I have a 2005 XL1200R that I bought new and have enjoyed riding the twisty roads with "gusto" over the past 5+ years. I have been fairly happy with the way the bike handles but will be adding Progressive shocks because of the good things I have heard about them and the desire to take a tad of the sharpness out of the rear end.

Has anyone added the Progressive fork springs and experienced an improvement when riding the "twisties"? Not all the roads I find to enjoy my style of riding are the smoothest, and I was wondering if anyone has something good or positive to say about the Progressive fork springs under such conditions?

Any impressions and experiences from those who have made the switch would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance.

 

IMO, the Progressive fork springs made a big improvement over the stock springs, especially on the twisties. The stock springs also have have a history of "sagging" over time, so they're bound to be an improvement over your 05 springs. At about $80.00, it's hard to go wrong with the Progressive springs.

I'm sure someone will jump in here recommending one of the several drop-in cartridges, like Intimidators, that are available. They are another option, but at $400 - $500, that's a whole different ball game.

 

Thumps, I concur with cHarlie, I installed the Progressive Fork Springs at about 2,500 miles. I used the spacers at their full 3" length and run 7w BelRay Fork Oil. I ride with about 35 guys from the Church I attend including the Preacher and he loves twisties. I live just off of rt3 which is very straight in most places but any side road off of it is a twisty. I run 13.5" Progressive 440 standards in the back, having set up and run MAICOs in the 70s and helped others set their bikes up I can safely say my front and rear work in perfect harmony. I'm now at 14,200 miles.

 

Thanks for the replies, cHarley and 1200Cdriver! Got any suggestions on where the best (read least expensive) place is to purchase the Progressive springs?

 

Try Eastern Performance (a hdforums sponsor) they usually have a good price.

 

I looked for Eastern Performance in the sponsor list. I guess they're not a sponsor any more. So I checked their site and found the XL Lowering Springs @ $108. I know I've come across the regular height springs for 70 bucks, but I don't remember where. I was going to get another set for the OL's bike. I think they're fantastic on my Sportster. The hunt continues.

 

Here you go, I'll make it easy.

 

Thumper, if you're into the little things like I try to be, there is quite a difference in the wire used to make the stock springs compared to the Progressives. The stock spring wire cross section is 3.5mm and round, the Progressive wire's cross section is ovoid and about 4mm the narrow way and 4.5 the wide way. Just an observation you might find interesting. Also the Progressive springs are slightly shorter but with the 3" spacers are slightly longer.

 

Wow. That is a good place to start. Thanks for the effort cHarley. I was half-way expecting your Google link. LoL
I run 3 1/2" spacers. I'm about 210. I'll put the 3" in the OL's bike.

 

Another thumbs up for the Progressive fork springs. Coupled with Progressive shocks on the rear, they make for a great ride, particularly if you're into flogging the bike through the twisties.