I have a 2012 dyna wide glide.i am currently using progressive 11" 412 hd. I am about 210 pounds and think I made a mistake on getting the heavy duty ones. They are ok 2up but I don't ride 2 up that much. Will the 430 standard spring rate make a better ride? I know it will not be perfect because it is an inch shorter then stock but the 412 I have now are just not cutting it. When I hit a big pothole or really any pothole they are horrible. Riding 2 up on there highest setting seems ok I guess. Anyone have this issue or are currently using the 11" 430?

 

I have 11" 430's on my bike. They ride harder than stock. Like the look and the stance. If you like the look I would get them...

 

Have a look at the 444 @ 11.5" See attached pictures.

The 430 and 444 are nice shocks, easier to change when you want to ride 2 up.

I had the 412 HD 11" and they were way to stiff for me at 170 lbs, although I liked the lowered feel of the bike.

 

I would go for 444 if you like the look, at least a newer model with FST technology. I bought 430 just becoz of the contrast cut. Great performance!

 

My opinion, shared by many I'm sure, if your going to buy shocks and spend half the money your going to get half the shock performance.

Short shocks are for looks and you will never get a comfy ride with short shocks unless you weigh 125 lbs. or less.

first go longer, that will only show when your off the bike but it wil go a long ways for absorption when your riding. I had 11.5" prog 440's and the best they ever fealt to me was when I took them off and put my HD stocker shockers back on, then sold my progs half price.
Second get really good shocks , I know they are pricey but what's the use of changing your HD shocks for something which often performs on par or less. There are dealers listed on this site who give great promo's for site members.

don't think I'm made of money here either but it's never worth saving a buck on anything when you won't be satisfied and susequently spend more later to get what you need. Man you have already spent money on one set your not happy with.

 

A lot of times people will say whatever shock they bought felt better than stock just because they spent the money. Ive run stock (softest most comfortable ride, just wanted to lower the back ) Burlys, ( loved the look, hated the ride ) and now Progressive 11.5" 444s which are firmer than stock but not harsh and WAY better than Burlys . There are a ton of shock options out there but you are never going to find one that will give you a lowered look AND a nice ride. You have to compromise. Im 5'10" and about 200 lbs. I run the 444s on the softest setting when I ride solo and its honestly a pretty nice ride. My wife is 170 and when she rides with me I crank them up 4 or 5 turns ( hand adjustable ) and the ride is about the same as solo on the low setting. I think for the price and how I ride, the 444s are a pretty decent shock. A little lower than stock and still pretty comfy.

 

Here's a comparison between stock, 10.5 Burlys, and 11.5 444s.
Stock

Burlys

444s

 

Thank you everyone for the input. I have lowered the front of the bike an inch as well so i need to stick to an 11" rear shock. I dont think there is to much of a differrce between the internals of the 430 and 444. Money to a certant extent isnt my issue, a good quality shock for what i need is. Pricing around and seeing how some of the shocks are built is how i came to the 430's. That shocks seems pretty good for the money.

 

Talk to direct cycle, they have some NOS since 430 has been discontinued.
http://www.directcycleparts.com

 

Actually there is a difference in the internals between the 444s and 430s. Newer technology and the 444s were put out as a replacement for the 430s. Its your money of course so the choice is yours. But you honestly are not going to notice a .5" difference as far as looks go. I had drop in lowering springs for a while. Just didn't like the ride. I put the stock ones back in and I can even really tell the difference in looks. Honestly. But you WILL feel .5" less travel in a shock. Its noticeably stiffer. But like I said, your money and your choice. And the 430s do look cool.