CSC trikers with 6 degree rake and Progressive mono tubes installed-NEED FEED BACK

[topofminehill]

I would like to hear from anyone who has put the progressive mono shocks on their trike with the 6 degree rake. Did you lose any ground clearance and how do the shocks feel in normal and rough road. I recently had my 05 gw triked and traxxion springs installed and have been unhappy with the rough feel from the front suspension. The builder did not put any risers on the forks, have 4 7/8 inch ground clearance to the bottom of the cowl. Then I take it out for a weekend ride and my left seal blows and oil all over the front of the bike. This all within 2 weeks since I got it back.I had previously deactivated the anti dive valve which the trike builder had not. Have had it with this setup, so how about some info??? Thanks.

["D"]

Look on the "Wingstuff" site under the Progressive Monotube shocks. They state they will not work with rake kits. I was going to do the same thing until I saw this. I'm no engineer but figured it has something to do with the monotube being made for a specific angle. I have them in my Harley and love them.

[tfdeputydawg]

1. You hit the nail on the head w/most of the after market replacement springs!
2. Tried to communicate w/Progressive about developing Mono-tubes for trikes. After much discussion, was told they would not be going there. That's OK 'cause there's stiffer springs in the mono-tubes also.
3. Shame on your installer-most good installers include fork extensions to reset the ride height.
4. After testing many varitions,on other bikes/trikes, not on mine, I stuck w/the OEM springs(replaced at 32K, they do wear out) and I left the ADV active.
Satisfied w/that set up and think of the $$$'s I didn't waste

BTW, one must modify the mono-tubes to add fork extensions and I was told if I did that, it would void the warranty!!

[mhgoldwing]

As he stated, Progressive says they are not to be used with a raked front end.

[Mick]

Two things here. What weight oil did they put in your forks and which springs did Traxxion recommend? I run 10 weight in my forks and I have Traxxion springs but I made sure I deactivated the ADV valve. Traxxion tried to tell me I needed 15 weight oil and I told them around here I wouldnt have any fillings left in my teeth with the streets and that oil. You might call Traxxion and talk to them they might help you troubleshoot the issue.

[SEABILL]

Look on the "Wingstuff" site under the Progressive Monotube shocks. They state they will not work with rake kits. I was going to do the same thing until I saw this. I'm no engineer but figured it has something to do with the monotube being made for a specific angle. I have them in my Harley and love them.

Monotubes can be used on the CSC Power Trak rake kit.

This quote from Wingstuff:

"Note - Will not work with GL1800 Trikes with EZ Steer or similiar aftermarket steering stems."

The difference is that the Easy Steer, and some of the others, use an extension (spacer) that screws on the end of the fork tubes to make up for the loss in ride height. The Power Trak uses an internal spacer.

[topofminehill]

I removed the front tubes which had the traxxion spring and the California Side Car 1 inch tube risers. I purchased the Progressive Mono Shock kit, removed the supplied caps on the Progressive tubes, rethreaded the CSC tube riser and epoxied the cap to the progressive tube. Rebuild the guides and seals on the GW tubes, and did not install any anti dive components from the bike on to the left Progressive tube. Added the recommended fork oil per Progressive spec. (for lubrication only). Screwed the tubes to the new caps and installed. I did not install any shims in the progressive set.
I gained a height of 1/2 inch, I realize that any six degree rake will reduce the shock action a bit. They feel much better and do absorb more than the other setup. And I will not blow anymore seals and have 2 working shocks instead of one.

[Mick]

[Haste Maker]

I would like to hear from anyone who has put the progressive mono shocks on their trike with the 6 degree rake. Did you lose any ground clearance and how do the shocks feel in normal and rough road. I recently had my 05 gw triked and traxxion springs installed and have been unhappy with the rough feel from the front suspension. The builder did not put any risers on the forks, have 4 7/8 inch ground clearance to the bottom of the cowl. Then I take it out for a weekend ride and my left seal blows and oil all over the front of the bike. This all within 2 weeks since I got it back.I had previously deactivated the anti dive valve which the trike builder had not. Have had it with this setup, so how about some info??? Thanks.

PM...send

[belmac]

yep did that. lowered the front end, put the old tubes back on with stiffer springs. now they are for sale