Progressive front springs on a GS850GLZ

[hikermikem]

Just in case someone wants to put progressive front springs on their '82 850GL, I used progressive p/n: 11-1108. There is no listing for the GL model on any of the progressive data sheets - just the G models, which use a different fork & stock spring than the GL.

The OEM stock GL springs measured 21" long & used a 3.1" long spacer under the cap.

The 11-1108 springs measure 20.75" long, and I used a 2.8" spacer to provide the required level of pre-load recommended by progressive (.75" - 1.0" of preload).

In addition, I installed new fork seals and replaced the "black" fork oil with nice new 15W oil - filled to an OEM level of 10.2" (260ml).

Seems to ride & handle much better, and the front end doesn't take a nose dive now when the front brakes are applied!

Hope this info is of interest to someone...

mike

[highmileage]

Most interesting and helpful - Can I use this info and this part number on my '81 1000GL?

I understand that the '81 and '82 use a different oil filter, so they must've changed some things...

[hikermikem]

Most interesting and helpful - Can I use this info and this part number on my '81 1000GL?

Dunno - sounds reasonable, but I would pull the springs in there now & measure them, then match them to something similar from the Progressive specs:

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/pdfs/7100-105.pdf

For size reference, the '81 1000G takes 1107 springs.

[bwringer]

Most interesting and helpful - Can I use this info and this part number on my '81 1000GL?

I understand that the '81 and '82 use a different oil filter, so they must've changed some things...

I've had a lot of forks apart and never noticed a fork oil filter in there...

Anyway, you can use the same springs as the G models in a GL model. The length of the spring is not really important -- you just have to make a spacer long enough to achieve the correct degree of preload and sag. The hunk o' pipe they include with the springs is only long enough to do one side on an L model.

[82Shafty]

maybe I should have used the 1108's. I used the 1107's and had to install quite the spacer.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=119871&highlight=progressive+springs+gs1100GL&page=2

Turns out I used the same spacer for my dad as well even with a 50lb difference.

6.5" spacer was used.

[twr1776]

I used the 11-1107 spring on both my 81 1000L and 83 1100L. I did not measure the total spacer length but the 6.5" dimension sounds about right. I used the stock spacer and cut part of the PVC. Muuuuuuuuuuuuch better.

[bwringer]

I used the 11-1107 spring on both my 81 1000L and 83 1100L. I did not measure the total spacer length but the 6.5" dimension sounds about right. I used the stock spacer and cut part of the PVC. Muuuuuuuuuuuuch better.

I believe I was a witness to at least one of those...

We also installed the 11-1107 springs in my friend Al's '82 GS850GL, with the same longer spacer needed.

Either way (1107 or 1108 springs), the results are fantastic!

[hikermikem]

I only used the 1108's because they started out approx. 3" longer than the 1107's, so I figured I wouldn't need as long a spacer.

The spring rates were identical, but the 1108's OD is 2mm smaller; didn't think that meant squat so I bought 'em, installed 'em, like 'em.

mike