I would rather swap engines than try to r&r that shift kit again! There must be a better way to install the spring, but haven't figured it out yet. I wish I could find a good parts bike for that price even if it wasn't rideable. Either way it works out it looks like you're pretty much set to go now!

 

Swapping engines is definitely a maybe. Once I figured out the 'washer and the bolt' method, the spring actually went on pretty easily, so I might just go for it, as this mill has nearly half the mileage.

I got my triple tree stand in the mail today. Works great. I didn't have a 24mm pin, so I just used a 17mm deep socket, and the 17mm pin that was included. Worked perfect.

 

A quick video I made. Sorry for the rambling on.

 

Seeing as I want to swap the chain/sprox, I need to break that chain and re-rivet it on the new bike. Ordered the new master link today ($16 for 1 link!), and I will be keeping my eyes out for a chain breaker/riveter tool. I borrowed one last time, but I figure it is one of those must-haves...

 

Not much has changed. I am looking to order the fork seals. Looking at these all ***** ones, yay or nay?
ALL ***** Fork Dust Seal KIT FOR Honda CBR 600 F 1987 90 | eBay

Also, what are peoples opinion on progressive springs?
Progressive Suspension Fork Springs 1987 90 Honda CBR600 Hurricane 11 1129 | eBay
Must have or a luxury?

 

I haven't installed them yet, but I bought the same seals for my XL6 and they look like good quality parts. I used the wheel bearing & seal kits and the steering head bearing & seal kit from them on my CBR and have no complaints.

The fork springs I would consider a linear spring vs. the progressive design. With the correct spring rate it will perform much better than the progressive. I used race tech springs in mine, they have a few parts & a rate calculator here RT - Digital Product Search I think there are a couple other options as well. I'm very happy with mine and will install the gold valve emulators when I find the time and money.

 

Thanks Tahoe. I might hold off ordering the springs... I don't even know what is in there now (on either bike). I'm going to change the fork oil and we will see if I can get a better feel from the front end that route.

 

The stock springs are so soft on these that I am using almost double the spring rate on the front, but I'm also 220lb so that does make a difference I don't know the rate on the progressive spring, but if yours are oem I'm sure you would see an improvement with either upgrade. The progressive spring with the right length spacers could work well too depending on their spring rate, but I don't have any experience with them unfortunately.

 

Yeah. The stock front end is pretty soft. Guess I am not a 140 lbs japanese supersport jockey.

Just trying to work within a budget for this rebuild. I'd like to do the springs, but I am so used to old floppy suspensions (seriously, these 1988's are the newest bikes I have ever owned), I don't know what I am missing I guess. Maybe I will do a to-do list on it, add up the prices and see where I am at...

 

I know you guys probably understand there is a lot more to suspension than springs.

From what I have read about the Progressive springs, they will be stiffer. You want to consider how you ride the bike and what performance improvement you want to achieve.

The stock forks can be made to perform stiffer with normal adjustments and possibly increasing oil viscosity.

You should do the normal factory adjustments based on your weight on the bike to determine if the front and rear suspension are within spec. The travel should be the same between the front and rear of the bike. Adding stiffer springs to the front can cause problems if the rear of the bike is softer (or stiffer depending on the case).

Compression and rebound are subjective to the rider and need to be adjusted to your riding style and preference.

This all assumes that the forks are in good operating condition and not worn or with bad seals.

I've been upgrading my 1975 Norton suspension and there is a lot more to this than just changing springs.

The Hurricane suspension is softer compared to newer sportbikes. It is part of what makes the Hurricane feel so different. Moving to stiffer springs will change the feel and handling. Make sure this is what you want before moving in that direction because the softer end of adjustment will not be there.

I would get things in order as it was in stock form and adjust per specification and then set the compression and rebound to your riding style and preference before deciding on stiffer springs.