Progressive Monotube cartridges for 2010 trike

[Dr. Joe]

I'm trying to find the Progressive Monotube cartridges for my 2010 SG trike but everywhere I check I get a "discontinued" or "not in stock" etc. Any ideas on where I can find them or, if they have indeed been discontinued, a good alternative?

 

[geezerglide11441]

I'm trying to find the Progressive Monotube cartridges for my 2010 SG trike but everywhere I check I get a "discontinued" or "not in stock" etc. Any ideas on where I can find them or, if they have indeed been discontinued, a good alternative?

Joe, good luck on trying to find one for your 2010. I ran into the same thing when i purchased mine for my 2013. When I realized they were discontinuing this particular size/model, i started a search on the net and calling all the motorcycle shops/businesses looking/hoping they would have one on their shelf. I finally found a vendor that had "one" in their inventory and ordered it immediately. That was over a year ago so I would guess your chances are going to be very slim in finding one. Sorry to say, as I really like the unit on my Trike.

In any event, good luck with your search.

Roger

 

[Dr. Joe]

Thanks Roger... any ideas as to an acceptable alternative?

 

[geezerglide11441]

Thanks Roger... any ideas as to an acceptable alternative?

Joe, there is an alternate but I do not recall the vendor. I would just get on the net and do a search for the item by description. I do however remember that it was quite a bit more expensive compared to Progressive's unit. If I can find time, I will help with the research if you e-mail me with your contact info. You can e-mail me at rogerl.clark@yahoo.com.

Roger

 

[Sloufoot]

You might try Traxxion. http://www.traxxion.com/
Top quallity !

 

[Dr. Joe]

Thanks Sloufoot. I did check out Traxxion and the cost is considerably more expensive, somewhere close to $900-$1,000 and I'm not sure they sell them for '09-13. I see they advertise for '14+ but haven't seen anything for '09-'13. Also, as I'm Canadian (winter in Florida) the current exchange is over 40% making a $1,000 U.S. expense a $1,400 Cdn. expense. Legends also advertises a set for '14+ and they are around $800. The Progressive monotubes were reasonably priced and so if I can't find a set lurking around somewhere I'll just fix whatever needs fixing on them, maybe do a spring upgrade, and call it good for another 20,000 miles.

 

[tndragonrider]

Thanks Sloufoot. I did check out Traxxion and the cost is considerably more expensive, somewhere close to $900-$1,000 and I'm not sure they sell them for '09-13. I see they advertise for '14+ but haven't seen anything for '09-'13. Also, as I'm Canadian (winter in Florida) the current exchange is over 40% making a $1,000 U.S. expense a $1,400 Cdn. expense. Legends also advertises a set for '14+ and they are around $800. The Progressive monotubes were reasonably priced and so if I can't find a set lurking around somewhere I'll just fix whatever needs fixing on them, maybe do a spring upgrade, and call it good for another 20,000 miles.

Dr Joe the Progressive Monotubes come with brand new springs as a kit.

 

[geezerglide11441]

Thanks Sloufoot. I did check out Traxxion and the cost is considerably more expensive, somewhere close to $900-$1,000 and I'm not sure they sell them for '09-13. I see they advertise for '14+ but haven't seen anything for '09-'13. Also, as I'm Canadian (winter in Florida) the current exchange is over 40% making a $1,000 U.S. expense a $1,400 Cdn. expense. Legends also advertises a set for '14+ and they are around $800. The Progressive monotubes were reasonably priced and so if I can't find a set lurking around somewhere I'll just fix whatever needs fixing on them, maybe do a spring upgrade, and call it good for another 20,000 miles.

Dr. Joe, I believe the Progressive Spring kit would definitely be an improvement over the OEM, but you would still have the "oil bath" OEM set-up that I was trying to get away from. I installed the same Mono-Tube set-up on my Ultra and really liked it. That is the reason I wanted the same for my Trike, however, I got in the game as Progressive was re-tooling for the 2014s plus - i.e. larger tubes. That is the reason their current Mono-Tube system will not work on a 2013 Trike. I immediately got on the net and called every vendor that handles the Progressive products and after quite some time and nearly ready to give up, I found a vendor with ONE set on their shelves and purchased immediately.

