2019 RAA West

[Tripps]

I'm runni g Wilbers springs up front, they're very similar to the progressives.

It's about as firm as I would go on the front end, doesn't bottom under extreme braking yet I can use nearly the entire stroke.

Ever ride a BMW? Man, they nailed the front suspension, you can't make the forks dive on braking, yet it absorbs every bump, not sure how that can be, but it is. Progressive front and Hagon rears improved my Touring noticably, but still pogos, it is what it is, a behemoth.

 

[sonny]

The wilbers are a bit stiffer than the progressive. Nice thing about the progressive with 7 wt is that it provides a smooth ride. The roads in Oklahoma are full of pot holes and the stock system would just about bottom out if you accidentally hit one at highway speeds. The Progressive took care of that. Along with that the stock system under hard braking was a nightmare. As we all know. The progressive work well compared to stock. For twisty turns the Wilbers are better. For everyday riding i like the comfort of the progressive. Between the forks springs and the shocks it provides a very smooth ride.

 

[1olbull]

Sonny,
Have you ridden on the Wilber front springs as well as the Progressive?
Which rear Progressives do you have?

 

[sonny]

Yes i have. the Wilber's I had purchased first were stiff compared to the Progressive. Sold them quickly for what i paid and went with your suggestion at the time. Same on shocks you recommended the 444's. Did get the heavy weight which now are set at the minim setting for my weight. Now well under 250 pounds. Still a very comfortable well controlled ride. May be a smart as$ at times but yes when you speak i listen. By the way the daymakers have saved my life more than a few times

 

[sonny]

From what i have heard Grumpy Ole Codger we are room mates in Leaky at the house of shame. Should be interesting to see how the Brits and a drunk Indian get along.Just messing with you. Looking forward to being a good host.

 

[Claviger]

As Sonny says, the Wilbers front and rear are a bit more sporting oriented. Progressive fronts will still be leaps ahead of the stock gummy bear springs lol.

I will be the first to admit we have some phenomenally well maintained roads around here (and a few bad ones).

I am running 10w oil with an air gap 15mm smaller than recommended by them. The idea is the smaller air gap causes earlier and more severe rising spring rates as you get near the mechanical bottoming point. Essentially, the harder you push in turns the firmer the forks get, I love it. Shrinking the air gap does put more stress on fork seals, so dropping a wheelie hard is a really bad idea (one of many reasons I usually only wheelie at the top of gears).

Traxxion front end is probably the best of both, can be comfy but can be dialed in to perform if one were to be willing to lay out $1200ish on forks, since Maxton isn't interested in making money.

 

[sonny]

Ain't joking this is the smoothest road around Gonna take some pics of our fine paved roads in rural Oklahoma. You folks ain't seen nothing yet

 

[1olbull]

Yes i have. the Wilber's I had purchased first were stiff compared to the Progressive. Sold them quickly for what i paid and went with your suggestion at the time. Same on shocks you recommended the 444's. Did get the heavy weight which now are set at the minim setting for my weight. Now well under 250 pounds. Still a very comfortable well controlled ride. May be a smart as$ at times but yes when you speak i listen. By the way the daymakers have saved my life more than a few times

What I reckoned, but I sure wish I had those Wilbers. A little more stiffness up front would be nice.
My 444 regs are set less than halfway and working well for my 275 lbs.
Will put the same on YurMama, or Wilbers, if I get rich.

 

[Tripps]

Ain't joking this is the smoothest road around Gonna take some pics of our fine paved roads in rural Oklahoma. You folks ain't seen nothing yet

Ha, I always thought NY had the worst roads in the world. Until I drove through Jersey.

 

[sonny]

Road commissioners voted in local elections here in rural Oklahoma. The roads to their homes well paved the rest well. Politics