Topic: fork springs: OEM vs Ikon vs RaceTech?

[gmoss]

Finally got my '73 CB500 running enough to ride it around the block, albeit the rear shocks bottomed out going over a speed bump and the front feels like a pogo stick. And I'm not a big guy, 5'5" and 120lbs.

Common-motor claims to have an "exclusive" deal carrying Ikon fork springs for the CBs -- https://www.common-motor.com/honda-cb450-cb550-cb750-ikon-front-fork-springs

I've got kind of a BS feeling about these, especially since you can order them from Ikon direct.... https://www.ikonsuspensionusa.com/ikon-fork-springs/

Anyone have experience with these? I'm planning on putting Ikon dial-a-ride shocks in the back, but wondering if there's any reason to even consider the Ikon front springs over the RaceTech.

[newday777]

I haven't used the Ikon progressive springs. I have used Progressive brand springs in a couple goldwings and didn't care for them much as they would bottom out on me(190 lbs).
I have used the Racetech single rate springs and do like them in the goldwing forks and will be getting their springs and goldvalves for my 750 forks this year.

[Bankerdanny]

If the front is pogoing that is a damping issue, not a spring issue. I would use a heavier weight fork oil, although at your size you shouldn't need it. I run 15wt myself, but I outweigh you by 100lbs.

[Shtonecb500]

Do you have fresh fluid in there right now? I would run a heavier fluid first before you go considering race tech upgrades, thats expensive stuff. I just purchased TTR400 preload adjusters from 4-1 and they are amazing, they give you up to I think 20mm of adjustment, I put fresh fluid and installed those and its a damn dream, only 120 bucks. After a few hundred miles Ive found the sweet spot with them. I just purchased a front end for my cb550 already built with race tech internals but I havent ridden it yet, Ill give u an update when ive done that.

Either way, the preload adjusters are a great buy.

[seanbarney41]

Race tech is only expensive until you use it...then you never want to do without it again.

[Shtonecb500]

Race tech is only expensive until you use it...then you never want to do without it again.

I sat on my 550 and rolled around on it and even putting weight down on the front end felt different, cant wait to try it out. Itss always money well spent once you experience those upgrades 

[gmoss]

If the front is pogoing that is a damping issue, not a spring issue. I would use a heavier weight fork oil, although at your size you shouldn't need it. I run 15wt myself, but I outweigh you by 100lbs.

good call -- will try updating fork oil first. thanks!

[Dunk]

I used Progressive Suspension springs in both my CB750s and am happy with them, big improvement over old originals both in comfort and handling. Ideal for newer forks would be cartridge emulators and single rate springs. I wouldn't hesitate to use Ikon progressive springs, I have their shocks on three of my bikes and they're worth every penny.

I use Racetech springs in my XL600 with XR650L cartridge forks, they perform well. I'll do the same XR650L forks + Racetech springs in my XL350.

I would avoid Common Motor for anything you can get elsewhere. Lots of unhappy customers over at the vintagehondatwins.com forum, and while the dude puts out a lot of video they are hit or miss, he has spread some incorrect or bad information over the years.