can i do this myself?

[Felicisimo E. Madarang]

Just upgraded my front fork with LR springs and 15wt oil. After 100 miles of 50/50 riding, my initial impression is "Why did I wait so long?". I am right at 3500 miles on an A16. Aggressive riding yielded much a smoother, more controlled response. Places where I used to bottom the front fork are now soaked up easily with half as much dive. It all made me realize that I really need a to upgrade the rear shock as well. Has anybody been using the Progressive rear?? Kind of pricey. My riding is a mix of commutes (fast), play riding in the desert (fast), or 2-up local rides of up to 100 miles. I am interested in better 2-up handling especially, since the wife and I add up to over 350 lbs. Any thoughts? Thanks in advance, Fel [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[kdxkawboy@aol.com]

In a message dated 2003-10-01 7:18:29 PM Pacific Daylight Time, madarang@... writes:

> > It all made me realize that I really need a to upgrade the rear shock as > well. Has anybody been using the Progressive rear?? Kind of pricey. > My riding is a mix of commutes (fast), play riding in the desert (fast), > or 2-up local rides of up to 100 miles. I am interested in better 2-up > handling especially, since the wife and I add up to over 350 lbs. > > Any thoughts? > > Thanks in advance, > Fel > >

I picked up a WP shock back in 97 that has been doing me just fine. WP has been a top name in motorcycle suspension since the advent of long travel. back then there weren't many options so I was ecstatic to find WP had a model and learn that it was several hundred dollars cheaper than the OEM part. The ordering process involved me giving them the model of the bike it was going on, my weight, riding preferences and ability and they sent me back a rebuildable shock with the valving and spring already dialed in. Pat G'ville, Nv [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[Bogdan Swider]

> Order a valve cover gasket > from Fred at Arrowhead, also go to your local motorcycle shop and buy > a tube of Yamabond #4. >

I've done this job several times. Also, I've participated in tech sessions where other rider's valve lash was inspected and adjusted. I've/we've never needed a valve cover gasket or Yamabond type stuff. BTW if possible have someone mentor you through this job. If not do it alone with the available resources. Bogdan

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