Front Fork Springs

[msrvpeig]

Anyway to tell if you need new springs without tearing everything apart?

[Gold Rush]

Could use a little more information Terry. How many miles does the bike have on it? Is there a rake kit installed? Do you notice any front end sag?<br />
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I've heard some say the OEM springs usually don't last past 60K. When I converted my '06 at 73K and installed the rake kit I put progressive springs in and that cured my sagging.<br />
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Putting in the progressive springs did stiffen up the suspension a bit but I am satisfied with it so I'm happy... If you want a softer ride you might go back with OEM springs. Don't know what to say for sure there....<br />
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Hope that all helps.

[msrvpeig]

Jerry, it's got 84K on it and it's an '05, triked @8k. I don't really notice anything wrong with the ride. Just got into a conversation on another board about tire cupping, and someone suggested it could be the front fork springs.

Had a chance to talk this morning to a guy that runs motorcycle repair shop up the road about the cupping issue, and he stated the solid axel trikes that haven't been raked will cup tires more than the IRS trikes, due to the front end always "pushing" (to use a NASCAR term) in the corners.

He also commented if the front end doesn't feel "mushy" and no leaks, then don't worry about the springs and just ride! So I guess that's what I'll do.

[Gold Rush]

I tend to agree totally with the shop. If you are happy with the ride and it's not sagging then I really don't think you have a problem. When the time comes to rebuild the forks and that may be pretty soon, you might consider replacing the springs also. From what you say I'd just go back with the OEM springs. They seem to be giving you the performance you like.<br />
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Out of curiosity, have you considered doing a rake kit? You would be amazed how much easier it is to coax around corners. Really... For what it's worth - I still have some cupping on my front tire but I really ride hard so I guess I should be happy with what little I do get. The tire is totally worn out by the time the cupping gets bad enough to annoy me... <img src="images/smilies/gah.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Gah" class="inlineimg" /> <img src="images/smilies/gah.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Gah" class="inlineimg" /> BTW What front tire are you running?

I use a Bridgestone BT-45 running in reverse rotation. I'm sure you've read all the pros and cons. Don't really know it there is a whole lot of difference which way they are mounted.<br />
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Ride Safe <img src="images/smilies/coffee1.gif" border="0" alt="" title="Coffee" class="inlineimg" />

[msrvpeig]

Had the front end raked on my 1st trike, '93 1500 Motor Trike. Liked the easy steering, but didn't like the larger turning radius. (as in couldn't make a u turn on a back country road) Not sure why that is an issue with me but it is. Not planning on raking for a few more years.

Currently running the BT45 in reverse. Like it. First one, previously ran the MPAs in reverse.(3 of them) Biggest difference between the two, no vibration and/or humming with BT45.

[Gold Rush]

Yup, turning radius is a bit larger with the 4.5 degree rake but my old bones sure do appreciate the rake kit!! pepper pepper Here in West Texas the roads are pretty wide so I seldom have any turning issues.

[icedad]

msrvpeig, How many miles are you getting on the tire before you are changing the tire out? I mistook you for the original poster on the other board who was only getting 9000 miles out of his tire. Sorry

[msrvpeig]

Ice, I have changed my front tires around 17-20,000 miles. These were all MPAs and I changed 1 because it was used up and the other 2 because I was getting ready for long vacation trips. The BT45 on it now, my first, has 17k and still has another 8-10k, I would estimate.

[icedad]

Gotcha, well then it's not as bad as I had presumed. Goldrush is probably right and so is that shop you stopped at. Sounds like the BT45 is doing good for you.