Fork Modification

[GL3]

Just took the forks off my 2005 GL1800 Trike to replace leaking seals, bushings, etc and add the Progressive Monotube system.

When I got them out, I realized they don't have stock caps on them! I have attached a photo of the cap on the fork. That cap adds 1 inch to the lenth of the fork tube. It was flush with the tree top on the bike. Does anyone recognize what kind of a modification this is? Inside the nut there is a hex bolt. What do I have here? Thanks.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Unfortunately on trikes, until you remove the cap and the springs, there is really know way to know. You are correct that it has extension fork caps. Trike people will add those to lengthen the fork. Often it is done after an easy-steer triple tree is added. An easy steer triple tree increases the angle of the forks which "effectively" lowers the front. Thus the need to extend or "lengthen" the forks to help raise the front up some.

It might help to tell us what brand your trike is ... Is your trike a Champion ???

[GL3]

It is the Champion solid axle.

I don't mind the extension caps being there. I just screw them off like stock caps and hopefully all the stock parts are inside?

I also wonder if I can still use the Progressive Monotube kit?

As you probably noticed, who ever took the caps off before [or put them on?] sure beat the crap out of the nut. I assume stock torque specs for the non-oem caps?

[GoldWingrGreg]

I figured it was a Champion. Usually caps with adjusters in the middle are intended for adjustable cartridges. However, for whatever reason Champion uses them. Once removed, you will probably find their is no reason for them other then the benefit of the cap being longer. On some of those, I've seen add'l spacers on the spring. Basically, that means that as soon as an add'l spacer was installed, the fork spring started going bad.

As for Progressives Mono-Tubes. It is my understanding they are not intended for Trikes, and others who have used them on their 2-whl report failure.

I'd recommend Traxxion standard load springs with their extended fork caps. Their caps are longer and the quality of their springs are by far better. If you are replacing the springs, be sure to OH your forks too and internally disable the ADV. It's also important to make sure your steering head bearings are not "notched out."

[GL3]

Thanks again. I believe the monotubes are not recommended for trikes with an ez steer head. So, the traxxion springs might be the way I go with their extended caps. Interesting!