Hey guys,
Would like any pointers that anyone can give. I am going to install Progressive 412 shocks on my 2010 SB this weekend. Stock are 12" and the new progressive's are 11". I have not done shocks before, but it does not look to difficult and I am tired of paying $80 a hour at Harley. Any tips would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

When I did mine long ago to my XL, it was one of my first mods to a Harley. I was nervous, cause it was a Harley, but I also knew I could do it compared to the other things I done to other cars and machines.
I had a toddler and a pregnant wife at the time, so I was not into having something go wrong nor downtime from what little riding I get to do. that being said, if I can do it... so can others.
I had a floor jack as my friend. I lifted her up, and made sure she wasn't gonna fall. I had all the tools..... I had read the Progressive instructions and multiple threads. I have not looked here but the sportster section had some good threads.
Since you are changing height, you will need to remove both before installing the new ones. other than that it is simple as pie.....
If you think you cant do it, try an Indy shop. I had one quote me $30 to geterdone.
have fun, good luck, have a beer when you're done and post some pics for us of the process.

 

with a jack it would be a 15 minute job, might be tough without one. the hardest part on mine was inserting the rubber bushings

 

Jack up your scoot so the rear tire is just off the ground. Remove the old shocks and replace them with you new ones. Take your time, read the destructions and like chamba said have a beer afterward. Don't worry it's easy, you won't learn if you don't start wrenchin. Top bolts you'll need a 3/4 socket, bottom bolts I think are torx 45. If you have trouble with the rubber grommets, use soapy water. Good luck

 

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here's a video I did a while back...............
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For sure something that an average person should be able to handle. To me the hardest part was getting the bike off the ground and stable, as I don't have a motorcycle jack (yet). The other issue I ran into, which may not be a problem normally, is the top shock mounting bolts would just spin and not loosen. I then realized that since the previous owner added detachable saddle bag mounts that the bolt went all the way through and the nut on the back side was spinning. Just popped off the seat and put a wrench on the nut.

Even with those issues it took me 45 minutes start to finish.

 

Can't get easier than that. Adjusting them is more of a trial and error thing. Have fun.

 

Why not buy a 12 pack of beer.
Invite a bud over.
Take one shock off then have your bud sit on the bike to compress the other shock.
Install the new shock.
Repeat.
Drink beers as needed.

 

nice job on the video mud.

 

Yeah, sweet video mud.