New OEM springs - what a differance

Occasionally in my world of only working on GL1800s, new circumstances come up where I learn something new. Yesterday was such a day. Keep in mind that usually I fix a complaint like this with aftermarket springs such as ones made by Traxxion.

2008 GL1800 2whl

ODM: 49k

A customer comes in asking for a fork oil change, and, like many, complained of poor ride. He was on the fence weather a fork oil change was gonna be good "bang for the buck" regarding his complaint. I advised him doing a fluid change was more about PM then anything else, and what he really needed was new set of spring (Traxxion - $120 set). However, I don't stock Traxxion, but do have OEMs in stock ($15.35 each), and hardly ever sell them. I also said that when I remove his old springs, I'm sure that I'll find them well within spec, and with his mileage will probably find them about 1/8" shorter then the new ones.

I said the front end will ride similar to how it rode when new. As I said that, in my mind I was thinking, "what wrong with that?" Again, I'm so used to fixing such a problem with a spring made with better steel.

Here is what I found. Basically, all evidence pointed towards a Wing that was gently used, and softly ridden. The fork fluid in the right fork still had some pink to it, the left didn't stink nearly as bad as expected, and their was little to no difference in the old-to-new spring length. As I was putting it back together, I thought "the most he's gonna get out of this was a fluid change as PM."

However, not so true ... what a different ride !!! The new front springs maked it ride like a new Wing, and the "fist test" between the front fender to cowl increase by more then 1/2".

Possibly if Honda had used a better grade-of-steel in their Springs, we'd all have a better riding Wing for years instead of such a short time ... like less then 49k.

My take-away on this repair - Honda's discard spec is BS. From this point forward, unless a Wing comes in with aftermarket springs, all fork overhauls get some form of new springs. For an additional $30.70 what a great investment for the customer.

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For that price for sure a good idea.Springs do get weak over time.Very different but similar idea years ago a shop I worked at installed a newly "rebuilt" engine in a mower.Old cast iron block Kohler.It would ran 15 minutes and throw a fit and die.Threw everything we could think of at it and nothing changed.A retired mechanic was at the parts counter visiting while this was going on and the service manger asked his opinion.Thing dies and goes valve spring loosing tension.Fixed it.I put new valve springs in every small engine i've done since.Thats was alot of free labor time and frustration for everyone in the shop.Lesson well learned.

[QUOTE=GoldWingrGreg;494958]

My take-away on this repair - Honda's discard spec is BS. From this point forward, unless a Wing comes in with aftermarket springs, all fork overhauls get some form of new springs. For an additional $30.70 what a great investment for the customer.

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That is my exact belief Greg!! My experience seems to support a total rebuild every 25K to include OEM springs.

I know lots of guys have gone the after market route but for some reason I've not convinced myself to do that. A donation to PartZilla and a couple hours of my time every couple years is well spent... :xszpv: :xszpv:

[QUOTE=GoldWingrGreg;494958]My take-away on this repair - Honda's discard spec is BS. From this point forward, unless a Wing comes in with aftermarket springs, all fork overhauls get some form of new springs. For an additional $30.70 what a great investment for the customer.

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I do the same thing when I replace an automatic cover fabric. The bearing/pulleys at the end of the track are right at $20 each. I just add $40 for the pulleys to the quote and don't even ask the customer. Every so often a customer will ask about it and I simply say, "Your spending close to $2K to get a new fabric, you wanna save $40 on pulley's? Besides, would you change oil in your car without changing the filter?" They seem to understand that analogy and accept it. A new fabric just works soooo much better with new pulleys. :D

[QUOTE=FuzzyWuzHe;495313]

I do the same thing when I replace an automatic cover fabric.[/QUOTE]

Sorry ... what is an "automatic cover fabric?"

Good post Greg, I'll be in your shop at some point, I still have OEM springs. My story, I got new springs from a Traxxion, they rode like a logging truck, so I put the OEMs back in. They have over 80K miles, so it's replacement time. This is not a complaint on Traxxion, I know they are a good company, just didn't work for me. Maybe they were wound too tight, or whatever. They treated me right, I sent them back and got a refund.

[QUOTE=bikerbillone;495320]Good post Greg, I'll be in your shop at some point, I still have OEM springs. My story, I got new springs from a Traxxion, they rode like a logging truck, so I put the OEMs back in. They have over 80K miles, so it's replacement time. This is not a complaint on Traxxion, I know they are a good company, just didn't work for me. Maybe they were wound too tight, or whatever. They treated me right, I sent them back and got a refund.[/QUOTE]

Not sure what year your trike is, but I think I stock all springs for all years.

2005, we'll get together, I have your contact.

Racetech springs 1.1 with 3/4 inch spacer on top raised my 03 GL1800 = 1.6 inches.. ebay $115

USA springs, I dont want progressive, I think its too weak, OEM lesser angle winding is softer, giving out too easy.

Since there is no data or explanation by OEM as usual, we have to experiment and be the test dummies.

Im happy with the results, Its still a weak front end design with limited front travel.

happy day and Merry Christmas !