2nd Gen Progressives (?)

[KIC]

I am going to help a friend sort out some front end demons on his 2000 or 2001 (I forget) RSV. Since we are taking the fairing off to check the triple tree etc I have him convinced to put in Progressive springs. Then I started wondering if the 2nd Gen needs progressives or if they even sell them.

 

So, does it need the upgrade like a 1st Gen does ? If so, what/where is the best place to get what he needs ?

 

Inquiring minds want to know...

[BratmanXj]

I think the preferred swap for late model ('99-up) Ventures is straight wound Sonic springs based upon rider load. I've recently purchased a set of Sonic 1.2 springs that will go in this winter.

[ragtop69gs]

I think the preferred swap for late model ('99-up) Ventures is straight wound Sonic springs based upon rider load. I've recently purchased a set of Sonic 1.2 springs that will go in this winter.

 

Do you have a part number or seller you could link to? I'm going to do my front end over the winter too.

[BratmanXj]

http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/

 

I ran them on my '97 Kawasaki Concours a liked them, again the people who put in progressives on those bikes were less than thrilled and the sonic crowd was happy. I went back to them after my previous experience.

[RedRider]

Yes, there are Progressives made for the 2nd Gen. Improves handling and dive.

 

11-1144

 

 

RR

[Seaking]

I installed the progressive springs a while back on my 2006 Midnight (didn't know of the other brands at the time). What a marked improvement on the handling and braking of the bike. Though I've read that many ride with 0 PSI in their front forks after installng progressive springs, I ride mine with 5 PSI in the front forks as I prefer a stiffer suspension on my bikes.

 

With the better handling in curves (less wallowing) you will also appreciate the better brake handling on the bike as well. Without the springs, I found the bike's front end would dive terribly, making it hard not to lock up the rear wheel as the bike's weight starts to transfer onto the front wheel which raises the rear wheel, less weight then less rear wheel grab onto the pavement, causing lockup. After installing the progresive springs, when ever I do a heavy front and rear brake application, the bike now feels like it settles down onto the suspensive evenly without front end dive, keeping a good amount of weight still on the rear wheel for more effective braking in those dire situations. You can still lockup the rear wheel on this bike if you stomp on it but it is less likely than it was before installing the progressive springs.

 

I also installed stainless steel brake lines in the front but kept the rear line OEM as the rubber line will absorb some of the unintentional scary moment rear brake stomps when you get caught by surprise and human nature kicks in.. and will be less likely to lockup..

 

As configured, when applying emergency braking on both brakes, the bike hunkers down evenly and comes to an impressive stop without diving or locking up.

 

There are various opinions out there about this, but this is what has proven to work best for me and my bikes.

[KIC]

So my friend is ready to order his springs. His question to me is which one ?

 

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[TR]

[TD=class: productListing-heading]Product Name+ [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-heading, align: right] Price [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-heading, align: center] Buy Now [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: productListing-odd]

[TD=class: productListing-data] XVZ13 Royal Star 97-05 - 1.00kg/mm Sonic Springs [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: right] $84.95 [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: center]http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/includes/languages/english/images/buttons/button_buy_now.gif [/TD]

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[TR=class: productListing-even]

[TD=class: productListing-data] XVZ13 Royal Star 97-05 - 1.10kg/mm Sonic Springs [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: right] $84.95 [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: center]http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/includes/languages/english/images/buttons/button_buy_now.gif [/TD]

[/TR]

[TR=class: productListing-odd]

[TD=class: productListing-data] XVZ13 Royal Star 97-05 - 1.20kg/mm Sonic Springs [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: right] $84.95 [/TD]

[TD=class: productListing-data, align: center]http://www.sonicsprings.com/catalog/includes/languages/english/images/buttons/button_buy_now.gif

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What does the 1.0 to 1.20 difference mean on the spring installation ? Longer ? stiffer ? How does it affect the handling from one to the other ?

[djh3]

Recommend you give them a call or contact thru e-mail and ask their recommendations. I have not changed front springs, but I have changed the fork oil out and went with 10w oil VS whatever is in there from factory. It helped stiffen it up a bit on the dive thing without suffering more rigidity.

[BratmanXj]

Spring rate is dependent on loading and riding style. I'm a bigger guy (250 lb), ride aggressively, and usually have passenger and full luggage and they recommend the 1.20 kg springs. Call the company and discuss with them before you purchase.

[KIC]

So, we are ready to tackle this job next Thursday on my friends 2001. I hope to complete it in less than 4 hours. I have looked/searched for a thread on the spring installation process and the best I found was a statement on another thread that there were no 2nd Gen installation threads. I put Progressives in my 1st Gen, but the 2nd Gen looks different enough with the newer fork style etc.

 

So, any hints, tips, suggestions or good excuses I can use while working on this bike ? The fairing removal looks challenging, does the fork caps come off using a crescent on the square area right below the air valve ? It looks like once you loosen the 2 fork bracket cinch bolts, they should unscrew.

 

Any and all information will be helpful. I hope to knock this out in around 4 hours. Does that sound reasonable ? Also, how far form the top of forks should the oil be while the tubes are compressed ? How about any spacers on top of the new springs ?

 

Info...I'm begging for info...

 

Bill