Front Suspension Issues

[txnnd]

I wasn't pleased with how soft my front suspension was, so I decided to install progressive springs when I replaced the fork seals.  When I opened it up, it already had progressive springs.  The new springs came with a piece of what appears to be schedule 40 pvc pipe, for what I suspect is to adjust spring rate.  Currently the only thing in the fork tubes is spring and ATF.  

My question is, is my suspension missing something, as it will basically completely collapse under hard breaking?  If I add a spacer, how much should I add?  What happens if I cut down the springs on the soft end, and add a piece of solid stock?  My thought is that I can increase the spring rate, without having to hassle with collapsing the spring to get the cap back on.  I'm open to any input...

[Re-run]

Did you already get the springs? If so, use them. The only reason to add a spaced like this from spring sag.

[TOOLS1]

If the new springs came with a spacer, use it! Sometimes springs are made to a "stock" length, and spacers are supplied, so that they can be used in several different length forks. The PO probably was in the same mindset as you, and did not want to mess with collapsing the spring to install the caps. Nothing like outsmarting the engineers.
TOOLS

[txnnd]

Thanks guys.  I plan on putting everything back together tomorrow, as I'm back in town, and the new bushings are in from Honda.  This is my first CB, I'm used to more modern bikes, and I couldn't stand the travel in the suspension.  It already has progressive rears, so hopefully once I install the front progressives correctly, I'll be good to go.  

[sgtslag]

If Progressive Co. sent along spacers, it's because they are necessary.  If the PO left them out, than that is why your front suspension is misbehaving.

I put Progressive Fork Springs, and 412 Shocks on my '79 K model...  Transformed it, made it ride like a modern, new bike.  Could not believe the transformation in the ride quality.  I'd recommend them to any CB owner, or any other bike for that matter.  Even though the 412's are considered basic, low end of the shock quality, they are far above most OEM shocks.  IMO...  Cheers!

[txnnd]

Turns out that the new springs were about an inch longer.  Either the PO put the wrong springs in, or didn't install a correct spacer. Either way, it rides way better now.  The instructions said to run it without air, so I'm going to try that for a bit, and then maybe play with adding a little air.  

Do you think I can sell the "old" progressive springs?

[shinyribs]

txnnd wrote

 

Do you think I can sell the "old" progressive springs?

After posting this thread? Um...no.

[txnnd]

They say there is no such thing as bad publicity!

I think the PO either installed the wrong springs, my bike's an 82 F Model, or didn't use a spacer.  The springs are fine.  Chances are they will just lay in the box with all my other "parts I'll use some day" so someone may as well use them.  I may post something and see.  

[Re-run]

If you try to sell them, measure and get the exact length.