Progressive or Race Tech Suspension
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Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Phoenix, AZ
Progressive or Race Tech Suspension
Coming up to swapping Progressive 412 shocks for a better rear set-up, and looking to put performance springs in the front. What's the consensus on brand/parts? I see progressive sells different springs for 412's with different spring rates, but I don't understand which ones to pick (The ones on it now say 300/350). 140 lb rider needing increased response from the bike to perform better in hilly/curvy areas where I live. Also if someone had the time to explain or post a link that explains differences in the shocks types and/or spring types, I'd appreciate that as well. I really have no knowledge of suspension, it's all in motors.
Last edited by HighonHarley; Aug 7, 2015 at 08:33 PM.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 216
Likes: 15
From: Tucson
Well I won't even pretend to explain the details of suspension (because I'm not nearly qualified) but last year I found myself in a very similar experience to what you described and I can share what I learned so maybe it will help. Last summer I blew a fork seal so since I was going to have it all taken apart anyway I decided it was the perfect time to upgrade the front suspension. I looked around and ultimately went with Race Tech gold valve cartridge emulators and springs and 15 wt fork oil that I also ordered from them. It was a relatively inexpensive upgrade and the feedback about them was almost unanimously positive. Plus Race Tech was GREAT about returning calls and helping me narrow down the right setup for me. The result? Night and day difference. Can't say enough about the immediate improvement.
The improvement did highlight somewhat of a problem - albeit a good problem I guess. I also run 412's on my FXDF, and while they're an improvement over stock, once I dropped in the Race Techs up front the difference in quality from front to back was REALLY noticeable. For that reason I decided the next upgrade will be the Race Tech piggyback rear shocks, once I save up the money for them. So long story longer, I highly recommend the Race Techs up front but also saving up for a quality rear suspension if that's what you're looking for. Seems like you get what you pay for in that category and if it's worth it to you you won't regret dropping the extra dough. Hope that helps.
clown
The improvement did highlight somewhat of a problem - albeit a good problem I guess. I also run 412's on my FXDF, and while they're an improvement over stock, once I dropped in the Race Techs up front the difference in quality from front to back was REALLY noticeable. For that reason I decided the next upgrade will be the Race Tech piggyback rear shocks, once I save up the money for them. So long story longer, I highly recommend the Race Techs up front but also saving up for a quality rear suspension if that's what you're looking for. Seems like you get what you pay for in that category and if it's worth it to you you won't regret dropping the extra dough. Hope that helps.
clown
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 44
Likes: 111
From: ramona
I have spent a bunch of cash on suspension over the years, the formula that has worked best for me is RT gold valves and springs in the forks and Ohlins shocks out back.
I think Ohlins cartridges in the forks would be better but I'm not ready to spend the $1200.00 on those yet.
I think Ohlins cartridges in the forks would be better but I'm not ready to spend the $1200.00 on those yet.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 3,686
Likes: 4,294
From: Northeast, NJ
I'm running RT springs and emulators and Hagon 13" Nitro shocks, and Predator mount.
The RT kit definitely made a positive difference. Bump compliance is much better.
Was out for a 200 mile ride yesterday and was enjoying how much better the bike rides now.
The RT kit definitely made a positive difference. Bump compliance is much better.
Was out for a 200 mile ride yesterday and was enjoying how much better the bike rides now.
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