Founded in 1982, La Palma, California based Progressive Suspension is one of the best known American suspension manufacturers - its shock absorbers have been a 'staple' with U.S. dealers for decades.
Best known for its Harley-Davidson aftermarket and custom V-twin shock absorbers, Progressive has always been a big 'player' in the so-called 'metric' on-highway and off-road motorcycle markets (and increasingly these days in the fast growing UTV market) and has just released details of new suspension system matched components for the popular XSR700, the Yamaha MT-07 and its predecessor, the Yamaha FZ-07.
The system consists of two model-specific products - a replacement front fork cartridge kit and a monoshock for the rear. While each product is available separately, "the magic happens when both front and rear suspension receive the upgrade.
"The suspension system is designed to improve the quality of the XSR/MT/FZ ride, as well as offering greater front end stability, improved cornering, front brake dive and bottoming control. The setup eliminates bottoming and shaking in sweeping corners, giving the rider a smoother, more nimble riding experience.
"We chose to launch this system for the MT-07, a great bike that needed better-than-stock suspension, to really show its stuff," said Sean Delshadi, Brand Manager for Progressive Suspension. "Customers who upgrade their FZ-07, MT-07 or XSR700 with our system will have a more stable ride and less front end dive when braking. We think our system unlocks the real performance potential of the bike, making it a whole new animal for the rider to enjoy."
The front suspension package features Progressive Suspension’s state-of-the-art monotube fork cartridge kit, which replaces the open bath internals of the stock fork. It converts dual damper rod suspension to high performance gas charged monotube dampers and custom tuned fork springs. Sean says that "monotube-style damping improves ride comfort, resistance to front brake dive as well as improving front end stability, cornering and bottoming control." The kit fits 2015 through current Yamaha FZ-07, MT-07 and XSR700 forks and replaces all of the internal parts. No modifications to the motorcycle are required - the installation is simple and fully reversible.
The 465 Series rear set-up represents "state-of-the-art in high pressure, gas monotube shock design. Utilising a 46 mm bore and deflective disc piston for precise damping, the beefy 16 mm hard-chrome shaft rides on custom Viton seals for low friction and leak-free life. Threaded body and a five-position rebound adjuster allows for fine-tuning to match the owner's riding style and load."
They are available with options including a standard rate or heavy-duty spring and stock length. The 465 is "custom-tuned for each application, from the damping and spring rate all the way down to the jounce bumper." This product fits the 2015 and later Yamaha FZ-07, MT-07 and XRS700, and the product line will soon expand to include other monoshock bikes.
Progressive Suspension products are available in Europe through selected distributors, including Parts Europe. TÜV approval is expected soon.
PROGRESSIVE SUSPENSION
www.progressivesuspension.com
