I have the same set up as you do and am basically the same size/weight. I have them set on the middle setting and they are still a little rough. I have had the same "thrown off the seat" experience, but I was running 80 on the highway when it happened. I do not think you will find a perfect or great ride with the 11's on the Dyna, but they sure look badass though. That is what I was going for too.

 

This is probably not the right place to ask this but, I thought the progressives were suppose to be such a better shock than the stock HD's?

 

They are if you stick with the stock length and pick the right springs for your weight. I run Progressives on my Softail which have the adjustable length. When I run them low to look cool they suck. When I run them at about the stock height they work much better but don't look as cool. Gotta pick which one you want.

 

I run 412 HD's on the 2nd lowest setting on the Wg and I weigh 165lbs

 

I had the 412 11"Hd set on the lowest setting. I wiegh around 200. After near spills due to my azz being off the seat at 80 +. I really started to have to slow down on any approach to a bridge with expansion joints. I decided to go back up to 12" ricors. Ride is great and cant see much off a difference in height, as the 1" length is actually less as the shock is slanted.

Also, I added the progressive front drop ins to lower the front, but didnt go back to longer with the 12', Ride is still fine and doesnt look off balance. The front drop ins made a big improvement as it doesnt dive as much on hard braking.

with chrome 11" and black 12"


Don

 

http://www.xlforum.com.au/Default.as...842&view=topic

 

I have prog 440's and I find the ride very stiff if I hit a big bump or pot hole. Enough to give me a soar back so watch out for those. These shocks are designed for racing on a smooth surface and are not necessarily meant for comfort but rather performance in that your back wheel will hug the road even if you should hit a bump going around a corner. I tested that and they work so they can stay for now. Just test carefully at first (obviously right). In a curve hit a bump with my stockers I would move over 10 or 12 inches ! now that was scary!!!

 

I've run 3 different sets of 412's on my bike this year. There is no reason you should need the run the shocks on the highest setting, (ie. number 5) when your riding solo. Yeah, two up, but not solo. setting 2 or 3 should be just fine for you. But not to restate the obvious, 11 inch progressives pretty much suck. The overall travel is so reduced that any big a$$ bump or pothole is gonna be an issue. Travel, compression and rebound are what makes a shock manageable and comfortable. 11 inch 412's are so short that your not gonna have much of any of those. Honestly, if you want ride quality and a lowered stance, 1 inch lowering blocks on a 12 inch shock is a much better option and or course, a better 11 inch shock is also and idea. If I simply HAD to have my bike that low, and I HAD to have Progressive 412's, I would recoup as much as I could by selling the 11's either on this boards for sale section, or ebay. Then I'd buy 12 inch 412's and run lowering blocks. If money was no option and you just wanted the best 11 inch shocks, contact Works or Ricor and see about getting a custom made up set to your specs. Last option, is the one I choose, I dumped my 412 progressives and bought their top of the line 440's and had progressives custom shop rework them. Progressive also sells a new shock called the 940. Its specifically designed to lower bikes while still retaining some travel. But they are quite expensive. Just lose the Shovelhead mentality. 412's WERE a good upgrade to a Shovelhead back in the day, but they are a crappy, low end shock compared to whats available now.

 

delete wrong section

 

So if you are not into racing,sport type suspension but want a cushy ride for touring, which shock should you consider buying? I am lost!