I know this subject has been done to death...

[Stevex]

...and the smart money is on FACs replacing standard fork dampers.
I went down the re-oiling of standard dampers route last winter, and I'm still using the standard springs on my LM2.
I upped the pre load each side with a spacer made up to bring the springs to their standard lengths. However the front end feels quite wooden with little feedback about what's going on.
I've read that the one piece progressive springs (Wirth?) can be a little hard.
So, how much of an improvement in ride quality can I expect if I replace the dampers and should I replace the springs at the same time?

[sdcr]

Steve,

  As I just had my front end rebuilt this past winter by Antetiem Classic Cycles, I may be able to shed some light on this. Charley replaced my OEM, mushy fork dampers and springs with FAC dampers and Wirth springs. I don't recall the exact oil weight that was used, but my initial reaction to the rebuild, is that the front end was damping well, but the springs were slightly stiff. Over the past 1500 or so miles, the stiffness has eased some, and the ride has become smoother.  My experience is that there is a "break in " period of miles for the Wirth springs.

John

83 Le Mans III

[Luxexterior]

I replaced the standard dampers in my 1000Sp with FAC's a few years back & even with the standard springs the ride was much, much better. I then replaces the springs & again there was an improvement but the bigger improvement came from replacing the dampers, I could have lived with the combination of FAC dampers & standard springs. The replacement of the standard springs with progressive tightened & firmed the front end but the improvement wasn't as great as changing the dampers.

[Aaron D.]

The dampers are a must! I've done them on two LMs.

the springs are a definite improvement, and are stiffer than stock. The stock springs are soft for performance riding.

[Stevex]

Thanks for the replies.

I don't recall the exact oil weight that was used,

John, are you saying the FAC's are refillable as stock?
I had to drill the originals to replace the oil.

[Antietam Classic Cycle]

I don't recall the exact oil weight that was used, but my initial reaction to the rebuild, is that the front end was damping well, but the springs were slightly stiff.

The only oil I changed in the forks was that for lubrication - the ATF. I installed the FAC dampers just as delivered, no damping oil change.

[sdcr]

The only oil I changed in the forks was that for lubrication - the ATF. I installed the FAC dampers just as delivered, no damping oil change.

Charlie,

  Thanks, I did not have my paperwork when I posted this.

John