Forkin' stiff front end!

[ROZZER]

Maiden ride on my Z1B highlighted extremely hard front end and screeching noise on large bumps . Stripped forks and found springs that measure 507mm long, last 60mm of coils with no clearance, outside of coils are polished so I think thats the screeching noise as they compress and rub on the stanchions. Forks are also topping out on large bumps as the wheel drops in. Manual says springs should be 495mm long and constant coil. I think mine are from a Z thou, again manual says 511 mm long but with age they could have compressed.
Static sag is 23mm, riding along and braking etc only gives 76mm movement inc static sag, our kids Z1B forks static sag 29 mm and move 105mm inc static sag when riding.
Had my shoulder joint replaced so need front end thats absorbs bumps, its very uncomfortable as it is, softer front would reduce jarring, plus as is, its almost unrideable on local Cumbrian B roads !
Anyone know where I can get some standard fork springs?
Jeff @ Z1 Enterpises says he can supply progressive springs, anyone used these- feedback please.

[uk kev]

Z-Power does Hagon progresive springs, for the Z1 - Z1000, I would think these are the way to go, and then adjust final ride with different weight fork oils.

https://www.z-power.co.uk/merchantmanag ... 86131d1e27

[Pigford]

john_roscoe, I'd try cutting a bit off (1/2 inch or so) and see what happens.
If ur planning to ditch em anyhow, nothing ventured, nothing gained
Damping will also stiffen things up a bit, so try a 5w fork oil, maybe a tad less than recommended
Are tyre pressures OK too

[Padders]

Go with progressive springs these really do make a difference to the old forks. I would then stick with the recommended fork oil. I have fitted these plus a fork brace to Z900's in the past and they do help. Not up to modern standards but much better.

padders

[Z1B Alan]

our kid you could always try eating more pies its worked for me

[ROZZER]

Looking at the photos of Hagon progressive springs on Z Power site, they look suspiciously like the ones in my bike. I have sent email to Hagon requesting free length dimension of their springs.
On adding 140cc of fork oil with spring in and measuring from top of fork tube I get a dimension of 455mm, this seems to indicate that the forks in my bike are in fact off a 72/73 Z1 not a Z1B (Z1B dimension with same volume of oil should be 475mm). Anyone that can concur/come up with alternative theory?
If its true then the fork springs are in fact too long by 22mm not 12mm as they would have been if Z1B forks. Any ideas on how to cut down fork springs accurately?

Big Al' I'm gonna need some pile of pies to affect the action of these forks.

[Jhenry]

I use Progressive Suspension springs and 20 weight fork oil with Konis on the rear. These modifications made a world of difference. I highly recommend Progressive Suspension fork springs.