I was thinking about progressives up front,but I haven't decided yet. I remember Last Saint mentioning some front springs a few months back.

 

I've got the 11" 412 HDs with the Progressive springs up front and 15wt oil.It rides pretty good, if anything I'd go with 20wt oil if I did it again.Big improvement in high speed stability but you'll get better cornering clearance with the 11.5s or 12s.Definately get the HDs though I've heard of a couple guys on this board who've blown up the standards.

 

Thanks for all the advice & replies.It looks like the HD are probably the way to go for regular 2up use.I hadn't thought about lowering,but I would like to lower the front(i always think the front looks high in relation to the Back on Dynas)but I don't know enough about the rake/trail theory to risk trying it I would also like to try a 17" Front wheel,but once again not enough knowledge,i'll probably just go with an upgrade keeping the standard height.I also emailed Progressive to get there recommend,but dissapointed with no response.Probably they're to busy.
Brit.

 

Brit - I just got on the board tonight and saw your post, here are my $.02...
I upgraded to 412 HD a few months ago, I'm 220 lbs and ride 2 up sometimes. No more bottoming out, that problem is solved. But for me the 412 HD is underdamped. The right spring rate, but insufficient hydraulic damping, so the ride bouces. The 412's have preload adjust but do not have damping adjust. For me, the bike handles great up to maybe 50-60 mph, but get into some spirited riding around the twisties and it gets annoying, maybe just plain dangerous with poor handling in high speed cornering due to the floating and bouncing. I'm saving up to buy something else, HD spring rate with adjustable damping. Will get rid of the 412's then.

 

I guess we each have our own feel that we are comfortable with but my 412 HD's improved my ride and my handling even when doing some "spirited riding". I don't notice a bounce at all but I'm about 20 pounds heavier than HDSmith. Between the lower shocks and the thin seat, though, my center of gravity is fairly low and it really makes me feel "in the bike" and plenty confident when cornering aggressively. I'm perfectly happy with the shocks and don't feel the need for anything more. But it does depend on what you expect or need for your riding style and conditions. I'm not trying to "knee-drag" on a Harley. I wouldn't get better shocks for that, I'd get a different bike altogether.

 

Hi HD,Thanks for the input,what bike do you have,& are they standard height or lower,how do the 412's compare to the stock shocks?.It sounds like you ride a lot harder than me,(I'm old & would get severe banging in the ribs from behind)if I rode spirited!.My main reason for suspension upgrading is a better ride 2up.
Brit.

 

2007FXDC,I noticed from your first post that you've fitted 12" shocks.I didn't consider lower shocks,because like I said to HD,my main objective is a better 2up ride,but I like you're description of sitting more in the bike,i think i'll go with the 12" & possibly the 1" lower fork spring.What seat do you use,if you don't mind.
Thanks,Brit.

 

Hi Brit, Mine is 07 FXD, the standard length 12.6" 412 ride height was identical to stock. Certainly a better ride over stock.