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Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: bargovic on February 20, 2006, 05:19:17 PM

Title: Progressives checklist
Post by: bargovic on February 20, 2006, 05:19:17 PM
After searching of course, I still have a few questions about upgrading to progressives.

1. I'm 140lbs, and can feel the sag people mention - but being so light am i going to gain anything?
2. Is there a size specific to the 2005 F model? how do i know im ordering the right ones if i do get them?
3. Im trying to make a checklist of parts and tools that are needed to do the lazy change. Is anything other than springs, spacers, socket wrench and something to pull the spring needed?
4. Since I only have 1000 miles on the bike, i dont think i need to change the oil. If i do the lazy change, will any oil need to be added to compensate for what comes out stuck to the stock springs? Or how do i know i have the proper amount of fork oil?
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: scratch on February 20, 2006, 05:27:38 PM
You state that at 140lbs, you're light.  Setting sag is the first thing to do: www.perterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm

The same Progressive fork spring is used in all model GS's.

You'll need the 6mm hex wrench to loosen the top triple clamp; it helps relieve the grip of the triple off of the caps.  And, you'll use it to take off the handlebars.  Also, a 13.5inch block of wood to block up the front end of the bike.  Put it under one of the case half bolts facing down, in between the exhaust headers.

True, you do not need to change the oil, yet.  But, you do want to change it every 2yrs.

Pantablo just dropped the springs in.  The proper way would be to remove the forks, compress them without the springs (this means they're open), and measure the distance from the top of the tube to the level of the oil inside (5.5inches, as suggested by Progressive).
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: mike_mike on February 20, 2006, 05:45:29 PM
So can you or can you not just drop them in?

Quote from: scratch on February 20, 2006, 05:27:38 PM
You state that at 140lbs, you're light.  Setting sag is the first thing to do: www.perterverdonedesigns.com/introduction.htm

The same Progressive fork spring is used in all model GS's.

You'll need the 6mm hex wrench to loosen the top triple clamp; it helps relieve the grip of the triple off of the caps.  And, you'll use it to take off the handlebars.  Also, a 13.5inch block of wood to block up the front end of the bike.  Put it under one of the case half bolts facing down, in between the exhaust headers.

True, you do not need to change the oil, yet.  But, you do want to change it every 2yrs.

Pantablo just dropped the springs in.  The proper way would be to remove the forks, compress them without the springs (this means they're open), and measure the distance from the top of the tube to the level of the oil inside (5.5inches, as suggested by Progressive).
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: scratch on February 20, 2006, 05:48:51 PM
You can.  Here: http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: mike_mike on February 20, 2006, 05:54:51 PM
Quote from: scratch on February 20, 2006, 05:48:51 PM
You can.  Here: http://pantablo500.tripod.com/id2.html

yay! lazy... awesome, thanks man
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: kalel3914 on February 20, 2006, 11:15:55 PM
just an fyi, i found progresive springs on ebay for 50 bucks, search "progressive springs" and look for model # 111128.  If you already know this disreguard, if not, enjoy!  Peace Outside!!!
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: bargovic on February 21, 2006, 09:43:45 AM
I think im going to get the progressives you mentioned on e-bay.  If thats what my fiance gets for my birthday.

But to make sure, when i put the new spring in - it goes???
1. spring on bottom (tight part of coil on the bottom of the fork)
2. spring seat - which im picturing as a washer type thing
3. the spacer on top.

Are the spacers solid or hallow... im wondering if it can be cut with a dremmel to size.

and.. if i cannot compress the fork since im doing one leg at a time.. what should the oil level be at with the new progressive spring in it? anyone done the dipstick with the spring in it and measured to the top?
Title: Re: Progressives checklist
Post by: scratch on February 21, 2006, 10:08:15 AM
1. Spring goes on the bottom.  It doesn't matter if you put the tight coils down or up, except the tighter coils will displace more oil raising your oil level and making a smaller air pocket, which potentially creates a hydro-pneumatic lock, or 'hard bottom', early when the forks are compressed; it bottoms out early.
2. You can use the washer from the original set, or just get some washers from the local hardware store.
3. I'm gonna feel like I was ripped, if everybody else got spacers with their Progressives and I didn't.  So, as far as I know, you will need to cut, or buy, your own spacers.  The stock spacers are hollow.  You can just buy schedule 40 pvc caps from Home Depot, or some other hardware store; the caps are .75" in length.