Looking to changing the springs in the forks of my sporty (XL1200 Custom). Any one recommend other shocks/springs then Progressive and are they hard to change out?

I was looking at these:
http://www.onestopmoto.com/product_p/hdps-fs-037.htm

 

You will need the fork cap nut tool to get the cap off. Also a jack, or some other way to lift the bike. Don't try to take that cap nut off with it under pressure..

 

Ditto that. It will pop off and hit you on the noggin. Forks need to be extended to get the springs back in.

 

Hi, is there a link or recommendation for a fork cap nut tool?
In particular, the tool and size for a Nightster.
Lastly, does the Motor Company itself sell this tool? If so, is that OEM tool the best to use?

 

I have to buy one myself. I have heard the Mac tools sells them but know for sure that Jims sells them for more money. Photo of it HERE

FORK NUT SOCKET
Use to remove and install top fork tube plug.
Eliminates possible burring of plug caused by
wrenches. Instruction Sheet No.2043-IS.
No.2043 - Use on all 1948 and later Wide Glide
models.

located on page #177 of Jims Catalog

Let me know if you find that tool elsewhere.

 

Is it as easy as taking the nut off, pulling the stock spring out and putting the new spring in? I thought I read some where about fluids being changed...

 

You can swap out the springs without changing the fork oil. The steps you listed are pretty much it, but I wouldn't necessarily call it "simple". Depending on the springs, and model, sometimes compressing the spring and getting the cap back on can be quite a challenge. Personally, I would go ahead and change the fork oil while you have the caps removed. And if you are changing the brand of springs, most likely they will not have the same requirements for the amount of fork oil, or the weight or fork oil. This is based on the spring manufacturer. Not to mention, it will be pretty much impossible to pull the springs out, without a considerable amount of the fork oil coming out with them.

I purchased my fork cap socket on ebay. Jims tools does also sell them. Seems the cost is around $15.

 

What year Sporty do you have? I think the correct part # for the newer ones is 11-1527.

 

Please give me a link or any other info I can use to purchase one on e-Bay fro $15. This is the one I indicated above? Not the chrome bolt on top of the triple tree but the one that unscrews from the fork tube itself. I just did one and there was no way I could get it off with a wrench as it would have broken the vice. Air was the only way it could be done. Not this one but The only one I could find is this

 

Sorry I don't have a link to that on ebay. It was well over a year ago that I purchased that tool. I suspect that if you do a search on ebay you'll find it. If not there, just an internet search.

<edited> just looked at your other post. That's NOT what you need at all. Let me know if you can't find it, I'll see if I can dig it up. Kinda busy the next few days here.