I have an 89 GL 1500 with approx. 42,000 mi. and is in the first stage of needing new shocks, however, I don't want to replace my air shock. Through a little research I came upon the Progressive 450 series I.A.S, I spoke to a dealer,
he informed me that I would also have to replace the front fork springs, or I would blow out my seals, is this correct? My next concern is what else he told me and that was by adding the shock and springs it would raise my bike another 1 1/2 inch, which I don't need in order to comfortably be in control. For all who is familiar with this system, please respond. My other alternative is to replace with a Honda factory shock, but if I do will I need to replace the front springs with this shock too? Appreciate any and all comments.

By Bob C on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 08:12 pm:

Your dealer is blowing smoke... You can do just the rear shock. HOWEVER... The front Progressive springs will make an awesome improvement in handling and ride. Change them for that reason but doing just the rear has nothing to do with the front seals. You may gain a little height with the front springs but 1 1/2"... NOT! Fronts should cost under $100 plus about 1 hour labor. Doing it yourself is not that difficult. Read all about it in the posts below.

Bob C

By gary verhulst on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 08:30 pm:

Perry,You need a new dealer.Nothing he told you was correct.A new shock will not blow fork seals if springs are not replaced.
Now it would be a good idea to replace the stock springs with progressive as it will keep the bike up and give you a much better ride.I don't know what you mean by the first stages of needing shocke you either do or you don't.If you are not fimiluar with what to look for ask someone in your chapter that has been around for awhile and they will help you out and steer you in the right direction.You can also call me anytime phone # is on my web site.
Gary Verhulst Touring Goodies

By Edwin E Kruse on Friday, January 25, 2002 - 11:21 pm:

I've been running the 450 for over a year now. You will love the ride. The shock and springs are not that hard to install. It just takes a little time to R&R all the plastic.

Ed Kruse
Strongsville, Ohio
GWRRA #124374
'94 GL1500 SE Pearl White
"Just Kruse'n"

By Tom Rhoades on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 06:09 am:

At 42k miles I would bet that you are well past the 1st stage of needing new shocks. Strongly suggest replacing the shocks with the Progressive 450 IAS. If you still have the junk stock fork springs replace them too. Once you replace them you will realize jsut how bad your stock units were.

Ride Safe and Ride Often
Tom
'99 GL1500SE Black
'64 Royal Enfield Interceptor 750cc
AMA Life Member
HRCA Charter Member
GWRRA Member
Personal Web Site

By Jim Schumacher on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 07:42 am:

Go Perry Go! I did the front (Progressive) & rear (Progressive-450) at 60,000 miles. Big difference. There is no downside. You'll love it. Ride Safe

By Bob Rotach on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 08:17 am:

I noticed in the instruction sheet that came with my Progressive springs, it says they displace more oil than the stock springs. Does this mean I need to add less oil than is called for in the volume specifications in the manual for my 97 Aspencade?

By Eric/Deadeye on Saturday, January 26, 2002 - 10:15 am:

Ditto all the pro-Progressive comments above. It will seem like you are riding a brand new bike.

When I bought my '92 about 5 years ago, it had 14,000 miles on it and sagged like an old lady. If you get an inch rise due to the new suspension, believe me, you need it or you'll be dragging pegs.

Pay someone to do the fronts, but not the jerk that gave you the bad advice. You can do the rear yourself and save quite a bilt of money since most of the work is removing plastic. If you have mechanical ability and a repair manual, you can order the rear shock from Venne or Gary and save in the range of $100. The shock is about $260 or so and is air adjustable for ride firmness.

By Mark Rowell on Sunday, January 27, 2002 - 01:05 pm:

I have 115,000 miles on my 89 GL-1500 and have gone through three sets of "Progressive" shocks. Because I am a big guy who ride aggressively, they only last me about 25,000 miles but I think the handling and ride is worth it. You might also check out "The Works" shocks for wings as an alternative to "Progressive". Sorry but I have no personal experience with those shocks.

Do NOT throw away the original "Hondaline" air adjustable shock because it will limit your options later on. "Progressive" now makes a shock that retains the original air adjustable side. Again, no personal experience with this new setup but because I long ago threw away my "Hondaline" air shock, I would have to buy another to see how this new one works.

About 20,000 miles ago I put the "Race Tech" Gold Cartridge Emulators and springs into the front and really like them. I had been running with the "Progressive" progressively wound springs in the front since the first 1,000 miles (I think the original "Hondaline" front springs ride like a wet sponge). The ride is a less smooth on a rough surface but when you go around a courner and hit potholes or bumps, your front tire stays glued to the road instead of bouncing up and skittering to the side. Basically the cartridge emulators will let you ride your wing to the very limits with confidence. As proof, I just had to replace the bottom metal plates of both front foot pegs because I had ground them to a knife edge and it was cutting my pants and boots when I put my foot down at stops.

The Gold Cartridge Emulators are extremely confusing to install yourself. Unless you are very proficient and confident of your mechanical skills, I would take it to a trusted shop. It took me and a friend about 6 hours to install it although I could probably do it again in about half the time. The instructions are very confusing and basically suck big time but the result will blow your mind. Yahoo!

Good luck.