Installing Progressive Fork Springs and Suspension Comparison on a 3rd-Gen KLR650…

[@TheJumpn]

I would recommend loosening the top clamps before removing caps to keep from galling the caps

[@tieoneon1614]

Great video. I found a good rear suspension hack for cheap, the EM 1" Raising Links. But first wanted to say Im a bigger guy 6'2 220lbs think the OEM suspension/rear preload @ 3 works well for what I ride, and agree what u said > unloaded day trips, exploring, mild offroad. Im coming from a lot of enduro/dual sport experience, this is my first KLR and the "too soft" that the Bro's will whine about is very welcome to me cuz its extremely plush and comfortable and that means I am riding a lot more in the day. I am in northern Great Lakes region though, logging road and woods. If I was riding out west I could see how the forks would need heavier springs. And most guys under 240lbs could get away with just adjusting the rear preload. But the Raising Link basically compresses the spring to about the OEM 5 setting, and still giving u 5 more harder adjustments. It was actually too much for me at 220lbs and 15lbs of luggage. My sag was weight forward, front sank in sand rear couldnt get good traction. Its a really easy install, bout 20 minutes so anyone/me could keep these for trips where u are going to really loaded down. But like I said for me riding in rocks, roots, washboard dirt road the SOFT is SO damn nice. I might do fork springs someday if Im bored. But honestly I am VERY happy with the OEM Adventure model and my take after all the years of modding bikes that spending $ on trips was way more rewarding than spending it on mods {however cheap stuff that is effective like this is always fun to tinker with in garage as well}

[@viajarMOTO]

@@tieoneon1614 Thanks for the comments and tips from your wealth of experience! We too like the softer ride of the KLR suspension. Happy riding!

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Would you provide us how the old metal spacer weighs. ( Probably some weight saving) Thank you so much for assisting me and keep producing more videos. Do you think I could cut to 4 inches instead 3 inches the new PVC spacers?

[@viajarMOTO]

@@rosarioroberto5823 Thanks for the comment. Since we’re on the road full-time, we don’t have the metal spacers any longer. You could cut the PVC preload spacers to whatever works for your preference. I think 4 inches would be too much and it may be difficult to get the shock caps back on with that length. I would recommend trying 3 inches first and then go up from there.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

​Thank you so much for the quick response. I have another question, which manufacturer is the progressive spring and would you have the link to purchase?Again Thank you so much for all your tutorials videos.​@@viajarMOTO

[@viajarMOTO]

The front springs are from the brand ‘Progressive’. I purchased them from Happy Trails in Idaho.

[@gregsullivan8065]

Great video. Makes it look like an easy and straightforward job. I’m looking to do this on my 98 Suzuki Bandit 600, and I’m not a big guy, so am I better off taking it to a shop? I’m concerned if I get the forks opened, and can’t get the caps back on with the new springs. Thanks for the video!

[@viajarMOTO]

Easy enough to do yourself. You could have a helper lift the front end of the bike to help get the caps put on.

[@gregsullivan8065]

Thanks for your reply. Great video and very helpful! I also didn’t know Kawasaki made a “low” KLR: that might be right up my alley. I’m 5-6 with a 30” inseam, so most of the adventure bikes are out of my league.

[@kyleklintok7730]

Is there a progressive part # or model #? So I know I'm ordering the same springs you are using?

[@viajarMOTO]

I ordered mine from Happy Trails: They are listed as “Progressive Fork Springs KLR650E 2008+”