I just received my front springs from Progressive (11-1527 for 04+). I read the instructions about the spacer and pre-load. Pretty straight forward. After reading a few posts on here, I noticed that others have used more than the recommended 3/4 - 1" pre-load. Looking for input on what preload or spacer length others have used and why. I don't want my ride to be rock hard, just better than the sorry OE springs. I have Belray 15W that I plan on using.
Any input would be appreciated!!

There's a lot of discussion concerning the spacer thing. I used the ones supplied and went with 20w oil. I know at least one guy that went as high as 30w. IMO I think experimenting with different oil weights is the way to go. Those folks at Progressive pretty much know what they're doing.

I used the spacers in mine and went with Belray 10W oil. I tried to get to the level that Progressive reccomended but stopped at 10-11 OZ. I weigh 155 lbs. and wish I had either stayed at the 9 OZ level or gone with tW oil. The ride is much improved over the stock springs.

I used the spacers as provided by Progressive and HD Screaming Eagle fork oil. A huge improvement!

scooter quote: "I noticed that others have used more than the recommended 3/4 - 1" pre-load"

You need to remember that if the spacer you use sticks out of the fork 3/4" you will actually get 1 1/2" of spring preload. That's because once the end cap starts to thread, it will thread down an additional 3/4" before it is tight (adding an additional 3/4" preload)

USE THE SPACERS AS IS!!! They're cut to the right size. If you trim them down, the bike will sit too low. Don't any more or it will sit too high. If you do in fact have the kit for the 2004+ bikes then the 3" spacers it comes with are exactly what you need.

xl1200r is right ...

In my bike, that 3" spacer that came with the springs actually did stick out of the fork tubes 3/4" when installed, resulting in the 1 1/2" preload once the end caps were tightened down .... Just right

Just installed my Progressive Springs tonight used the above threads for guidance since the instructions were a little confusing and the ride is just great. I did one thing different though, I left the same oil in the tubes. I went out and took her up to about 80MPH on a back road and so far she's feels very stable and sticking to the road like glue.
Thanks all. :D :D

Thats what ya paid for. Enjoy the ride! Wait until ya go into a choppy turn with the front brake on. Now you can kick the throttle instead of letting off. Should have come that way though.
Ride to Live!

Should have come that way though.
Ride to Live!

I agree,
Suspension for this bike is costing me a bundle but, It's fun to up-grade, gives me something to do when I'm bored. :laugh

I had the indy use the included spacers and he put in PJ1 30wt. It sounded a bit thick to me, but he said that is what he used in his. I am going to leave it as is, being that it handles much better than before, but I'll probably drop to 20wt on the next oil change.

I had the indy use the included spacers and he put in PJ1 30wt. It sounded a bit thick to me, but he said that is what he used in his. I am going to leave it as is, being that it handles much better than before, but I'll probably drop to 20wt on the next oil change.

It feels great with the stock oil in it to me, If she feels this good at a 100MPH I will leave as is. I wonder what the stock oil weight is.

Do these springs make your bike sit higher up while rolling down the road? I want better handling, but I'm not sure I want to sacrifice a low, mean looking stance.

It brung it up a little bit more it's noticeable but I didn't do a measurement before installing them. If you run a search I think someone else did do the measurement on another thread.