progressive 412 or 440, 12" or 12.5", normal or HD
progressive 412 or 440, 12" or 12.5", normal or HD
Ok, i'm ready to start making some changes to the suspension, and I aslo can't stand the look of those chrome shocks on my FXDF. I've searched and read thru the forums, trying to understand what i should do. I know that i want black exposed coil shocks, but after that i'm not sure...
Mostly i will just be riding around town, and some short trips, but i do want to play in the twisty's when i can. i mostly ride one up, but occasonly will ride two up. are the 412's good enough? or should I go for the 440's? i have read and been told by friends that i should get the 12.5" which is 1/2 inch over stock, that the bike will handle better? also right now, i think the suspension is soft, and would prefer somthing a little stiffer, so do i get the progressive Heavy Duty shocks? I also plan on getting some stiffer springs for the front forks, or possibly the WORKS's cartdrige fork inserts i read about in the forum.
Mostly i will just be riding around town, and some short trips, but i do want to play in the twisty's when i can. i mostly ride one up, but occasonly will ride two up. are the 412's good enough? or should I go for the 440's? i have read and been told by friends that i should get the 12.5" which is 1/2 inch over stock, that the bike will handle better? also right now, i think the suspension is soft, and would prefer somthing a little stiffer, so do i get the progressive Heavy Duty shocks? I also plan on getting some stiffer springs for the front forks, or possibly the WORKS's cartdrige fork inserts i read about in the forum.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 415
Likes: 28
From: Albany
Just today I bought a set of Progressive 412's. They will be a big improvement over stock. I also did this a couple of years ago on my FXDL.
I didn't go HD, as I don't weigh more than 210. I think the HD's will be too stiff. Cost 210.00 Ebay.
I didn't go HD, as I don't weigh more than 210. I think the HD's will be too stiff. Cost 210.00 Ebay.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Oceanside, CA
I had the Progressive 440's and fork springs installed when I bought my bike but I rode a street bob with a stock suspension and it felt completely different. They are definitely more stiff than stock but I prefer that because I ride the twisties all the time.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA
This '07 StreetBob is 4 months new to me. I put 412's on it and was so impressed w/ the improvement that I sold 'em and sprang for the bigger dollar 440's. I'm glad I did...the improvement wasn't as dramatic as the first swap, but was noticeably better still. Don't forget the fronts. I put progressive springs in the forks...more than well worth the 80 buck. Good luck and ride safe.
Hboat & Ace2001 did you have the heavy duty 440's" i'm about 230, but when i ride two up, which would be longer rides only, passenger is about 160, and i would have up to about 50#'s of gear...
I'm still curious if anyone has installed the 1/2 inch longer version and how they felt affected the handling of their bike.
I'm still curious if anyone has installed the 1/2 inch longer version and how they felt affected the handling of their bike.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Berkeley, CA
I'm not sure I can help ya w/ that decision. I'm gonna guess that you might want the HD's. A call to Progressive to discuss it w/ them is probably a good idea. I'm 170#, ride w/ no pre-load, and I love love the comfort of a 'plush' ride. I'm also runnin' the 11 1/2's and am happy w/ them.
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Former Sponsor
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 252
Likes: 5
From: OC, CA
Ok, i'm ready to start making some changes to the suspension, and I aslo can't stand the look of those chrome shocks on my FXDF. I've searched and read thru the forums, trying to understand what i should do. I know that i want black exposed coil shocks, but after that i'm not sure...
Mostly i will just be riding around town, and some short trips, but i do want to play in the twisty's when i can. i mostly ride one up, but occasonly will ride two up. are the 412's good enough? or should I go for the 440's? i have read and been told by friends that i should get the 12.5" which is 1/2 inch over stock, that the bike will handle better? also right now, i think the suspension is soft, and would prefer somthing a little stiffer, so do i get the progressive Heavy Duty shocks? I also plan on getting some stiffer springs for the front forks, or possibly the WORKS's cartdrige fork inserts i read about in the forum.
Mostly i will just be riding around town, and some short trips, but i do want to play in the twisty's when i can. i mostly ride one up, but occasonly will ride two up. are the 412's good enough? or should I go for the 440's? i have read and been told by friends that i should get the 12.5" which is 1/2 inch over stock, that the bike will handle better? also right now, i think the suspension is soft, and would prefer somthing a little stiffer, so do i get the progressive Heavy Duty shocks? I also plan on getting some stiffer springs for the front forks, or possibly the WORKS's cartdrige fork inserts i read about in the forum.
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Novice
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
progressive 412
personally i love my 412's/ wide glide was 12.6 stock and i dropped to 12" HD and now can lean much farther as the shock does not compress nearly as much as the stockers. So even dropping 1/2 inch i actually have more room to boogie. I love love them. Here's my thoughts: save the money you would have spent on the 440's and upgrade the front shocks! Either Progressive HD springs ( what i would do ) or ricors intimidators, or even try the heavier fork oil thing (ehhh not sold on this one yet)... Yes 412's HD and HD front springs. Btw Im 6'4" 280lbs. trust me u need to do front and back at same time.
Todd
Todd
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,218
Likes: 0
From: Yakima WA
I am 6'6" and 330. On my 06 street bob I use the 12 inch 440 shocks. Even with me on there, I am set at the softest preload. I also have the progressive springs in the front with SE heavy fork oil. Bike rides a performs well.