I realize this does not help you, but if I found myself in your situation, when the front end was ready for service (knowing me, I probably would not wait at all!!) I would have the Progressive spring kit install. Just my $.02!!

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Roger

 

[backdraft5328]

Dr. Joe, I believe the Progressive Spring kit would definitely be an improvement over the OEM, but you would still have the "oil bath" OEM set-up that I was trying to get away from. I installed the same Mono-Tube set-up on my Ultra and really liked it. That is the reason I wanted the same for my Trike, however, I got in the game as Progressive was re-tooling for the 2014s plus - i.e. larger tubes. That is the reason their current Mono-Tube system will not work on a 2013 Trike. I immediately got on the net and called every vendor that handles the Progressive products and after quite some time and nearly ready to give up, I found a vendor with ONE set on their shelves and purchased immediately.

I realize this does not help you, but if I found myself in your situation, when the front end was ready for service (knowing me, I probably would not wait at all!!) I would have the Progressive spring kit install. Just my $.02!!

Good luck with whatever you decide!!

Roger

Why not go directly to progressive front springs.com and see what you can find. I would bet that the front shocks springs are no different than the cartridge shock for progressive upgrade for a standard touring bike. Just beefer. The cartridge springs work better on a trike.

 

[Dr. Joe]

Why not go directly to progressive front springs.com and see what you can find. I would bet that the front shocks springs are no different than the cartridge shock for progressive upgrade for a standard touring bike. Just beefer. The cartridge springs work better on a trike.

What I finally wound up doing was just getting rid of the old oil (pretty gross) cleaning the insides real good, and putting in a good quality 30w fork oil. bike now rides like a champ!!!

The hardest part to putting the tubes back together again was figuring out how to, as the manual puts it, "install springs." Yeah..right!!! Ever try to push them muthas down right after having a hernia operation? Yeah there are (expensive) tools you can purchase to do that but I was ready to get the bike back on the road...NOW... so I looked around the shop for materials and figured out a "press" system that would hold the tubes in the vice, without marring them, and then press the springs in. The attached photos should tell the story about how to be cheap AND productive... LOL!!! the tool ain't pretty but I had all the materials and, better yet, it works! Feel free to copy it!


The hole is drilled into a 2x4 smaller diameter than the fork then cut the 2x4 in half lengthways. The vise applies pressure to one side and the bolt applies pressure to the other side. Put the cap on top of the spring and a large washer on top of the cap (I used an indented washer from an old grinder to keep the cap from slipping out) and screw it down. Once it bottoms out use a wrench to slowly turn in the cap until done.

 

[Gorilla]

Nice job. I love the thinking. I will definitely copy that.

 

[Dr. Joe]

Nice job. I love the thinking. I will definitely copy that.

It makes a nice "wall hanger" also. People say "What the Sam heck is that!" LOL!!!!! Then you can tell them about how it's used as a medieval torture device, or something similar.

 

[Sloufoot]

What part # does the Progressive use for the Trike ? Is the same strut used for the Ultra of the same year ?
For example, I found Pt# 31 2500 for the Ultra through '13s.

 

[Dr. Joe]

What part # does the Progressive use for the Trike ? Is the same strut used for the Ultra of the same year ?
For example, I found Pt# 31 2500 for the Ultra through '13s.

Not sure on that one. Best bet is to give them a call.

I didn't replace anything in my tubes except the oil and went with a 30 weight which stiffened it up nicely especially when it comes to braking. My thoughts on putting "upgrades" in the tubes of a trike, (new springs, monotubes, etc) is that because we don't lean into corners and ride roads like The Tail of The Dragon like we used to, then how much of an upgrade do we really need other than to just keep the front end on the road and eliminate bounce? My style of riding is mostly "toolin" down a nice country road and enjoying the sights, instead of challenging myself going around corners until the front pegs are scraping the pavement, like back in the Panhead & Shovelhead days (Ahhh... the memories!) And when I am touring on a highway I don't see the need for anything other than a tight front end as well. Of course those are just my thoughts as I don't have any riding experience with any of the upgrades that are mentioned here and elsewhere. Keeping the rubber on the road is the main thing, right? And speaking of that, Bike Week is still going on as so..... I'm off!!!