Does your sportster have a slot the shock goes into? Not sure I could do what you did.

 

On my 2000, the eye of the shock sits flush against the frame at the upper point and flush against the swingarm locating tab at the bottom. There is no slot that the eye fits into. If I'm understanding your set up correctly you can probably move the shock to the outside of the slot the eye fits into and gain clearance. Fill the void where the shock eye originally went with a spacer and carry on.

The 412's are larger in diameter than the stock shocks and interfered with the belt guard. I bought 4 Grade Five stainless cap head hex bolts at Fastenal ($5) in the proper length to kick out the shocks 1.5" and 4 steel bushings that fit snugly over the bolts ($3) for added strength. Some stout washers (chrome on top), black paint and the finished product is very solid.

Note that the eyes on the Progressive shocks are offset about 1/2" from center. You can use that distance to your advantage when looking for clearance. Thus, there is a left and right shock orientation to be aware of.

One unanticipated benefit is that the new set up makes great, unobtrusive, bungee cord hook spots.

I'm surprised, though, that so much more vibration comes through. It doesn't bother me on this particular short-trip bike, but it would be an issue for some other riders, I'm sure.

 

Yes I have a slot at the bottom end that the shock fits into so I cannot kick it out but too late anyway. I did notice the offset and put them on accordingly. I have only rode it up and down my street so far so I don't know about any more vibration, but will be riding in to work here in a little bit. Will see then. I am anxious to see how they ride down the road.

 

Evilsporty,

I pm'd you. Not sure if you saw it yet, but here are the pics...

 

Put a set of chrome Burley 10.5's on the Wife's 04 1200 Custom. Sher loves them. Said iy's like a new bike. One thing you MUST DO - lower the belt guard!!! Easy fix - remove the upper belt guard and elongate the rear mounting hole about 1/4". Belt guard will sit closer to the belt and the fender strut cover will not dent the belt guard.

 

Just thought I'd throw this into the mix for future reference. There aren't any lowering blocks made for Sportsters from around 1987 and older, because the lower shock mount on the swingarm is different from the newer ones. The swingarms changed lengths from that point, too, getting longer with each era. Comparing what length of shock will work without fender interference is not valid from era to era, since the shorter the swingarm, the more difference a change in shock length makes. Same with horizontal clearances...the newer the Sportster, the wider the rear fender and tire, not to mention the changeover in the 1990's from chain to belt.