How do I determine if they are Progressive?

[maro]

I have a newly purchased 821100E. The PO mentioned he had progressive springs installed. How would I physically know the difference between the stock and progressive?

The GS1100E is a completely knew feel compared to my 650 (obviously), so I'm kinda at a loss for feal when riding.

[Nessism]

If the front end seems firm without air in the forks, you have Progressive springs; the stock springs are weak since Suzuki expected people to add air.

[Joe Nardy]

I have a newly purchased 821100E. The PO mentioned he had progressive springs installed. How would I physically know the difference between the stock and progressive?

The GS1100E is a completely knew feel compared to my 650 (obviously), so I'm kinda at a loss for feal when riding.

I think progressive in this sense just means the springs in your front end have varying coil spacing. So the coils are widely spaced at one end getting more tightly spaced near the other end.

To verify just pull the springs out and look at them. Probably get by with just checking just one if you just want to verify, but it wouldn't hurt to change your fork oil while your at it. Probably about a 2 to 3 hour job to change the fluid.

The term 'progressive' as it pertains to fork springs has two meanings. Spelled with a lower case 'p' it refers to springs that are progressively wound, as isleoman states above. When spelled with an upper case 'P' it refers to springs manufactured by Progressive Suspension, which are also progressively wound. I'm not sure about the '82 GS1100E but the '83 model had progressively wound springs from the factory. Progressive Suspension's aftermarket springs are stiffer than the stock springs and make a noticeable improvement to the soft stock front end. I'm pretty sure the Progressive Suspension springs are different in length compared to the stock springs. I don't know the length specs off the top of my head but I could look through my manuals and paperwork tomorrow if it would help.

Thanks,
Joe

[bwringer]

If you take the bike off the centerstand and sit on it, and the front fork doesn't immediately sag through most of the available suspension travel, it's got new fork springs. The stock front fork springs are extremely inadequate, and the difference is not at all subtle.

Whether the preload is set up properly for you is another matter... Google "motorcycle suspension setup" and "setting fork sag" for more info.


It is difficult to tell the difference between stock and Progressive springs unless you have them side-by-side. Their effects are very different, but one big spring looks about like any other.

[gregr]

I have nothing to add. Just wanted to say Howdy to Joe and Brian.
Greg Reddick-Iowa

[bonanzadave]

"It is difficult to tell the difference between stock and Progressive springs unless you have them side-by-side. Their effects are very different, but one big spring looks about like any other."

Progressive (bottom) looks to have a heavier spring steel than the stock spring (top) and is wound pretty tight on one end.

Question: Who thinks by this picture that the stock spring is wound clockwise and the Progressive is wound counter clockwise. ?????

[Joe Nardy]

I have nothing to add. Just wanted to say Howdy to Joe and Brian.
Greg Reddick-Iowa

Greg,

Good to hear from you! How's the 1100E doing?

Thanks,
Joe

*(sorry for the hijack)...................now back to your regularly scheduled motorcycle thread...............*

[bwringer]

Progressive (bottom) looks to have a heavier spring steel than the stock spring (top) and is wound pretty tight on one end.

Question: Who thinks by this picture that the stock spring is wound clockwise and the Progressive is wound counter clockwise. ?????

There you have it, folks! Side-by-side, the difference is obvious. With no comparison handy, it's a little harder.

You know, it does look like they're wound in different directions. Wonder if that's a reliable indicator?

I still think it would be dead easy to tell the difference just by sitting on the bike. Plus, you don't have to take anything apart. The stock springs are just that pitiful.

[bwringer]

I have nothing to add. Just wanted to say Howdy to Joe and Brian.
Greg Reddick-Iowa

Howdy back at ya!

Hope you can make it to the Brown County, Indiana rally in May. It's worth the trip.

[Griffin]

I just replaced the woefully inadequate fork springs in my 750E with Progressives. On that particular model, it's quite easy to tell if the stock springs are still in there. The stock setup is two seperate springs of different strength with a spacer between them. There is also no preload with the factory springs, air is supposed to do that.

On the 750E, the single Progressive springs are about 1" longer than the two factory springs combined, and automatically are preloaded once the fork caps are tightened down on them.

The difference in fork actuation between the two setups is huge.

[maro]

very helpful replys. thanks!