FOUR inch spacer?!? Need quick help.

[groundshock]

Just got my progressive springs today for the 80 750L, no spacers are included in this package per the instructions and the literature says that this bike requires FOUR INCH spacers????

Isnt that a little extreme?

Anyone put Progressives in a 77-82 750 E or L that wants to give me some advice here? Would like to start and finish this job tonight.

Thanks GSR!

[emjay]

If you do a search you can probably find instructions on how to determine the correct size spacers for you. Mine are about 3 and 7/8 inches long, maybe a bit more.

[twr1776]

I have not done it on your specific model but with my OEM spacer and PVC combo I am in that area as well. On my directions it did not give a specific dimension for my model but noted to keep the spacer/spring combo even with the top of the fork before cap installation and that has worked out pretty well, maybe still a touch soft but worlds above the OEM. My L forks have the leading axle, air fitting and threaded cap. I do not run air in them anymore. Enjoy the new springs, you will not believe the difference.

[salty_monk]

On my G the spacers were about 90mm from memory. Just use thick walled (1/8") PVC pipe of similar diameter to the spring.

To determine the right size... you put the springs in & then the spacer should come up to the top of the threads in the fork tubes.

I did this on my G - it's fine I'm 165lb. 15 wt oil. On my Skunk I went about 1/2" above the threads because I wanted it a but stiffer.

Dan

[greg78gs750]

btw, groundshock, i FREAKING LOVE how your bike looks.....always wanted to tell you....

greg

[Steve]

To determine the right size... you put the springs in & then the spacer should come up to the top of the threads in the fork tubes.

That might work after somebody else has done all the trial and error part of it, but the real way to determine the right size is to measure the amount of 'sag' in the suspension. General rule of thumb is that you want about 1/4 of your available travel used as 'sag'.

To determine 'sag', you will need a helper. Put the bike on the centerstand to minimize the weight on the front wheel. You want it at full extension. Measure from the fender to the bottom triple tree. Now take the bike off the centerstand, sit on it, bounce a little to get the suspension to settle, have your helper measure again. Most of our bikes have about 6 inches of travel on the front wheel, so you are looking for a difference of no more than 1.5 inches. If you dropped more than that, you need more preload, therefore, longer spacers. If you dropped less than that, you need shorter spacers. A difference of 1/4 inch might be noticeable to some riders. Note that, depending on the spring rate and the weight of the bike, the springs might not compress at all until you put your weight on the bike. That is not a problem. It just shows that the spring rate is correct.

Same principle applies to rear suspension, but there you only have about 3 or 4 inches to play with, so you are looking for 3/4 to 1 inch of 'sag'. Adjust your preload collars to achieve that. Do it again with your passenger or traveling/camping load to see what changes you need to make.

.

[emjay]

There ya go, no need to search. This is exactly how I did mine, and they came out just right.

[groundshock]

btw, groundshock, i FREAKING LOVE how your bike looks.....always wanted to tell you....

greg

Thank you. Really appreciate it.

[salty_monk]

Yep, Steve's way is the proper scientific way

My way worked out pretty good for me though It won't be too far wrong if you want a base point to start with (& ride with if you're short of time & want to get back on the road).

Dan

[groundshock]

Only one problem, no centerstand.

[salty_monk]

Put a jack under the front end somewhere... you should be able to support it on the frame somewhere. You only need to take the weight off (get someone to help you & hold it for additional support).

Failing that... do it my way & ride it, see how it feels.

Dan