new springs.

[iridedeep]

i see a lot of you putting different springs on you're foremans. what do you gain, and what do you have to swap out to put them on (axles or anything?) and what's the best kind to get. really would appreciate your info.

[Jake]

There's not too many choices for springs. The ones people are installing are either complete shock assemblies (big dollars) or Highlifter heavy duty springs (used to be called lift springs). The idea is that they bring the bike back closer to the stock height for a longer period of time before age and fatigue get ahold of them.

The gain is that they don't sag as much with weight on them (winches, stuff on the rack). The drawback is that they're a good deal stiffer. Since the Foreman was never exactly a Cadillac, giving up some compliance from the suspension may not be a big deal at all, or it may truely be problem for you. Consider the choice carefully.

There are no other modifications required, and they really don't interfere with much that you may have already done. they are very similar to the originals, only with a slightly heavier wire and a progressive spring rate.

Installation requires a special tool. (Not really, but if you don't already know how, get the tool, it's an extremely dangerous game to compress a spring "freehand". The tool costs less than having someone install them. If someone will be installing them for you, call ahead, ask them about the installation. Honda does not endorse or condone replacing the springs, therefore tools to replace the spring properly may or may not be in the mechanic's arsenal. It might be cheaper to buy the tool and carry it to the mechanic along with the springs and save on the labor costs.

[iridedeep]

thanks helps alot