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Pat,
I recently installed Ikon progressive springs in my fork tubes. In doing so I was quite surprised to see how much the orginal springs resemble Bic Click ballpoint pen springs. What prompted me to make the change was the way the front end would dive when braking hard, particularly when carrying a passenger.
I went out and performed some tests after installation. First was riding some very twisty roadway at speed, incorporating some very sudden decelerations. Result was improved cornering, because the front end was not so compressed on entering the corner, consequently the front didn't lift so much when opening the throttle in the corner. I guess you could categorize this test as "corning- consistency of handling". Results were positive and the bike is easier to handle under these conditions.
The other test I made was a series of moderately high-speed emergency stops. I took the bike down a country lane, with very light traffic and did several of these, laying on the brakes as hard as I dared from 70 mph. The front end did not dive as far as it had with stock springs. My balance and posture were improved.
Okay, I weigh about 200 lbs and my bike is an '05 T100. I haven't felt the need to change out my rear springs, so I can't speak to that end of the bike.
My one other change would be to increase the viscosity of the fork oil. I think that would be helpful to you as well, with more weight, you're looking at a greater potential distance of travel on your shocks, both front and rear. Thicker oil can reduce or eliminate the extremes of that travel.
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"It was like that when I got here..."
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