Are progressive springs worth it?

[ryewhiskeyneat]

So I'm gonna tear into the front end of my 1975 CB550 this winter. I need to replace the steering stem bearing and the fork seals. I had thought about putting in Progressive springs while I'm at it. Just wondering if it really makes that big of a difference. It's really just an around-town sunday cruiser, not riding it super hard. I will probably be buying a modern bike next season for a more reliable every day bike and the CB will just be for tinkering.
Thoughts?

PS I know it's only a $90 investment and it's probably not worth fretting over.

 

[Tim]

It's easy to do anytime without removing the front end, so don't do it just because you're working on the bike.

Measure the stock springs - if they're in tolerance according to the service manual (if you search the site for CB550 manual you'll find a great quality PDF scan I uploaded a long time ago) then run them.

 

[sav0r]

Are you buying Progressive brand springs or progressive (wound) springs as in ones that gain spring rate as they compress?

Progressive wound springs are generally considered a band-aid fix to front suspension. Sometimes they are a necessary band-aid fix though and can improve your bikes handling.If you are bottoming excessively they will probably help. I say it all the time, stiff suspension is better than no suspension. And progressive springs serve this purpose.

 

[jetmechmarty]

Speaking for myself, I don't like progressive springs and I'm not too keen on Progressive springs either. It's old tech and gets too much praise. I'm trying to be nice.

Take the forks apart and give them a good cleaning. Replace the seals and the oil. It will do wonders. If you don't want to spend money, do what Tim said and run the original ones. Change the fork oil at least once a year. You'll be amazed.

If you want new springs, buy straight rate springs wound for your weight and riding style. Get the laden sag set correctly. You can always add cartridge emulators later. My $.02