83 front fork springs

[wilcoy02]

I am ready to change the 30 year old springs in my83 gl1100 bike.
After looking at the different threads I am now totally confused.

What progressive springs do I need for my 83?
What else should be replaced while I have the forks off the bike?

Will the air still be there for the shocks or will it be needed?
Any parts numbers you may have would be helpful.

Getting ready for my ride to Alaska.

Thanks for any input.

 

[brianinpa]

What springs do you need... no idea, but you will no longer need the air in the forks with progressive springs. I recently saw a thread on NGW where I guy modded his tube caps to get rid of the air hose connections. That is on my list of things to do to clean that area up a bit.

On second thought... looks like Progressive 11-1102 is what you need.

https://www.progressivesuspension.com/prodSearchResults.aspx?yearID=1983&makeID=40&modelID=827

 

[joedrum]

if there are no leaks in the seals ..you should be able to change springs with forks on the bike

 

[wilcoy02]

Thanks guys. I thought while I had thye forks off I should replace anything in there since they are 30 yr old parts. My air does stay in and does not leak at this time.

So from what you have told me just replace the springs and nothing else?

thanks.

 

[brianinpa]

I always thought the seals keeps the oil in and not really the air and if the seals are leaking, you would know it. They tend to leave a big black puddle on the floor. However, if you are pulling them apart and want to spend the money, may as well do it while they are off, but, I would see why the springs couldn't be changed without pulling the forks off the bike, like Joe suggested.

 

[dan filipi]

Progressive fork springs are drop in, nothing else needed.
I run no air in the forks. Just put the caps on and forget about them. No need to do away with the fittings unless you have aspencade with the compressor.

 

[brianinpa]

dan filipi » Mon Mar 31, 2014 11:28 am[/url]":jhizxs3k]
Progressive fork springs are drop in, nothing else needed.
I run no air in the forks. Just put the caps on and forget about them. No need to do away with the fittings unless you have aspencade with the compressor.

I am only doing it because I can't stand knowing that useless air line is up there. Besides, something like this looks better to me:

 

[dan filipi]

Those DO look better!