different progressive shock models
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 206
Likes: 0
From: Northern IL
different progressive shock models
Ok, i'm starting a slightly diff thread even though there was another progressive one not to long ago, i didn't wanna be a dick n hijack it...
Progressive makes like 4 or 5 diff shock models that all vary in price. but aside from lengths, what are the differences between things like 440 and say the 412? On progressive's site, they all say "superior to stock"... ya i get that part, but what makes the different models, well different and are there ones that ride better than other ones? i just don't wanna end up coughing up like 240 bucks for the 412s, only to find out i should shelled out the dough for 430s or 440s... know what i mean???
Progressive makes like 4 or 5 diff shock models that all vary in price. but aside from lengths, what are the differences between things like 440 and say the 412? On progressive's site, they all say "superior to stock"... ya i get that part, but what makes the different models, well different and are there ones that ride better than other ones? i just don't wanna end up coughing up like 240 bucks for the 412s, only to find out i should shelled out the dough for 430s or 440s... know what i mean???
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
How well a shock performs is directly related to the quality of its dampening system combined with the proper spring rate.
Some need a spanner wrench to adjust, some you turn by hand. Lower end shocks have a 5 positions preload, others have endless adjust-ability with threaded adjustment.
Higher end shocks have high pressure gas chambers (aka piggyback) that hold more gas and have adjustable compression dampening. Like everything else you usually pay for what you get.
50% of people seem to say the 412's are not an improvement over stock. Overall Ive heard better reports on the 440's (vs: 412) as you would expect from the difference in price.
I went with the 970 series, after I placed my online order I had second thoughts and wondered if I needed my head examined. Bike handles like a dream, no second thoughts now. Its by far the most satisfying mod Ive done.
Warning:
Once you get some decent shocks on back your going to quickly realize just how shitty the front OEM springs are.
Some need a spanner wrench to adjust, some you turn by hand. Lower end shocks have a 5 positions preload, others have endless adjust-ability with threaded adjustment.
Higher end shocks have high pressure gas chambers (aka piggyback) that hold more gas and have adjustable compression dampening. Like everything else you usually pay for what you get.
50% of people seem to say the 412's are not an improvement over stock. Overall Ive heard better reports on the 440's (vs: 412) as you would expect from the difference in price.
I went with the 970 series, after I placed my online order I had second thoughts and wondered if I needed my head examined. Bike handles like a dream, no second thoughts now. Its by far the most satisfying mod Ive done.
Warning:
Once you get some decent shocks on back your going to quickly realize just how shitty the front OEM springs are.
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 756
Likes: 1
From: Austin, TX
he pretty much nailed it.
I had the 430's on my XL and found it to be an improvement from stock. looked better, no more bottoming out. of course you can bottom out any shock, but I felt a noticeable improvement on my everyday terrain.
I am deciding between 440 and 970. I would not drop $ on just a 412 upgrade (.02cents)
How well a shock performs is directly related to the quality of its dampening system combined with the proper spring rate.
Some need a spanner wrench to adjust, some you turn by hand. Lower end shocks have a 5 positions preload, others have endless adjust-ability with threaded adjustment.
Higher end shocks have high pressure gas chambers (aka piggyback) that hold more gas and have adjustable compression dampening. Like everything else you usually pay for what you get.
50% of people seem to say the 412's are not an improvement over stock. Overall Ive heard better reports on the 440's (vs: 412) as you would expect from the difference in price.
I went with the 970 series, after I placed my online order I had second thoughts and wondered if I needed my head examined. Bike handles like a dream, no second thoughts now. Its by far the most satisfying mod Ive done.
Warning:
Once you get some decent shocks on back your going to quickly realize just how shitty the front OEM springs are.
Some need a spanner wrench to adjust, some you turn by hand. Lower end shocks have a 5 positions preload, others have endless adjust-ability with threaded adjustment.
Higher end shocks have high pressure gas chambers (aka piggyback) that hold more gas and have adjustable compression dampening. Like everything else you usually pay for what you get.
50% of people seem to say the 412's are not an improvement over stock. Overall Ive heard better reports on the 440's (vs: 412) as you would expect from the difference in price.
I went with the 970 series, after I placed my online order I had second thoughts and wondered if I needed my head examined. Bike handles like a dream, no second thoughts now. Its by far the most satisfying mod Ive done.
Warning:
Once you get some decent shocks on back your going to quickly realize just how shitty the front OEM springs are.
I am deciding between 440 and 970. I would not drop $ on just a 412 upgrade (.02cents)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,384
Likes: 12
From: Out on Deranged
Well don't stop at 440 either. I had a slightly lowered (11.5") on my bob and found them stiff from day 1. i weigh 185 lbs and tried dialing them in as reccomended by prog , and even spoke to prog on the phone tring to get comfy with these supposed amazing shocks, at that time they were top of the line, rode them for two years and wound up selling them for 200$ and am now back to my stockers which IMO are way better than those 440's I had.
Maybe had I know well enough to go with longer travel...... maybe.
To do it over I wouldn't waste time or money and just go for ohlins shocks. The 940 progs are just a copy cat of them anyway!
Maybe had I know well enough to go with longer travel...... maybe.
To do it over I wouldn't waste time or money and just go for ohlins shocks. The 940 progs are just a copy cat of them anyway!
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Ct
Just removed my 940's yesterday, put the stock air shocks back in. Much better ride. I will order Ohlins #6's from Howard this week.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 220
Likes: 4
From: San Diego
I've been shopping/researching what shocks I want for my next mod. Thanks for bringing this up.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
The only thing the 412s are good for is if you want to slam or jack up your bike without spending a bunch of money.I had 11" 412s the bike looked better and rode better than it would have with rigid struts.I went with Heavy Duty because several people on this forum had blown the seals on the standard 412s.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,630
Likes: 17
From: Central FL
412's are not much better than stock. The 440's ride real nice but if you get shorter ones the ride will suffer. 440's also have a lifetime warranty. I had one start leaking and sent both back and got them rebuilt. Only cost was shipping and they were back in about a week. Great customer service. I currently have the black 11.5 but if I was to do it again I would go for the 12 or 12.5.