Ikon vs. Progressive Fork Springs - is either better?

[pete]

Having a look at replacing the stock fork springs in the 450 as they're quite soft, and I'd rather do it soon before it's all together and ready to roll.

I can get Ikon and Progressive for the same price from www.zpower.com.au ($169.95), so just wondering if either is better?

I'm considering getting some Ikon 7610 black shocks at the same time from the same place ($449.95) if that makes a difference. Not sure if I should keep the same brands or not. The stock shocks absolutely must go, they are just about seized like a pair of struts.

I can also get my K&N pods from the same place...

Any thoughts? And yes, parts are expensive in the land down under...

[salty_monk]

Never seen anyone use the Ikons, don't think we get them here. If theyre like the shocks they might be better than progressives... How are they wound?

[bwringer]

Dunno about the Ikons, but I am much happier with straight-rate fork springs appropriate to my mass and pace (oafish yet swift) on my machines.

The Progressives are sort of a "universal" spring rate that works out OK for many people, especially if you're an "average" sized humanoid. With straight-rate springs, you can choose the best spring rate.

FWIW, I have Sonic fork springs in my machines.

[simon kuether]

Pete , you could have a talk to the blokes at RAD Hardchroming / shocks in Brisbane (you can Google them or they advertise in Australian Motorcycle News) . Real good lads .

They did the forks (straightened , hard chromed and progressives - Ikons I think) for my 'S 4 years ago and I'm a real happy chappy . I'm going to send them my original rear shocks as they reckon they can rebuild them to modern specs but still keep the original looks . I'll let you know how they turn out .

Cheers , Simon .

[pete]

Cheers for the replies guys!

Salty: You mean there's something we get here you don't over there? I'm shocked And if by how they're wound you mean if they're progressive or single rate springs, then they're progressive.

Bwringer: What you say makes sense, but I think progressives will work ok for me. I'm "normalish" weight wise I believe (although weight increased a tad after stopping the smokes) and my pace is rather, well, let's say conservative shall we

Simon: Cheers, I've heard of RAD before, possibly was in AMCN (I buy it religiously but tend to skip the ads). That definitely sounds like they're worth a call for sure. And yes, keen to see how they turn out

I want to get the engine fired up before doing this stuff, because if I've screwed it up royally, I won't have thrown good money on suspension I don't need. I expect I'll be a month or so away from the first fire up though.