I have a 195k mile 03 VIII with its factory springs. At 155k miles the front struts packed it up, and I was able to get new Bilstein struts installed. Problem is that I've had three sets fail each after a year or less and had them replaced each time. Ive recently had a set put in and things still don't feel right.

Someone suggested to me that my factory springs may be the cause of the short Bilstein life, and things have started to feel overly bouncy. I've looked around and haven't been able to find stock replacement springs, but I do see lots of lowering springs.

My VIII is a daily driver getting lots of miles, and I've never planned on lowering it. Would getting new 1" lowering springs work out for me in the long run, and best cure my strut issues?

Please help

 

Did yours have Bilsteins stock? To me it sounds like you are using non Bilstein springs on Bilstein struts, am I correct? If so that is probably why you are blowing them so fast. If you don't want to lower them go with some MR springs or some works or swift springs.

 

Yes, stock springs, (front) Bilstein struts; so far don't see the Bilstein replacement springs for the VIII

 

New left front strut failed on me on the way to work this morning. It would be great if anyone could suggest a spring/strut replacement that I could use to end this nightmare. Thanks.

 

Find some used MR springs or go with works/swift springs made for the MR as well.