership,I know full well how the warranty system works. Unfortunately,most people can't afford to put over a thousand dollars into the front suspension of their bike. Or their car for that matter. To me, aftermarket is aftermarket,, Traxxion specializes in aftermarket suspension,so does Progressive. Like I've said,maybe I'm lucky,but I've never had a Progressive product fail and I've got a lot of miles on two wheels. Until I'm disappointed,I'll stick with them,just my opinion. Have a great day!!
Motorcycle: Current Rides - 2002 GL1800 - Pearl Orange 1983 Suzuki GS850GL - Blue & Black
Past rides - 2003 GL1800 - Illusion Blue 1996 GL1500 Aspencade - Pearl Blue 1992 GL1500 Aspencade -Candy Red 1980 GL1100 - Custom Cobalt Blue 1985 GL1200 Aspencade Brown 1983 CX500 Custom Red 1982 CX500 Custom Blue 1978 CX500 Standard Black 1982 Suzuki GS650 Red
Waiting in my garage is a Traxxion rear actuator and spring assembly. New to me from a 1000 mile test ride on a different bike. Set up for a man who is 270# and his wife.
I am 266# .
I also have the Progressive Monotubes waiting in the garage for me too.
With winter arriving yesterday I will wait for spring and do the install.
Gotta be better Than the oem from 02 with 50,000 miles.
Postings are my opinions based on experience and acquired knowledge.
Your results may vary. Universal disclaimers apply.
Munk's Maxim -- There is no such thing as a cheap motorcycle
Wingsconsin,putting the monotubes in mine took a good solid four hours,taking my time,cleaning tubes really well,new bushings and sliders,seals. The left one,you have to separate the fork inner and outer tube,the right basically drops in place much like replacing just the springs,with the exception of the retaing bolt on bottom of fork. As for changing the rear out,expect a good day of work,alot of plastic body panels to remove,and may as well have an air filter on hand,as you will be right there anyway. Here's are a few pics of what youll be dealing with. A Friday night and Saturday well spent.
Motorcycle: Current Rides - 2002 GL1800 - Pearl Orange 1983 Suzuki GS850GL - Blue & Black
Past rides - 2003 GL1800 - Illusion Blue 1996 GL1500 Aspencade - Pearl Blue 1992 GL1500 Aspencade -Candy Red 1980 GL1100 - Custom Cobalt Blue 1985 GL1200 Aspencade Brown 1983 CX500 Custom Red 1982 CX500 Custom Blue 1978 CX500 Standard Black 1982 Suzuki GS650 Red
Goldwinger365 -
Thanks for the pictures
I know it will be a solid weekend of working on the bike-
Winter here is long and spring will be waiting - come Feb-March I will fire up the garage heater and have at it
Did you remove the fuel tank to get to the rear actuator set-up ?
I have read that is required - but also that it may not be needed?
Thanks for sharing knowledge.
Postings are my opinions based on experience and acquired knowledge.
Your results may vary. Universal disclaimers apply.
Munk's Maxim -- There is no such thing as a cheap motorcycle
When I had my 1800, had the Traxion suspension installed by a shop over in Abbotsford, BC. When I decided to buy an 1800, I scoured the internet for information on pros and cons of this bike. The two that seemed to be at the top of the list were tire longevity and wear, and suspension lasting only some 50K miles or so, sometimes less. When it came to the suspension, there was Traxion, Race Tech, Progressive and OEM. Renewing with either of these would improve the ride quality, performance and safety aspect of the 1800.
I decided to have the Traxion suspension upgrade. Took the shop a day, and the gas tank did not have to come out. It was interesting what had to be done. Made a huge difference in the handling, ride quality and performance.
Traxion is expensive, but I was willing to pay for it. I have had the suspension on my '85 LTD renewed with Race tech springs and gold valves in the front forks and Progressive series 412 non-air shocks in the rear. It was less expensive and worth the investment - still have this bike. Have since bought a 1500 and renewed the suspension as well with Progressive springs in the front forks and 416 series air shocks in the rear. Also a good investment.
I have since learned about the work needed to be done and do all my own work on the 1200 and 1500. When I had the 1800 and 1200 done by the shop, I was not as knowledgeable about my bikes, but now I do all my own work - did the suspension on the 1500 myself.
In my mind suspension is the key element to keeping the tires firmly on the road, and to minimize tire wear. I also think of motorcycle suspension as a personal safety issue.
In the long term, a suspension upgrade is well worth the time and money. There is an aftermarket industry that provides products that address weak/worn out suspension symptoms such as fork braces and the likes, but the root cause is not being addressed and that is a weak/worn out suspension. Not many of us would drive a car/truck with bad suspension.
I do recommend that when a suspension upgrade is done, refurbish the fork components as well, then do an oil change every couple of years.
Just a few thoughts and my opinion.
Cheers
"When you write the story of your life, don't let anyone else hold the pen"
Wingsconsin,yes I pulled the fuel tank out to remove the shock and preload adjuster. I read it could be done without removing the tank,but I didn't want to force anything. Also,there's no way to get a torque wrench on the nut of upper shock mount for reassembly with the tank in there,as the manual specifies "shock mounting nuts" in the torque specs. Is it a big deal on a shock mount? I don't know,but a good rule of thumb is its there for a reason.There is also a main ground connection under it that you can clean and make sure it's still tight. And the extra 10 minutes to remove tank was no big deal. I just wish I'd have ran it down on fuel before this project,,,at 3/4 tank, it was kind of hard to manuever to get out of frame. Don't forget your air filter....no sense not changing it when you have the top shelter off.
