Progressive Fork Springs Test Ride And Results.

[Lordmac]

I finally got my Bonnie (early '78 T140V) out of the garage and onto the road last Saturday. Here in Montana we have to wait 'till the ICE goes away, which takes a while sometimes.
So, I am heading-on-down the not-so-smooth DIRT and GRAVEL drive (with little to no ice in sight) to get to the "paved" highway when it suddenly occurred to me my bike shore-nuff seems to be riding reeel smooth. I must admit that, in my sheer joy to be on my bike again, I momentarily forgot about the new progressive springs I had installed, and after realizing how nice and smooth it was riding now (compared with the original springs) I looked down at the fork sliders to see them taking those little, harsh bumps easily in stride, whereas before, it would be stiff and not very springy and I could feel every little jolt in the grips. I can tell you, that stuff gives you a workout. I got a bit of speed going so I could give the front brake a hard pull and see how the springs took that action: they felt just like the originals as far as that they had plenty of muscle to hold the strain and felt very stable and not squishy. Man, do I ever like these new springs! I purchased Ikon brand springs from an outfit in Florida called SMMOTORCO in case you guys are wondering. Ikon springs are top-shelf designed and engineered and you know it when you see them. Easy installation too. Just like originals. Get you a pair and grooove to the smooth!

Happy trails!

 

[Rocky]

Nice mod
Ikon makes first class products.

 

[liebig]

I've always found that for more 'normal' riding, the progressive springs provide plenty of comfort and feel. However, if you need good feel also in that very last bit of the fork travel - like on track f i when turning and braking as hard as you dare at the same time - then linear is the obvious and only choice.

 

[solomon]

I purchased Ikon brand springs ... Ikon springs are top-shelf designed and engineered and you know it when you see them

What makes them look well engineered?
You're tempting me. Did you need spacers? I've seen some IKON springs for a T140, but think they might be a bit shorter than the Meriden ones.

 

[Lordmac]

I've always found that for more 'normal' riding, the progressive springs provide plenty of comfort and feel. However, if you need good feel also in that very last bit of the fork travel - like on track f i when turning and braking as hard as you dare at the same time - then linear is the obvious and only choice.

Yo, Liebig;

Yeah, you are correct on that account: it does depend on how and where you ride. If I was on a nice, smooth racetrack doing the ton into the turns, draggin' the ol knee, then I would stick to those stiff, original springs so my pegs and pipes wouldn't get tore off by the roots.

 

[Lordmac]

What makes them look well engineered?
You're tempting me. Did you need spacers? I've seen some IKON springs for a T140, but think they might be a bit shorter than the Meriden ones.

Solomon;
They LOOK good because the metal is reeeel smooth with no lines and they are reeel straight and the coils are perfect and the ends are not sharp or rough like some Iv'e seen. The metalurgy (they say) comprises some kind of silicon-infused mixture and all manner of techno-stuff and also incorporates FM Principal. No spacers required on my bike. They were the same length as the originals - maybe an eighth of an inch longer rather than shorter. Maybe depends on if the original springs get a little depressed or not. By the way; don't ever let your springs get depressed cuz those psychiatric bills can shore-nuff mount up.

 

[solomon]

Solomon;
They LOOK good because the metal is reeeel smooth with no lines and they are reeel straight and the coils are perfect and the ends are not sharp or rough like some Iv'e seen. The metalurgy (they say) comprises some kind of silicon-infused mixture and all manner of techno-stuff and also incorporates FM Principal. No spacers required on my bike. They were the same length as the originals - maybe an eighth of an inch longer rather than shorter. Maybe depends on if the original springs get a little depressed or not. By the way; don't ever let your springs get depressed cuz those psychiatric bills can shore-nuff mount up.

Stunningly amazing work one learns on this forum. I now know of the FM Principal. Hoping to utilise it soon, get my electronic tachometer to work.