09 fatbob suspension upgrade
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
09 fatbob suspension upgrade
Hello all.
I am currently filling out 2015 bday/xmas/anniversary wish list. I was thinking about throwing some new shocks on there for my 09 Fat Bob. I'm 6', 220 lbs and usually ride solo. Currently the stock shocks and front springs seem ok, but I do get a nice jolt once in a while from some bumps. I kinda feel like the rear end is too stiff and front end too wimpy.
Anyway, I was thinking progressive 412 series, black. These should be an upgade over stock, right? Now, there's also the burley, which are cheaper - is there a major increase in quality from burley to progressive?
I'd like to upgrade the front end too, but not sure if I want to lower it. Currently the bike has lowering blocks in the rear with the stock shocks, and I kinda like the angle it sits at now.
Thanks.
Andy
I am currently filling out 2015 bday/xmas/anniversary wish list. I was thinking about throwing some new shocks on there for my 09 Fat Bob. I'm 6', 220 lbs and usually ride solo. Currently the stock shocks and front springs seem ok, but I do get a nice jolt once in a while from some bumps. I kinda feel like the rear end is too stiff and front end too wimpy.
Anyway, I was thinking progressive 412 series, black. These should be an upgade over stock, right? Now, there's also the burley, which are cheaper - is there a major increase in quality from burley to progressive?
I'd like to upgrade the front end too, but not sure if I want to lower it. Currently the bike has lowering blocks in the rear with the stock shocks, and I kinda like the angle it sits at now.
Thanks.
Andy
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 91
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From: New Zealand
Plenty of options out there and plenty ôf opinions on here. Alot depends on your budget. I decided to donthem because of front dive under braking and bottoming out on rear. Best money I've spent to be honest. Used to gave sire **** and lower back after an hour in the saddle. Now after full day no issues. Search the forum and read all the comments.
Don't go lower, retain your stock height or go higher. Lowering your bike actually detracts from performance. Slammed bikes can look sick, which is cool if you have a show bike, but I prefer a bike that you can ride.
I went with progressive 444's and Progressive drop in springs up front. I wrote up a review a while ago you can have quick look for. Only regret was not getting 13" shocks.
From the research I dd being in your same situation a few months back, the 412's are an upgrade over stock, but marginally. Personally, I would go the extra mile and buy something really good, your back will thank you.
Also check out works shocks, I think you can buy them via south east custom cycles. I think they custom build them for your weight. Many forum members rave about them.
I went with progressive 444's and Progressive drop in springs up front. I wrote up a review a while ago you can have quick look for. Only regret was not getting 13" shocks.
From the research I dd being in your same situation a few months back, the 412's are an upgrade over stock, but marginally. Personally, I would go the extra mile and buy something really good, your back will thank you.
Also check out works shocks, I think you can buy them via south east custom cycles. I think they custom build them for your weight. Many forum members rave about them.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
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From: Southern Oregon
Ive always been a believer on orderingthe best shocks you can afford. Your probably not going to notice much, if any diffrrence on the 412's unless you go longer than stock. also with your weight Id recommend not going with the heavy version. I went with the standard length progressive drop in springs. Not greatbut much better than stock. If you decideto go that routeshop aaround, I picked up the front ssprings for 65.00 (including shipping)
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
Likes: 7
From: Wausau, WI
09 fatbob suspension upgrade
Ynots, not sure what you mean by don't get the heaviest shocks. Isn't it just the model of shock and length? (I'm talking progressives, not custom ones)
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 186
Likes: 14
From: Lost Wages, NV
If you go to the Progressive website, they have a standard version and a heavy version. I could be wrong, but I think that is likely what he means.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 17
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From: Ohio
Air ride out of the picture? I know that's a huge leap in budget but I guess it depends on just how much your wife loves you
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 593
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From: Wausau, WI
09 fatbob suspension upgrade
Lol. She don't love me that much or care - she's got a sporty low and has 0 sympathy for my comfort level lol. She will ride that sporty all day and no complaints...
I guess I didn't realize they had two versions. I was just looking at Jp and Dennis Kirk.
I guess I didn't realize they had two versions. I was just looking at Jp and Dennis Kirk.
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