Progressive 412's installed - better ride??
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: New Hampshire
Progressive 412's installed - better ride??
Just received and installed a set of Progressive HD BLACK 412 shocks on my 2007 Street Bob. Now, up here in New England we got lots of snow, ice, and corrosive salt all over the roads at the present time, so a road test now is impossible!!
Have to wait until late March/early April to try them out.
BUT...I was hoping those of you who have done this mod may be ale to tell me what kind of ride I can expect come the spring thaw - like a preview of what to expect....is it better handling? More cushy on those country roads with all the frost heaves?
Just hoping for some feedback... Hope all my HD brothers and sisters have a super merry xmas!!!
FlyNavy
Have to wait until late March/early April to try them out.
BUT...I was hoping those of you who have done this mod may be ale to tell me what kind of ride I can expect come the spring thaw - like a preview of what to expect....is it better handling? More cushy on those country roads with all the frost heaves?
Just hoping for some feedback... Hope all my HD brothers and sisters have a super merry xmas!!!
FlyNavy
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,788
Likes: 5,625
From: along the shore of Mishigami
I have had the 412's HD for a couple of seasons now. A lot of two up riding and setting the shocks on "3" gave a real nice ride on our most recent 1300 mile trip. For solo you could go down to 1 or 2. Harsh is a bad word so I will say firm and planted on the road surfaces here in W. MI dealing with the frost heaves.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
What length you got? I have the 11"s and they're a real kick in the ***.They will help to reduce wobble because they're quite a bit firmer than stock but if you got the short ones you will have to do something with the front or they will increase the wobble by messing up your rake and trail numbers.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
What? install no pic? anyway I ordered the 11.5" 440's I will install them when they get here from my neices in the near future and then I'll be in the same boat your in! I'm actually north of you so I'm waiting for spring too.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,722
Likes: 7
Tim, long time no speak buddy. I have 412 HD's on mine, I dropped down to 12" from 12.6" stock and was just planning on this being a lowering mod. But I do experience better handling with them. They don't seem to give too much in aggressive turns but, rather they give just right so I don't feel nervous like I went in too hot so to speak. I keep mine on the middle setting and have never bottomed out with them even with the old lady on the back. Of course, I don't ride near as aggressively with her.
I'm surprised nobody has responded negatively about them yet though. Someone probably will. Seems there are some that don't care for the 412's. But, for the price, definitely worth it. Got mine for about $180 shipped.
I'm surprised nobody has responded negatively about them yet though. Someone probably will. Seems there are some that don't care for the 412's. But, for the price, definitely worth it. Got mine for about $180 shipped.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
I did not like mine. Too stiff for me and did not respond well to stutter bumps and the heavy stuff. It really depends on what you are looking for over the original suspension. To me they were worse, however I did ride 11" ones. I think for the visual aspect of having a black shock they are fine(or for dropping the rear and being willing to sacrifice a bit of comfort). I always find it interesting when someone says "didn't bottom out once" what does that have to do with the real challenge of having a suspension absorb the road for a sublime ride. Not to mention provide increased stability for better handling. Of course everyone will experience a different reaction.
Last edited by rounder; Dec 17, 2009 at 11:13 AM.
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my 11's are like struts... only the seals blow and i have to pay to have the new seals replaced... awesome, thanks progressive for a rip off product that you do not stand behind!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 1
From: Republic of Texas
I have Progressive 812s. They look cool and follow my flame motif, but honestly the ride is worse than the stock HD shocks.
If I don't pull the trigger on a 2010 Road Glide between Christmas and New Years, I'm buying a set of Ohlins from Howard at MotorcycleMEtal.com (HDF sponsor).
If I don't pull the trigger on a 2010 Road Glide between Christmas and New Years, I'm buying a set of Ohlins from Howard at MotorcycleMEtal.com (HDF sponsor).