I am going to send the triple trees for my GL1500 to Steerite for modification to ease steering effort. Peter rcommended replacing the fork springs with Progressive while it is apart. The forks were serviced less than 5K miles ago. Unless there will be a huge benefit I am reluctant to spend the time or money. Did anybody who made this change on a similar machine expierence a huge difference in handling? Thanks for your input.
towbiz - 7/3/2010 12:53 PM
I am going to send the triple trees for my GL1500 to Steerite for modification to ease steering effort. Peter rcommended replacing the fork springs with Progressive while it is apart. The forks were serviced less than 5K miles ago. Unless there will be a huge benefit I am reluctant to spend the time or money. Did anybody who made this change on a similar machine expierence a huge difference in handling? Thanks for your input.
When I had a 1994 Goldwing SE, the forks were extremely soft. I changed the springs to Progressives with slightly thicker fork oil from Bel Ray and it really tightened up on the front end.
I also changed the read shocks to Progressives. I replaces the stock setup which had an air shock on one side and hydraulic on the other. Both changes were very worthwhile.
I also installed a 90 amp Compufire alternator. That fixed the electrical problems with the stock alternators which are rather problematical.
I had a 97 Wing. I highly recommend the Progressive fork springs; they really make a difference. I also installed a Progressive 450IAS rear shock--it replaces only the left side rear--and that was ahuge upgrade. When you've gotten used to stock it's hard to imagine the change, but it is an enormous improvement. I also did the Compufire after losing 2 stock alternators. The added load from lights and trailer (or sidecar) lights makes it worth the upgrade.
Al Bond
05 V-Star 1100 with Texas/Ural hybrid.
Setup by the Warkshop
I also changed over to Steerite Triple Tree and changed the front springs to Progressive Suspension on my 1990 GL1500SE with California Friendship III. Side Effects also recommended using 20 to 25 weight Bel Ray fork oil. Could only find 20 weight so went with that. Improved the front end a lot and also got rid of the clunking noise I was getting from the front forks. Also, if you have not gone to Compufire Alternator it is well worth the investment. I am also running Progressive Suspension fork springs and shocks in my 1983 Aspencade solo rig and was incredible the improvement it made in handling and tight cornering. No more wallow into the corners.
