Checking fork seals/fluid

[Anthony]

I agree, I had no idea about sonic springs and cartridge emulators. I will definitely look into both of those this winter when I tear apart my forks!

[mikerophone]

Me too. I always thought progressive was a type of spring, and not a brand, because they had "progressively" different spring return or something.

Since I haven't felt the dire need to replace mine once I re-sealed the forks and got the proper amount of fluid in them I hadn't done the research. But as several members were quick to correct me, and let me know how I was slapping another member in the face now we all know.

[tkent02]

Me too. I always thought progressive was a type of spring, and not a brand, because they had "progressively" different spring return or something.

It's both.

[bwringer]

It's both.

Yep. A company called Progressive makes progressive springs and shocks featuring progressive springs. There are also other companies that make progressive springs, like Hyperpro.

There's a totally different company called Progressive that sells insurance via annoying commercials, but that's a different topic altogether...

[78550GS]

There's a totally different company called Progressive that sells insurance via annoying commercials, but that's a different topic altogether...

I thought all the money I have been paying to progressive for the last 15 years or so would have been able to pay for a more attractive spokesperson. Or at least less annoying.

[posplayr]

Not sure about the 750, but my '81 550 according to the service manual calls for a mixture of SAE 10W/30 motor oil and ATF at a 50 - 50 ratio mix.

First time I changed fork oil on my gs750ex I used the afr oil mix. Shortly after I went back in to do springs and it was a frothy milkshake mess. No more ATF after that. Pure Virgin fork oil after that.

[Anthony]

I prefer EXTRA virgin fork oil

[RichDesmond]

Me too. I always thought progressive was a type of spring, and not a brand, because they had "progressively" different spring return or something.

Since I haven't felt the dire need to replace mine once I re-sealed the forks and got the proper amount of fluid in them I hadn't done the research. But as several members were quick to correct me, and let me know how I was slapping another member in the face now we all know.

Not to worry, I certainly didn't take offense.
While I definitely appreciate the support and the kind words for Sonic Springs, I'm mostly here as a GS guy rather than for business reasons. So if you end up with a different brand in your bike that's fine, and I'll still be happy to answer any install or setup questions you have.

[mikerophone]

Not to worry, I certainly didn't take offense.
While I definitely appreciate the support and the kind words for Sonic Springs, I'm mostly here as a GS guy rather than for business reasons. So if you end up with a different brand in your bike that's fine, and I'll still be happy to answer any install or setup questions you have.

Thanks Rich - certainly wasn't my intent to offend. I'm new here and still learning the "politics" of this board and who provides what. I've ordered from Z1 and cycleorings.com, both of which I would have never learned about had I not join this forum. Now I've learned about your springs, I will be ordering a set a some point and will post an inquiry or even PM you at that point.

As far as the GSR goes, I feel that for the most part people are helpful and just want to learn and share knowledge, which is great. My preference would be to always assist and provide insight, where applicable. I know it must be frustrating for long standing members to answer the same questions repeatedly, but like a recent post I read stated - we were all beginners/newbs at one point right? And we love these bikes, so let's help each other keep them on the road

[posplayr]

As far as the GSR goes, I feel that for the most part people are helpful and just want to learn and share knowledge, which is great. My preference would be to always assist and provide insight, where applicable. I know it must be frustrating for long standing members to answer the same questions repeatedly, but like a recent post I read stated - we were all beginners/newbs at one point right? And we love these bikes, so let's help each other keep them on the road

I agree, some members have taken to using the board to hand out demerits and other forms of abuse, not because of "dumb" questions, and not because of laziness to search what has already been posted but as a means to get on a soapbox.

I have had my agenda as well, but it has been to improve the technical awareness of the forum in specific regard to electrical issues. When new posters are abused because they don't seem to be in alignment with other members perspectives, I don't see that is helping anyone.

[mikerophone]

...to improve the technical awareness of the forum in specific regard to electrical issues.

You've surely done that!

[RichDesmond]

...And we love these bikes, so let's help each other keep them on the road

Couldn't agree more.

[posplayr]

You've surely done that!

Thanks...........

[mrbill5491]

I got the Sonic springs and 20w fork oil, don't need no more stinking air. THEY WORK GREAT! Thanks Rich.

[mikerophone]

I got the Sonic springs and 20w fork oil, don't need no more stinking air. THEY WORK GREAT! Thanks Rich.

Man that would be nice, I really don't like air shocks. Especially 31 year old air shocks...They are still holding air, but every time I open them up I have to get out the bicycle air pump to pump a measly 3PSI into them!

Which rate did you go for - the .9, the 1.0 or the 1.1 kg/mm?