So far for me, this is the best mod money can buy. An unbelievable difference. I didnt notice much of a difference until i went over a series of bumps, then i was like holy sh*t!! It's really hard to tell how bad the stock shocks are until you have a chance to compare them to something else. I can honestly say stock shocks truly SUCK. For any body with back problems or if you just want the smoothest, plushest ride..go progressive!! They also improve handling which elevates my confidence while riding/manuevering. If 412's feel this nice, i cant imagine how nice the more expensive shocks must be. Now i cant wait to install progressive fork springs to complete the process.....

FYI-
I didnt lower it and kept it to stock length (12") and glad i did.

 

I know were your coming from. I swapped out my factory shocks for a set of wideglide III billet progressives and its night and day difference!!!!!

 

I am thinking about changing out the rears on my 06 Wideglide. Thanks for the info.

 

billybobber model H-D do you have?

 

I have the 11" Progressive shocks. For me they are pretty stiff and when you go over a bump you feel it pretty good in your back. I got the shorter ones for the look more than the comfy ride though. Progressives are very high quality

 

Why don't they make the 412's in 11.5 inch?That would be a happy medium of comfort and looks?To my knowledge you have to go up to the 418's to get the 11.5.Other than price what makes the 418's better?

 

Generally (which is always dangerous) and historically speaking, H-D stock shocks tended to have too little preload and WAY too much travel. Progressives (which I likey a lot) generally have greater preload and sink a little when you first sit on them, then get WAY firm past a certain point over harder bumps (just like mcurry5 said). When I had a hot-rodded XL, it was the single best change I made to the whole bike after the power enhancements. A world of difference in the ride. I used Progressives on the rear (which resemble stock very well) and Works Performance racing springs in the forks.

 

have 412 11" for the rear and lowered 1" springs for the front. very good affordable upgrade. added some metz's while at it and its totally diff. allows for more aggressive/sport riding, as the bike has better feel, response, & imput from the road. downside - ride is stiffer but ok since I'm still fairly young (37).

 

I have Öhlins rear shocks on my St. Bob. I can't even compare these to the originals! Öhlins's made the rear suspension more stiff, but it still isn't hard. I can lean more in curves, but the bike is more comfortable when cruising at 100km/h and two up. But now I have a new problem: The front suspension feels even more loose than with original rear shocks! So during winter I have to get progressive springs to front... I'm wondering if V-Rod has the same spring as is in Bobs fork? Does some one know?

 

I think they might. I saw a post a bout it here somewhere. I been thinkin about that mod too.