New fork springs or not?

[bluehonda]

 

I'm about to change the fork oil in my 1999 ST1100, ABS and thought I'd ask those that know if there would be a noticeable improvement in handling if I installed new springs.
The bike's travelled 70000 kms and I expect it will  handle better if I only change the oil but I'm wondering how much improvement I'd get if I changed the springs also.  I plan to use 10w oil.

Thanks
Brad

[tj189]

Interesting question,  I had my forks done a few months back with the oil and seals as one of them had gone.  Did not notice much difference if any.  Now having said that, I have just replaced the rear shock with a Koni and now I have noticed a real difference in handling. It feels as if the bike reacts as "one" not sure how else to explain it other than that the front end and rear end appear to be noticeably working together??
My suggestion would be to do both ends at the same time if you have not already replaced the rear shock.

[bluehonda]

Thanks
I intend to replace the rear shock as well and currently I'm leaning towards a Progressive shock.
Isn't that another can of worms.

Brad

[Streak]

All I can say is I went for the ikon shock on good advice, it was the dearer option, but it is first class, could not give it a bigger thumbs up for rear shock  I am yet to do my front springs

[royst1100]

if and when you do the front forks think of replaceing antidive spring, piston and seals, about $130 i think. did forks several years ago with progresive springs but kept doing fork seal. after repairs to seal and antidive had to learn to handle bike again as the inprovment was so greatly noticable

[terrydj]

No idea about the front, "But" if you are going to replace the rear shock, take some time and have a really good look at Ebay in America (Klick Link) I got myself one of the best rear shocks you can get for the ST1100 from Ebay in America for a zillion dollars less than you can get em in Australia with delivery

Link:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-Progressive-465-Rear-Shock-Honda-ST-1100-90-91-92-93-94-95-96-97-98-99-02-/400306560495?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d34215def&vxp=mtr

Link:  http://www.ebay.com/itm/92-02-HONDA-ST1100-ABS-PSI-Rear-Shock-Standard-OEM-Length-465-Series-Shock-/400267989704?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item5d31d4d2c8&vxp=mtr

[bluehonda]

Thanks for the advice about the rear shock, that's the option I've been thinking about but won't decide until my local shop gives me a price for the Ikon shock.
I know that Progressive shocks are widely used in the US but there's not much comment about them in AUS.

Brad

[saaz]

You will know if the front springs need doing if they sag down a lot just by sitting on the bike.  Once that happens they dive a lot during braking, and don't have much travel left if you hit bumps.

[Maverick75]

I just got a Penske 8987 3-way rear shock. Not cheap but a very nice piece of gear. Firm but in no way harsh. Took me a few rides to set up right but now you can hardly feel mid corner ripples and that vague rear-end feeling is gone. The bike handles great on dirt and sealed roads alike. Comfort and performance! Adjustable for height, preload, low speed compression, high speed compression and rebound, highly recommended.



My forks are in pretty good shape with new oil, but I think I'll go to a Racetech front setup with gold valves & springs.