My bike is an 05 1200c. I just got the Progressive fork springs, and want to do the install.

I found the sockets and everything needed, but didn't have time to get to HD for new fork oil... 15w... anyway, my bike has 3000mi on it. If I did the install, and just pulled the old springs out slow letting 99% of the oil stay in the tube, will that be OK?

I could just change the oil the next time out... also, I looked at the bottom of the fork for the drain plugs. I see one chrome nut on the right, is that it? Theres only one... on one side, so I couldn't figure that out - where are the drains??

Thanks for input - I'd love to install tonight, but if it's not smart I won't... someone chime in for me!

Paulie

 

I think you'll be just fine losing no more than the amount that clings to the spring. You can change the oil later when it's due. That way you can evaluate the springs and maybe change the oil to a different weight later if needed.

Do let us know your immediate impression of the new springs and, if you don't mind, your weight. I'm 240 and wonder if I might need something heavier than the standard Progressive fork springs.

 

Personally, I'd be a little more careful and at least add back oil to the right level after replacing the springs. And actually oil is too cheap, and the 15w Bel-Ray can be found at most any (non H-D) shop, to not replace all of it. Also, not just that the oil may be dirty or degraded, but the disassembly/reassembly might introduce some particles affecting the wear on your seals. Changing the oil seems like the way to go. (And the front fork oil replacement schedule is every 20,000 miles per the service manual - may not want to wait that long...)

Oh, and you can adjust the dampening/rebounding overall with the weight of the oil (not just the springs). Some even figure out their own combo of, say 10w and 15w.

Good luck (change the oil!).

 

When I installed my chrome front sliders, I also did the oil at the same time. I only had 500 miles on the bike but I figured I'd change it while it was opened up. I used the Screamn Eagle fork fluid.

 

Change the oil when you change the springs, no point half doing the job. You may have to try several different viscosities to get the damping to do what you want ie. firm or soft ride. It can be be a pain in the **** mucking around but when you get it right you will apreciate the difference.Have a surf around, there are some excellent sites on suspension setup and not to put to fine a point on it but the stock setup is rubish.