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10-16-2017, 08:41 AM | #1 |
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Location: Ky
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Progressive Springs or heavier oil
My 06 Nomad front seems to be bottoming out easier lately so I am wondering should I replace the springs in the front end with Progressives (Part#) or remove and replace the front fork oil with new or heavier oil (What weight) or both. Any help would be appreciated.
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10-16-2017, 08:59 AM | #2 |
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Both
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MT 2016 FLHP Psychiatric Ward FL VBA 936 |
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10-16-2017, 09:24 AM | #3 |
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I agree with MT on this one . I went with progressive springs and 15 weight oil . While I was at it I replaced the steering stem bearings with All Balls . It was worth every penny . You won't regret it .
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10-16-2017, 03:52 PM | #4 |
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What do you mean about the steering stem bearings? Would that be in the center of the triple tree below that big nut between my risers? I am having a side to side wobble when I let go of the bars. Starts slow back and forth but gets faster and harder the longer I leave go. I believe if I raise the front end off the ground that my front tire should either go left or right slowly on its own until it stops but now it will just slam to either side that it goes. Hits real hard when it stops. I think it needs tightening to make the swing real easy.
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10-17-2017, 03:26 PM | #5 | |
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Dave Jesse 2012 1700 Gray/Black Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad Green/Silver Sold VBA #1108 2010- Eureka Springs - Antlers - 2011- Maggie Valley - Antlers 2012- Margaritaville Ride - Van Buren - Antlers - 2013- Estes Park - Antlers 2014- Mountain View - Antlers - 2015- Eureka Springs - Antlers 2016- Salem - Antlers - 2017- Eureka Springs - Lake George - Antlers - 2018- Custer - Antlers Login or Register to Remove Ads |
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10-16-2017, 03:56 PM | #6 |
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I would agree with the others, and do both. That being said, I still have the stock springs, and you would really be surprised at the difference that just changing the fork oil makes. I run 15 weight oil (Motul), and the last time I changed it, I went with the 15 weight Motul again, and it just being new oil made a big difference over the old wore out oil. The next time I change it, I'm going to also change the springs to Progressive progressive rate springs, part # 11-1144
https://www.progressivesuspension.co...ork-spring-kit
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Cliff "VulcanE" Evans 2005 Blue & Silver 1600 Nomad VBA # 320 VROC # 20381 |
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10-16-2017, 08:36 PM | #7 |
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I put 20wt in mine. Its fine/good on straight and smooth roads, but of a rough curve it not as stable as it was with the stock oil. Left stock springs in. Next change will either go back to 10 or maybe 15.
My 06 has 34,000 mile on it, and wasn't having any problems with bottoming out.
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Troy Donat VBA #02401 2015 Voyager 2006 1600 Nomad black(sold) 2016 Salem, Antlers, 2017 Eureka Springs, Lake George, Antlers 2018 Custer NR, Antlers |
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10-16-2017, 09:36 PM | #8 | |
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I don't know about progressive springs, but a higher weight oil would certainly help, assuming you don't have or have fixed other issues. Maxima or Motul 15 wt are similar in viscosity (there is no standard for fork oil weights, so one brands 15 wt may not be very close to another's in viscosity). I think 20 wt in just about any brand makes it too firm for most riders. |
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10-16-2017, 11:27 PM | #9 |
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No leak, just 50 some odd thousand miles. Also have a Premieux fairing on the front which adds weight as well.
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10-18-2017, 04:16 PM | #10 | |
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Location: Marietta, GA
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If you are doing the first change, I would rinse the residuals out 2 - 3 times rather than just once. There is going to be a lot of corrosive crap in the bottoms of those forks. |
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10-17-2017, 10:02 AM | #11 |
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Like MAS said, do both. Cheap fix.
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12-17-2017, 02:22 PM | #12 |
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Done this on non-cruisers, but should apply: manufactuers put in the least amount of oil needed in the forks. So the old guide was to go with LIGHTER oil, but a lot more oil. The oil level is set with the springs out and fork fully compressed, pour in oil to within 1.5" from the top. The lighter oil keeps the bike responsive to small bumps. The added volume decreases the air above the oil that acts like the final "spring" because air can be compressed. The lower air volume helps to reduce bottoming. Also, preload is critical to reduce sag. Fit spacers at the top of the springs to keep sag to about 1/2". Years ago we'd use VW Bug valve springs as spacers.
Last edited by andyvh1959; 12-17-2017 at 02:26 PM.
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12-18-2017, 09:31 AM | #13 |
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That's a handy bit of advice made.
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12-18-2017, 01:09 PM | #14 | |
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when i did mine some time ago i kept origonal springs - 15 weight oil - added more than the service manual reccomended-dont remember how much - and works fine for me but what i like may not suit u ----- on my last bike i did springs n oil but the springs were a little stiff for me -- we all like something different |
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12-18-2017, 01:16 PM | #15 | |
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