Triumphrat

Skidplate865

Do you have to take the wheel off to replace the fork springs? I'm dropping new IKON Progressive fork springs into a new bike, do I really need to replace the fork oil?

propforward

I advise you to take the wheel off, so that you can pull the forks and drain the old oil. This will allow you to accurately add fresh oil to the right level.

However, it is not ABSOLUTELY essential to do it that way - it is possible to leave the forks in place - but the best way is to remove them.

This is a very good mod - just did it myself recently. Well worth doing.

http://www.triumphrat.net/twins-tech...rovements.html

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Rule 1: Cardio

Rustic Road Progress

B02S4

No.......

doctorjay

Taking the front wheel off isn't tricky at all. You really need to have it off to remove the stone guards if you want to put the rubber gators on at the same time, otherwise you can do it without removing the wheel if just putting new springs in.

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Thriumph Thunderbird SE 2010

Aussiematt

Is there any way to determine whether a bike has stock springs or an improved (IKON etc) set without pulling out the springs and measuring them? Another option is a back to back test between a stocker and an upgraded version. at this time I don't know if the previous owner upgraded the front springs. The front end feels planted but its would be nice to know for sure. Any thoughts?

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2004 Thrux, FCR39's, Uni filter, 813 cams, Works shocks, Ricor valves, progressive springs, Pieman ignitor, green springs, GT501s, Beringer caliper, predators, damper, fork brace, Corbin gunfighter, custom tinware, lowered instruments, JMC swingarm

270*

If you're just changing the springs, leave them on. You'll b e removing the bars so get someone to hold 'em for ya. Stick the bike on a jack, too, to aid with refitting the fork caps.
To change the oil, either leave the forks in situ and use a syphon or remove them and tip the old oil out.

propforward

Frankly taking the front wheel off and removing the forks is easier than taking the bars off, and allows you to do a more thorough job, plus you won't need anyone else to hold stuff while you do it - but whichever method you prefer to use is fine.

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Rule 1: Cardio

Rustic Road Progress

Baltobonneville

Yes to what Propforward says, and if you're replacing the springs in an '06, you might as well change the fork oil while you're in there, it's due for a change.

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Marty
2005 Bonneville Blue 790cc, AI removed, Staintunes RC, Unifilter, no snorkel, 118/40/Thrux needle/1 shim/3 turns, tachometer, Ikon 7610s in back, Ricor Intiminators in front, Pirelli Sport Demons, D9 gauge panel.

wenzel850

When I changed from stock front springs to Ikons, I removed my wheel and drained the old oil. When I replaced the oil I used less than what the factory recommends. This was due to the shorter length of the Ikons. If you use the factory specified amount, you'll find the springs are still very stiff. I have 5w oil in my front end and about 50 cc's less (430 cc's) as opposed to (482 cc's) . The front end is now comfortable and works better to absorb the bumps and stuff in the roads. BTW I weigh 200 lbs.

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Quentin

Pokeyjoe

I changed the springs on my Scrambler without removing the forks. You do have to jack the bike up high enough to get the front wheel off the ground (fully extend the forks). Just put an old towel on the gas tank and set the handlebars on it. It won't go anywhere. You said the bike was new, so don't worry about changing the oil. You will need some way to reach down the tubes and pull the old springs out. Check the fluid levels before you put the new springs in. I had different levels in each fork. Your new springs should come with instructions that tell you how much fluid to leave in there.

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John
3-7-77
Some people are like Slinkies. They're really good for nothing. But they still bring a smile to your face when you push them down a flight of stairs.