Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
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From: Templeton California
RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
I've had stock 12" bob shocks, not too bad when adjusted properly, I think most never even try to adjust them.I've had 12 3/4" standard Electraglide air shocks super plush if somewhat vague ride and usefull ground clearance.They looked ridiculas when I chopped my fender so..Now I've got 11" Progressive 412 HDs, very firm solid feel looks cool as hell and feels like a rigid if you hit a pot hole at freeway speed.The cornering clearance isn't too different than stock due to the huge difference in sag .It seems to me like there's about an inch of preload adjustment on these shocks so they probably go from less than 11 when your sitting on it at the lowest setting to 11 3/4 at the highest.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Richmond Hill Ga.
RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
Thanks for all the info guys, I'm now leaning toward the 11 1/2's or 12's...... I'm about 210 and 6'0the OL is prob. 140 and I definitely don't want to bottom out. I'd love to shave an 1/2 - 1" off and lower it a little, but not at the expense of bottoming. Besides, it sounds like the 12's are actually a little lower than the stocks...... BTW, someone mentioned adjusting the stock ones...... Dumb question maybe but how???
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
someone mentioned adjusting the stock ones...... Dumb question maybe but how???
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RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
ORIGINAL: CK Bobber
Thanks for all the info guys, I'm now leaning toward the 11 1/2's or 12's...... I'm about 210 and 6'0the OL is prob. 140 and I definitely don't want to bottom out. I'd love to shave an 1/2 - 1" off and lower it a little, but not at the expense of bottoming. Besides, it sounds like the 12's are actually a little lower than the stocks...... BTW, someone mentioned adjusting the stock ones...... Dumb question maybe but how???
Thanks for all the info guys, I'm now leaning toward the 11 1/2's or 12's...... I'm about 210 and 6'0the OL is prob. 140 and I definitely don't want to bottom out. I'd love to shave an 1/2 - 1" off and lower it a little, but not at the expense of bottoming. Besides, it sounds like the 12's are actually a little lower than the stocks...... BTW, someone mentioned adjusting the stock ones...... Dumb question maybe but how???
As far as adjusting the preload on the stock or Progressive shocks, you turn the bottom collar on each shock as Ed instructed. The tool in question is called a "Spanner Wrench". I see a lot of them in HD shops put out by Drag Specialties. They are fairly cheap but adjusting your shocks are about all they are good for. If you buy a set of new progressives, they should come with a wrench. I bought one a while back to adjust my stock shocks with and now have 2 since my 412's came with one as well. If you look up under the shocks, you can see a series of graduated steps - maybe 4 or 5 depending on the shock. The highest step from your viewpoint will be the softest setting as it releases tension on the spring the most.
Cruiser
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RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
ORIGINAL: misterkidgo
Bluebob, did you get the Heavy Duty's or the regular 11" 412s?
May I ask your weight? I'm 165 and I have absolutely no interest in bottoming out or reducing the lean angle!
ORIGINAL: BlueBob
Whats wrong with your stock shocks?
I went with the 11" 412's and it bottomed out with 2 people even cranked up all the way, almost took my tailight wiring out!
Now with just me it wouldnt bottom out but it sure rode like crap! IMO you can take that "slamed" look and shove it or in other words the 412"s will shove it where the sun dont shine.
I'll take the smooth ride of the stock Harleys anyday, my back thanks me.
Whats wrong with your stock shocks?
I went with the 11" 412's and it bottomed out with 2 people even cranked up all the way, almost took my tailight wiring out!
Now with just me it wouldnt bottom out but it sure rode like crap! IMO you can take that "slamed" look and shove it or in other words the 412"s will shove it where the sun dont shine.
I'll take the smooth ride of the stock Harleys anyday, my back thanks me.
May I ask your weight? I'm 165 and I have absolutely no interest in bottoming out or reducing the lean angle!
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RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
ORIGINAL: BlueBob
Just regular 412's. I weigh in at 230#. Had no problem with just me but add a rider and cranked up all the way only helped slightly. If you want a better ride the 412's arn't it.
ORIGINAL: misterkidgo
Bluebob, did you get the Heavy Duty's or the regular 11" 412s?
May I ask your weight? I'm 165 and I have absolutely no interest in bottoming out or reducing the lean angle!
ORIGINAL: BlueBob
Whats wrong with your stock shocks?
I went with the 11" 412's and it bottomed out with 2 people even cranked up all the way, almost took my tailight wiring out!
Now with just me it wouldnt bottom out but it sure rode like crap! IMO you can take that "slamed" look and shove it or in other words the 412"s will shove it where the sun dont shine.
I'll take the smooth ride of the stock Harleys anyday, my back thanks me.
Whats wrong with your stock shocks?
I went with the 11" 412's and it bottomed out with 2 people even cranked up all the way, almost took my tailight wiring out!
Now with just me it wouldnt bottom out but it sure rode like crap! IMO you can take that "slamed" look and shove it or in other words the 412"s will shove it where the sun dont shine.
I'll take the smooth ride of the stock Harleys anyday, my back thanks me.
May I ask your weight? I'm 165 and I have absolutely no interest in bottoming out or reducing the lean angle!
Given the correct shocks, the 412's do provide a better ride. I have them and the difference is significant. But, at 240 lbs, I got the heavy duties as recommended by the manufacturer.
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Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
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From: Republic of Texas
RE: Progressive Shocks 11" vs. 11.5" vs. 12"
I installed 11" progressive 812s and rode a thousand miles with a 190lb passenger. Shocks were set to the 3rd stiffness position. No bottoming out whatsoever.
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