st1100 abs I forks rebuild- stock or progressive?

Alberto

Alberto

Joined
Sep 4, 2019
Messages
155
Age
50
Location
Georgia
Bike
ST1100
Hi there! Planning to rebuild the forks on my ST1100 (ABS I version, 41 mm) next year. I’ve started filling the shopping basket with parts and remembered that I should replace the springs as well.
At first I was going to stick with OEM springs, but then I came across progressive springs and thought they might be a better option?
After reading a few threads on this forum, though, I found that aftermarket/progressive springs can require some additional setup- different oil level, different spacers, etc.
So, is it actually worth going with progressive springs on 30y.o motorcycle, or would you recommend just buying new OEM springs and keeping everything close to the factory setup?
 
I went with all Race Tech stuff (gold valves, their springs, etc.) and was not disappointed in the results.
IIRC, they are not progressive but I have run progressive ones before and the difference was not much according to my 'butt dynamo'. ;)
But the Race Tech stuff was really a big improvement by the same measurement.
 
I have progressive on my 2002 ABSII, and like them, they are an improvement over OEM. I have installed RaceTech on my VStrom and there was major improvement over OEM. Having said that, my VStrom was used for a much wider spectrum of conditions that my ST wouldn’t encounter.
If I had the funds, and were younger and more aggressive in my riding practices, I would go for RaceTech on my ST
 
I'm running Hyperpro linear progressive springs with 7W oil in the non-ABS (the Wilbers ones were way too harsh for road use...)
Good compromise between precise handling, firm planting during braking whilst still comfortable (i.e. frost beaten alpine roads...)
 
Alberto said:
emm, valves? I thought that I need to buy just springs, guide busings, dust/oil seals?
Click to expand...
Yes, Race Tech can be a complete 'redo' of the front forks internally.
I was lazy and had a trusted suspension shop rebuild all of mine.
 
Thanks! If I install aftermarket springs, will I have to mess around with the spacers, or is it basically plug and play?
 
Alberto said:
Thanks! If I install aftermarket springs, will I have to mess around with the spacers, or is it basically plug and play?
Click to expand...
When I originally did progressive springs myself, IIRC I 'messed around with spacers' - but that has been a long time ago. ;)
 
Thanks for helping me dive into this topic. Forks are pretty much the only part of the bike where I still don’t really understand the magic happening inside them. :)
The springs are the same for ABS I and non-ABS pre-1995 models, aren’t they?
 
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