2018+ Softail Models Breakout

Installed Progressive 465 Shock

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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 02:47 PM
  #21  
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Originally Posted by cthagreekgod
Yes, if you are on a Low Rider or Lowrider S, 12.6" is the stock shock. 13.1 comes on most of the softails, but I think there are 1 or 2 more models that use the 12.6. ...
Actually I think its the opposite; the Heritage and Fat Bob have the 13.1" and all the rest have the 12.6".

Glad to hear you are liking the shock. I plan on getting the one with the remote preloader also. I adjust the preload whenever the wife rides along, so its nice to have the adjustment accessible.

I emailed Progressive and asked them if all of the 465 shocks are the same stroke regardless of length. I have yet to hear back from them.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 02:59 PM
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^^^ Huntwhenever's post above is correct. Most of the 18+ Softails have the 12.6" shock. ^^^

I made up a list of all the bikes and shock lengths as part of my planning for a longer shock. It's on my other computer, but I'll try to post later.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 03:18 PM
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Originally Posted by AJ88V
^^^ Huntwhenever's post above is correct. Most of the 18+ Softails have the 12.6" shock. ^^^

I made up a list of all the bikes and shock lengths as part of my planning for a longer shock. It's on my other computer, but I'll try to post later.
I have a 13.5 inch shock on my Heritage now. The sag is set so it is at normal height with rider weight. The extra rebound travel prevents "topping out" and helps keep the tire on the road over bumps, plus the ride is more comfortable.
 
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 04:41 PM
  #24  
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Question Front Shocks

Will appreciate any feedback on what anyone did to their front shocks. I looked, and Progressive makes a Front Fork Mono Kit with external preload adjuster (part # 31-2541) and a Front Fort Spring Kit (part #11-1567) for a 2019 Low Rider. The Progressive site states that one of the advantages of both systems is less front dipping when braking; this would be an improvement over OE front shocks. Does upgrading front shocks affect handling?
 
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Old Jun 25, 2020 | 06:15 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by Hulkss
I have a 13.5 inch shock on my Heritage now. The sag is set so it is at normal height with rider weight. The extra rebound travel prevents "topping out" and helps keep the tire on the road over bumps, plus the ride is more comfortable.
Sounds a lot like the changes I felt when going to the 13.1" shock on my Sport Glide.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 03:42 PM
  #26  
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I just installed my FXFB Fat Boy shock. The Progressive shock that was installed is PN 465-1186, which is the "standard" 11.6 inch length and spring rate.

I had measured from the axle bolt to the chromed fender struts. The new "longer" Fat Boy shock only raised the rear end 2.5 mm. As in about 1/10". Maybe I should have left well enough alone!

At least I now have remote preload for when I carry a passenger.

FWIW, the installation proved to be quite easy, and that include the new bracket for the preload ****. Test ride to follow.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 03:56 PM
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Originally Posted by AJ88V
I just installed my FXFB Fat Boy shock. The Progressive shock that was installed is PN 465-1186, which is the "standard" 11.6 inch length and spring rate.

I had measured from the axle bolt to the chromed fender struts. The new "longer" Fat Boy shock only raised the rear end 2.5 mm. As in about 1/10". Maybe I should have left well enough alone!

At least I now have remote preload for when I carry a passenger.

FWIW, the installation proved to be quite easy, and that include the new bracket for the preload ****. Test ride to follow.
Not sure I understand about the "longer" reference.
So you got the 465 with Remote Adjustable Preload, does that adjuster mount under the seat?
 

Last edited by OldMike; Jul 3, 2020 at 04:12 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 05:33 PM
  #28  
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Originally Posted by OldMike
Not sure I understand about the "longer" reference.
So you got the 465 with Remote Adjustable Preload, does that adjuster mount under the seat?
I installed an FXFB shock, which I thought was longer than the stock Low Rider shock, but when I measured the axle to fender struts, it only raised the bike about 1/10th inch over the Progressive 465-1186, which is the "standard" 11.6 inch length. Unfortunately, I didn't think to coimpare the length of the FXFB shock to the Progressive when they were both out of the bike.

Anyway, back from my test ride. Think I'll leave the new shock in. Don't have enough miles or pavement variation to compare the Fat Boy shock to the Progressive, but so far, so good.

Below is a table I made of all the shocks used in the 2018+ Softail lineup.



Now that I look at the table above, I'm wondering if it was actually a FLFB Fat Boy shock I got off of ebay. It was listed as a FXFB shock, but I never checked the part numbers.
 

Last edited by AJ88V; Jul 3, 2020 at 05:37 PM.
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 05:38 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by AJ88V
I installed an FXFB shock, which I thought was longer than the stock Low Rider shock, but when I measured the axle to fender struts, it only raised the bike about 1/10th inch over the Progressive 465-1186, which is the "standard" 11.6 inch length. Unfortunately, I didn't think to coimpare the length of the FXFB shock to the Progressive when they were both out of the bike.

Anyway, back from my test ride. Think I'll leave the new shock in. Don't have enough miles or pavement variation to compare the Fat Boy shock to the Progressive, but so far, so good.

Below is a table I made of all the shocks used in the 2018+ Softail lineup.



Now that I look at the table above, I'm wondering if it was actually a FLFB Fat Boy shock I got off of ebay. It was listed as a FXFB shock, but I never checked the part numbers.
Nice table, good reference.
Standard length of Softail shock is 12.6", so you didn't change anything as far as length.
 
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Old Jul 3, 2020 | 09:32 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by AJ88V
I just installed my FXFB Fat Boy shock. The Progressive shock that was installed is PN 465-1186, which is the "standard" 11.6 inch length and spring rate.

I had measured from the axle bolt to the chromed fender struts. The new "longer" Fat Boy shock only raised the rear end 2.5 mm. As in about 1/10". Maybe I should have left well enough alone!

At least I now have remote preload for when I carry a passenger.

FWIW, the installation proved to be quite easy, and that include the new bracket for the preload ****. Test ride to follow.
I was thinking the Fat Bob shock was longer than the Fat Boy shock.
 
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