If you're going with Progressive then jump over the 430's and get the 444's. I had a set of 430's and hated them. I ended up with some new RK take-offs, and with 10wt oil they are better in every way then the 430's in my opinion.

 

Well consider what direction you're going to take the bike or what you're goal is anyways. If you're going to look at works, ohlins, sway away, etc you're leaning towards a performance shock. Are you wanting to lower the bike for looks or make it perform and ride nice? The 412 is only good for one thing. It's a mediocre shock that will allow you to lower the bike. So paying for a top quality shock to lower your bike (if they even make them) is like buying long travel suspension setup for a lowrider. Doesn't really make sense. The 430's (as far as I know are no more than a 412 with pre-load that is adjustable by hand rather than having to use a spanner. Both I believe are gas shocks. The 444 is a step up again and you're gaining the (Frequency Sensing Technology). So this is where you can have a shorter shock and make up some ride comfort. Mine for instance are 11.5" where as OEM are 12". The valving changes as you hit bumps helping the bike from bottoming out so easy and being able to keep the preload at a comfortable level. Yes you can take a 11" shock and crank the hell out of the preload and have it not bottom out but it's going to ride like ****. End of story. IF you've never owned anything that rides nice then perhaps you'd be happy with that kind of thing or rather just not care and look cool (been there and done that). 444's offer a happy medium. In my Humble opinion (and I love my shocks) once you're not worried about looks or lowering and wanting to run a taller shock (12" and up) there is better options out there for shear performance even though these are nice shocks, whether it be over and beyond the 444 or like I mentioned earlier works, ohlins, JRI, Sway-away, etc etc etc. I'm into performance with my bike and even though it rides nice and looks good I'm ready to move up to longer fork tubes and rear shocks at some point. Probably will be straying from progressive at that point being you can get a decent performance shock for less than what progressive will offer within same category. Good luck with your choice.

 

I got a good deal on a 2nd hand but new set of 412's this spring and have had problems with the right shock leaking, first time it was leaking badly, Progressive was kind enough to take them in on warranty repair because they were manufactured in 2014 and still well under warranty, but not even 4,000 miles later the right is already starting to leak again,, some roads here are in really crappy shape and I ride the bike hard but I never noticed oem shocks leaking, I'm going to run them until they are dead and then upgrade to something really good, maybe at the next tire change because I'm really sick of taking them on & off,


I like the RK take-off idea, sounds like a good cost option and I've never seen oem shocks leak or break.


so in sum, although I'm satisfied by the ride improvement that the 412's provide I have to say get something better for reliability..

 

I have used both 412 and 430 on two previous Sportsters and felt both were worthy purchases. Had them a couple years apart, so hard compare. I really liked the 430 looks. Progressive site has details describing their inner workings.

 

I have a set of 430's for sale...


I just dont weigh enough to get proper sag out of them. Good dampening, and a good ride other than when I would droop out.

 

Now, I'm debating between 444's and the Works Performance Black Trackers. Interesting how easy it is to looking at spending $200-300, and now I'm looking at around $600 for the rears.
I'm more interested in performance than looks, which is why I've never considered the burly slammer kits. I think I will end up with the 444's, considering my pockets aren't bottomless! Seems like the 444's would be a good mix between looks and functionality.

 

I don't even remember the shock number anymore. I bought the progressive, 1/2" longer than stock for my 02 wide glide and, compared to stock, about a thousand percent better than oem. They have over 100k miles on them and still work just fine, and the extra length has all but ended the scraping in corners. I adjusted the preload for two up and my wife is mucho happier that she doesn't get her who ha jammed up her who ha anymore

 

what do you guys weigh & do you ride 2 up with 444s ? wondering if standered OR heavy Duty is the way to go

 

444's 12 1/2". Love 'em!

 

depends on you and your passenger's weight combined, and your solo weight.

personally, I'm a lighter guy but their standard springs are still too stiff for my solo riding.