Author Topic: Are progressive fork springs worth it? (Read 10839 times)

peteb · « **on:** June 17, 2005, 01:13:50 AM »

I do hard cornering nearly everytime I ride. Going straight just doesn't do anything for me. I have a 96 B6 and it goes without saying that the suspension blows. Will the progressive springs give me the handling to feel safer or should I just add more preload and heavier weight fork oil?

I don't want to get to involved with this as I plan to get a B12 in the near future. But $80 isn't very much.

Any suggestions?

Holeshot 1st stage jet kit
Holeshot slip on
timing advancer
etc...

chupacabra · « **Reply #1 on:** June 17, 2005, 08:11:48 AM »

I think you'll be very happy if you do get them. they'er cheap and alot better then stock, not the best, but alot better. I played with spacer sizes till I found what I liked, a balance between not too stiff on the straights and not too soft in the corners. Its ez to change spacers if you plan a track day and want stiffer. I precut the PVC and went up 1/8 and down 1/8 till I hit my sweet spot. At first I had it too stiff so I got a rough ride on the freeway but cornered like it was on a rail. Scents I see more straight then corners and was missing the soft ride I tryed shorter spacers till I was happy.

GaryB12VA · « **Reply #2 on:** June 17, 2005, 10:31:09 AM »

I would recomment the Progressive springs. Made a big difference in my B12. Almost totally eliminated the front-end dive.

PeteSC · « **Reply #3 on:** June 17, 2005, 10:34:44 AM »

Do it. Makes the bike so much more rideable.
It's a good excuse to change out your fork oil, also.........

tacoman · « **Reply #4 on:** June 17, 2005, 02:01:17 PM »

Do it! I was amazed when I pulled my B6 forks apart. the actual spring is a tiny thing about 10 in long. The rest is filled with a huge metal preload tube. Suspension is where Suz really cut the costs on the B6. Progressives made a night & day difference. Those long preload tubes? They make a great breaker bar to slip over your wrenchs when you got a tight bolt.

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #5 on:** June 17, 2005, 07:43:09 PM »

take a gander in the b4 section about suspension follow the link!

flip · « **Reply #6 on:** June 17, 2005, 09:41:30 PM »

I added Progressive springs to my '96 b6 last year. The handling was greatly improved. After I got them, I realized just how bad the rear shock is. A rear shock from the same generation b12 makes a very cheap upgrade(I got one for less than $30 with shipping off of EBAY).

Jacknife · « **Reply #7 on:** June 19, 2005, 04:50:07 AM »

In a word, Yes!

peteb · « **Reply #8 on:** June 22, 2005, 11:17:24 PM »

Does anyone have experience with racetech gold valve cartridge emulators. Kind of pricey but I have heard several good things about them. Are they worth $160.

Any other option for improved suspension. If price was not an issue what would be the the way to go?

Red01 · « **Reply #9 on:** June 23, 2005, 12:14:31 AM »

If cost isn't an issue, Öhlins Superbike & Roadrace forks would be the answer.

FreediverGa · « **Reply #10 on:** June 24, 2005, 10:50:49 PM »

The instructions say to cut the included spacer 3.5 inches for the bandit 600! Did you guys do this or cut it at a different lenght?

I was planning on sticking with 10wt too. good or bad?

I hope good, I already bought the oil!

peteb · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2005, 07:09:55 PM »

Does anyone have experience with racetech gold valve cartridge emulators. Kind of pricey but I have heard several good things about them. Are they worth $160.

gsxr400 racer · « **Reply #12 on:** July 22, 2005, 12:27:37 AM »

RaceTech stuff is 100% worth the cost. If you're running low on flow then Progressive will do, but I would highly recomend the RaceTech for a more coins - customized to you and your riding pleasure!

Just my 2 cents, but with all the suspension technology I wouldnt put Progressives in my bicycle let alone anything I ride with a motor! But thats just one mans opinion.

Jacknife · « **Reply #13 on:** July 24, 2005, 04:03:36 AM »

FreediverGa, the springs I got did not need a spacer cutting, but I did change oil grade to 15w big differance with handling!

Bazza · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2006, 02:46:21 AM »

Quote from: "GaryB12VA"

I would recomment the Progressive springs. Made a big difference in my B12. Almost totally eliminated the front-end dive.

I am with Gary here. I love mine. And like he says, no more front end dive.