Rear Shocks?
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 3,578
From: Texas
Rear Shocks?
Has any used, or know anything about these shocks, Progressive Suspension 412-4049B 12 Standard 412 Series Shocks For Harley Davidson Touring.
I need new shocks on my bike.
I need new shocks on my bike.
I like them. Not sure what else to say. They are a noticeable improvement over the stockers. I don't have a frame of reference to say how they compare to the big bux stuff (Ohlins, etc).
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 721
Likes: 18
From: Galesville, WI
Think I had the Progressive 944 STD and HD versions on mine and honestly hated them. Maybe it depends on style of riding? We are 2up 90% of the time and loaded. Sold em and got some Ohlins and never looked back. HUGE improvement! So for a matter of maybe another $150 initially I could have just went with the Ohlins. But instead I messed around with the progressives for about a year. Live and learn!
Some here are satisfied with them, some are not. Lot's and lots of threads to read on this subject.
Some here are satisfied with them, some are not. Lot's and lots of threads to read on this subject.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 327
Likes: 2
From: Southampton U.K
these have been on my 1996 wide glide for almost 20 years and they still work fine 
I emailed progressive the other day because the bushes are starting to perish and they said as long as they still work they dont need replacing..
I cant compare with stock shocks as never rode with them but i can corner my wide glide like a lot faster than one would imagine a harley to corner and thats sfter 20 years
I emailed progressive the other day because the bushes are starting to perish and they said as long as they still work they dont need replacing..
I cant compare with stock shocks as never rode with them but i can corner my wide glide like a lot faster than one would imagine a harley to corner and thats sfter 20 years
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,590
Likes: 444
From: Ohio
Go with 13".
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
If you are keen to buy new shocks we have Hagons available over here old chap. Their 'normal' ones are OK on my Sporty, although I wish I had splashed out on their Nitros, which should give a better ride. If you ride mostly solo then choice of brand is not as critical as riding 2-up, especially with a special passenger. I have Ohlins on my Glide and they are sublime, especially 2-up and fully loaded on tour. It's the only way to travel!
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 356
From: virginia
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,817
Likes: 7,850
From: SE Louisiana
When I bought the Ohlins, Howard at Motorcyclemetal just came out with the #2 adjustables, which he called 2.5's at the time, they have the longest stroke @94mm (3.7")of all the models he offers, which is a big advantage, and quite more than other high end aftermarket shocks offered for a touring Harley.
2.5's are not on his website, and Ohlins doesn't offer them either AFAIK, you have to call him to order them.
Yes they are expensive but worth every penny to me,
(you also get a HDF member discount)
I'm two up almost 100%, have about 35k on them.
When I got the '09 ultra a few months back, on the first ride, it was a good reminder of how bad the air shocks rode compared to quality shocks.
I came home and ordered another set.
I had to send a check to reserve a pair because parts for them where on order, and not available for a month, and I believe he was sold out before the parts arrived, I was going to wait however long I had too, took a little over one month.
And well worth it.
The shocks are built from specs you provide, such as model, two up, combined riders weight, luggage.
You don't just throw them on, you have to check swingarm alignment and correct it with shims, accurately set up sag(spring preload), then damping, not hard at all.
The shocks are 13", but with the riders aboard are under 12" with the sag set up at 1/3 of the total stroke.
2.5's are not on his website, and Ohlins doesn't offer them either AFAIK, you have to call him to order them.
Yes they are expensive but worth every penny to me,
(you also get a HDF member discount)
I'm two up almost 100%, have about 35k on them.
When I got the '09 ultra a few months back, on the first ride, it was a good reminder of how bad the air shocks rode compared to quality shocks.
I came home and ordered another set.
I had to send a check to reserve a pair because parts for them where on order, and not available for a month, and I believe he was sold out before the parts arrived, I was going to wait however long I had too, took a little over one month.
And well worth it.
The shocks are built from specs you provide, such as model, two up, combined riders weight, luggage.
You don't just throw them on, you have to check swingarm alignment and correct it with shims, accurately set up sag(spring preload), then damping, not hard at all.
The shocks are 13", but with the riders aboard are under 12" with the sag set up at 1/3 of the total stroke.
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Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 842
Likes: 47
From: New Hartford CT
Several years back I dumped the stock air suspension front and rear in favor of Progressive 440 shocks and Progressive fork springs with Ricor Intiminators. This was a big improvement over stock from a handling perspective, but the ride was no longer quite as plush. I decided that the handling improvement was worth the somewhat rougher ride.
Over time though, my old bones began demanding a little more comfort, so I finally splurged on the upgrade. The handling is just as good if not better, and the ride is smoothed right out. Win-win. Expensive, yes, but in this case you get what you pay for.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 61
Likes: 2
From: California
I just purchased my 2.5 adjustable Ohlin shocks from Howard "The Man," Messner. So, now I have to wait until the delivery date. I am pretty excited about installing and setting them up on my 16 Road King. It should make a world of difference. By the way, Howard was great. Very knowledgeable, but I am sure I will be picking his brain in the near future.
