How is progressive suspension vs. OEM standing? Is it any difference - I think it should be improved since its newer technology, but than again...
Can't comment on Progressive in particular as I run with Wilbers and Hyperpro, but like to add that an upgrade, especially if the OEM kit is already worn down (the rear shock is most likely done once it lasted over 80,000km/50,000miles) is a
vast improvement in safety as well as as competence of the mount, especially if your a bit on the eager side with your riding.
Imagine a situation with two up and luggage aboard (I make a
conservative estimate of 0,5 metric tons/1200lbs gross weight here...), your passing a car or rushing through a fast wide bend at maybe 75mph where you hit a bump in the road...
The then occurring twisting, dacing and pumping in the rear suspension transfers into the front end, causing quite some oscillation of the handlebar...
You don't know if you'd just blown a tire, you're on the verge to loose traction on a fuel spill, a wheel bearing has blown to bits, the support frame below the carrier stay/topcase just cracked apart causing the two frame backbones to twist and wrap, harsh gusty winds have hit the fairing/panniers... what is going on??
The very same situation with a properly upgraded suspension, matched to payload/gross weight and riding style/terrain:
Again a fully loaded mount, again whe lean into the fast turn with 70+ and we again hit that dent in the road... the suspension compresses swallowing it, the suspension expands again, in-out-stop, no wiggle in the handle bar, no dancing rear end, the bikes line doesn't alter a bit, steady as she goes...
Throwing the bike around in twisty terrain, that rig is like a new/different bike, steering, response, accuracy... everything is tight and right on the spot...
Applying brakes... guess we've all seen the adds how worn shocks extend the braking distance of a car... the very same applies to a motorcycle... I was amazed during safety training how the already excellent braking abbilities enhanced... it literally stopps on a dime, no hopping rear wheel...
When making the decition for an upgrade I'd advise to at least also go for matching fork spings.
And don't go too hard (like race track settings), nothing to gain if its too stiff, the wheels might bounce on uneven roads, starting to drift out while leaned, the rattling and hammering is strenuous, your wrists will get sore, etc... you gonna hate it (Wilbers had reccomended a 20W fork oil... undriveable on our frost beaten mountain roads, will knock the fillings out your teeth...)
Soft on the first bit, progressive and firm when getting under load.
The reason why I went for the (expensive) upgrade was an incident in a fast RHS turn.
Two up in full regalia we hit a dent, compressing the suspension so much that the undercarriage hit the tarmac, causing the bike to stand up, almost driving us over the solid line into the oncoming lane...
If in that very moment, an ocomming car would have came along and cut the curve there...
Officially the total max payload for the ST1100 would be like 190kg/420lbs...
Estimating that each, rider and pillion wear at least 15kg/33lbs on gear, add like 15kg/33lbs stuffed into each pannier, 8kg/17lbs for content of topcase, another 10kg/22lbs for the tank bag, etc...
