Shocks advice needed
Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,739
Likes: 10
From: Suffolk, England
I've said it before and I'll say it again....412s are crap. They are barely a replacement for faulty stock shocks. You have a choice between bottoming out and rock solid, nothing between.
Actually, from my experience, Progressive shocks are some of the most over-rated after-market shocks there are. Almost anything else is better.
Actually, from my experience, Progressive shocks are some of the most over-rated after-market shocks there are. Almost anything else is better.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 5,477
Likes: 5
From: New Braunfels, Texas
I've said it before and I'll say it again....412s are crap. They are barely a replacement for faulty stock shocks. You have a choice between bottoming out and rock solid, nothing between.
Actually, from my experience, Progressive shocks are some of the most over-rated after-market shocks there are. Almost anything else is better.
Actually, from my experience, Progressive shocks are some of the most over-rated after-market shocks there are. Almost anything else is better.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Yes I did order the hd, they recommend them for 2 up riding. Either way they are a disappointment, and I should of done a better job of researching prior to buying. But I will say also, I hae about 3k on the progressive shocks and they were not this bad in the beginning. Then again maybe in the beginning I didnt pay as much attention to the ride because I was just happy to be out riding after a crappy spring start.
Just found out Progressive has a excellent warranty and will repair or replace within a few days if they find them faulty. Worth a shot I guess.
Last edited by see22ds; Jul 8, 2013 at 02:44 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
Everyone is different. If we weren't we would all have the same bike with the same configurations. That is boring.
I do not necessary prefer the progressive shocks. I'm a light weight compared to most and my wife is average weight. The 412 shocks are a big improvement over factory shocks. The factory shocks are just plain soft, too soft.
I would have preferred something else but the cost was my objective.
I had a wobble starting around 105+. Since I hit around 120mph at the strip I had to do something. I added the 412-12.6inch- and progressive fork springs. The wobble is gone. The ride is much better now and the bike handles good through the twisties.
Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.
I am not using the HD's though. They are stiff for sure.
I do not necessary prefer the progressive shocks. I'm a light weight compared to most and my wife is average weight. The 412 shocks are a big improvement over factory shocks. The factory shocks are just plain soft, too soft.
I would have preferred something else but the cost was my objective.
I had a wobble starting around 105+. Since I hit around 120mph at the strip I had to do something. I added the 412-12.6inch- and progressive fork springs. The wobble is gone. The ride is much better now and the bike handles good through the twisties.
Sometimes we just have to do what we have to do.
I am not using the HD's though. They are stiff for sure.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 5
From: Coweta, Oklahoma
I bought some Roadking air shocks from e-bay a couple of years ago to improve the ride on my Sportster. I haven't done it on my Superglide yet, but I am seriously thinking about it. I'm telling ya the ride is smooth as a caddy or just about.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
Likes: 5,610
From: along the shore of Mishigami
I've got 412's HD on my Superglide and when we are two up, using a spanner wrench, the shocks are adjusted to the next setting above the "soft", then when I'm solo on the bike the shocks go back down to the soft setting, or #1 setting. Adjustment takes about ten seconds, if I take my time.
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Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 210
From: Manila, Philippines
I had Ricors in 12". Loved the ride but after 2 1/2 years, blew the seals. Emailed Brian if they could rebuild but never replied.
Going with Progressive 970s as they are more readily available and I didnt want the downtime dealing with Ricor and same price as the Ricors. They ride much better, but are 12.6" so that has a big impact.
I also just added the Intiminators and new Progressive springs up front (was lowered) so now it sits a bit high but a better ride. I like the slammed look but my back was suffering too much.
Going with Progressive 970s as they are more readily available and I didnt want the downtime dealing with Ricor and same price as the Ricors. They ride much better, but are 12.6" so that has a big impact.
I also just added the Intiminators and new Progressive springs up front (was lowered) so now it sits a bit high but a better ride. I like the slammed look but my back was suffering too much.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 658
Likes: 3
From: +^
jri shocks are the best for the price. call howard at motorcyclemetal.com he is a site sponsor and will explain to you how works, progressive, racetech are made...then he will explain to you how ohlins and jri are made, he will give you a big discount since you are a forums member....i just orderd some jri 13inch, my progressive 970s look cool but didnt work as good as they looked