Chikara
Well-Known Member
Got a quick question for anyone who might be online.
I'm in the middle of replacing the fork springs with the new Progressive Suspensions; mine have been bottoming out, even on small bumps or with quick braking. I noticed when I pulled mine out that they were longer and had a slightly larger diameter than the Progressive Suspensions. Mine were 21" long with no spacers and no washers. The progressive Suspensions are 18" long and came with PVC pipe, which I cut off two 2" spacers per the PS instructions. Also, the springs that were already in the bike seem to have a slightly wider diameter.
I thought our springs were shorter than the PS's and had steel tube spacers. I'm not sure WHY I thought that, as this is my first time replacing them, but it seems I saw it in a post somewhere. Does it seem right to you guys that my PS springs are 3" shorter than stock (if these are stock), that my forks had no spacers, and that PS recommends 2" of spacers that will actually make mine come out 1" shorter than they originally were?
EDITED:
Aint' this some ****? When I got my fork seals replaced last year, I provided the mechanic with the seals, the oil, and the ZL900 Service Manual. Now that I have my forks out, I went to measure the oil and after 10" (254mm) of wire (the as much wire as I had), I am still not hitting oil. No wonder the damn things were bottoming out. But here's the kicker. The mechanic gave me the remainder of the oil and there is exactly 552mm gone from the bottle, meaning he used the right amount. My forks have been bottoming out ever since I got them done, but they have never leaked. With the springs out and the forks compressed, shouldn't I be hitting oil somewhere around 170mm?
I noticed them bottoming out right after having my oil replaced last year, and I asked the guy about it. He swore that he did it according to spec, and that it must be my springs that are worn.
I'm in the middle of replacing the fork springs with the new Progressive Suspensions; mine have been bottoming out, even on small bumps or with quick braking. I noticed when I pulled mine out that they were longer and had a slightly larger diameter than the Progressive Suspensions. Mine were 21" long with no spacers and no washers. The progressive Suspensions are 18" long and came with PVC pipe, which I cut off two 2" spacers per the PS instructions. Also, the springs that were already in the bike seem to have a slightly wider diameter.
I thought our springs were shorter than the PS's and had steel tube spacers. I'm not sure WHY I thought that, as this is my first time replacing them, but it seems I saw it in a post somewhere. Does it seem right to you guys that my PS springs are 3" shorter than stock (if these are stock), that my forks had no spacers, and that PS recommends 2" of spacers that will actually make mine come out 1" shorter than they originally were?
EDITED:
Aint' this some ****? When I got my fork seals replaced last year, I provided the mechanic with the seals, the oil, and the ZL900 Service Manual. Now that I have my forks out, I went to measure the oil and after 10" (254mm) of wire (the as much wire as I had), I am still not hitting oil. No wonder the damn things were bottoming out. But here's the kicker. The mechanic gave me the remainder of the oil and there is exactly 552mm gone from the bottle, meaning he used the right amount. My forks have been bottoming out ever since I got them done, but they have never leaked. With the springs out and the forks compressed, shouldn't I be hitting oil somewhere around 170mm?
I noticed them bottoming out right after having my oil replaced last year, and I asked the guy about it. He swore that he did it according to spec, and that it must be my springs that are worn.
Last edited:
The Progressive springs are for about 10 different bikes. The spacers are needed for the ZLs. A list of bikes should of came with the springs. They recommend 2" spacers for the 9 & 10.
