Progressive shock ?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 645
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Progressive shock ?
For those that installed progressive shocks on your Dyna's is it a better ride(softer)or a better handling ride or both.I have a couple of back issues and sometimes the roads here in South Jersey aren't the best.Just wondering how much difference between progressive and stock.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 5
From: Willow Spring, NC
I install them on my fxdc I have the 412 heavy dut ones. wife and I rode last sunday, click them up to 3rd notch seem nice. I set them on 2nd notch seem alittle bumpy, going to lower to 1st notch when solo. I guess it depends on what you weigh or what you carry
Advanced
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 75
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From: Houston
^Yep. Called them yesterday to get their recommendation on lowering shocks (mine are 12.5" stock, they recommended 11.5" at lowest). The guy noted that you should not buy heavy duty stocks unless you are over 220 and/or your passenger is typically over 'average' weight (I'm assuming for a female). So if your combined weight is near or over 370, Heavy Duty would be a good choice. Otherwise, go with the standard shocks. From what I've seen and read, if you get the same length shocks from them you'll actually have a bit better absorption and presumably a smoother ride, without any handling loss. If you're looking to lower them, you'll lose a little more softness for the 'look' and feel of lowered shocks.
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 1,115
Likes: 69
From: Bay Area, NorCal
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Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 1,648
Likes: 5
From: Willow Spring, NC
ok i lowered my shocks setting (412HD)to the lowest setting bike rode real nice no jarring bumps or bottoming forks need some work lol. I weigh 205 so the HD's seem fine for me with wife on back i move the setting up.
when in daytona this past spring i was told to go with the 412HD's
so far so good.
when in daytona this past spring i was told to go with the 412HD's
so far so good.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 50
From: South Park, CO
Air or spring, low shocks give a bad ride...low enough and you can call it a rigid.
I put works shocks on my 08 WG and even then I went with 1/2" longer. Pick a spring rate where you and the bike only use 1/3 of the travel of the rear shock while sitting still.
Touring bike airshocks sit farther back on the swingarm than a dyna. They don't have the spring rate you need. The new WGs use even shorter shocks than the old WGs.
I put works shocks on my 08 WG and even then I went with 1/2" longer. Pick a spring rate where you and the bike only use 1/3 of the travel of the rear shock while sitting still.
Touring bike airshocks sit farther back on the swingarm than a dyna. They don't have the spring rate you need. The new WGs use even shorter shocks than the old WGs.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
get Ohlins...best for ride and handling. 1000x better than any progressive product. Works makes a decent shock and Ricor makes a very good shock too. Ricor and Ohlins provide excellent lateral stability, really improves handling. The ride on both are sublime, but ultimately Ohlins ride a little better. Stick with a 12" ride height. Lower means stiffer, less travel, less comfort.
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Banned
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 476
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I put a set of 412's on the rear and standard progressive springs in the front end. The bike does not feel stiffer just more planted and seems to float a little better over bumps whereas before with the oem shocks I'd feel them more.
Former Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 252
Likes: 5
From: OC, CA
1000 times better huh? That's a lot.
get Ohlins...best for ride and handling. 1000x better than any progressive product. Works makes a decent shock and Ricor makes a very good shock too. Ricor and Ohlins provide excellent lateral stability, really improves handling. The ride on both are sublime, but ultimately Ohlins ride a little better. Stick with a 12" ride height. Lower means stiffer, less travel, less comfort.