Which progressive fork springs?

[exbellicus]

I'm looking to get a set of progressive springs for my fork. My suspension SUCKS! I did some searching and couldn't find anyone noting a specific model for the 450 (80 450L)...anyone know off the top of their head?

Also in addition to fork oil, is there anything else I should grab for a fork rebuild?

Thanks
Brett

[drejal]

a hacksaw and a miter box to make your spacers.

[mike_of_bbg]

Well, if you're really going to rebuild your fork then you'll need seals, too, and maybe bushes. Of course you don't have to entirely disassemble the fork to install springs. Good way to get 'em clean though.

Progressive's DB shows an 80 GS450, not a 450L, using 11-1109's. But the weights should be about the same. They inherited a lot of the data from another company they bought out (or so they told me) and there's really no way to check and see if maybe it was really an L model they tested. L's usually have longer springs, so that just means a longer spacer with the same springs.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=1980&makeID=45&modelID=844

For verification you could pull out one of your springs, see how long it is, and compare it to the 1109s, which are 19.75". You can look at the specs for the springs here:

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

As long as that 19.75" won't extend more than about 1" over the top of the tubes, you'll be fine. Just make spacers to trim your ride.