12 switchback rear springs
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2nd Gear
Joined: Feb 2015
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From: Va
12 switchback rear springs
i bought my bike in feb and and the lowering springs that came on it are to low and stiff.. it has progressive shocks now is there something i can adjust or do to make it a better ride or should i just get another set if shocks
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Joined: Sep 2008
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From: Northeast, NJ
I just got Hagon Nitro shocks this past week for my FLD, but went for 13" over the stock 12". I have yet to take it out for a test (hopefully this weekend). These are sprung for the rider's weight. I went with the 13" for more travel in the shock (3.2" vs. the stock 2.1") and better cornering clearance. The longer travel gives the innards more time to absorb road imperfections and what not. More plush ride. I had researched pretty heavily for about 6 months before deciding on a shock. I wanted the best I could buy in the $500 range.
In your case, going with shorter shocks is going to reduce travel. While it looks cool, my understanding of shorter shocks is that they give a harsher ride with less cornering clearance. Also, you didn't mention which Progressives you went with. The 412's are not known to provide that much of an upgrade in road feel. I understand the 444's start getting decent performance, however, I believe all Progressives are either sprung "normal" or "heavy duty" vs. a spring weight more fine tuned for the rider.
In the $500'ish range, you have....
Progressive 444's - Provide adjustable preload and have a decent rebound/dampening system. Available in a broad range of lengths.
Hagon Nitro's - Provide adjustable preload and dampening. Sprung for rider weight. Available in a broad range of lengths.
Ohlins - I totally forget the model #, however, contact Howard at Motorcycle Metal. He builds these for your weight and riding style. I believe they are preload adjustable only and only come in 12.5"'ish and 13 3/8". These are closer to $600.
There may be other shocks in that price range, but these were the ones I targeted after researching.
If you go for a higher price point, a lot more options open up. For a lower price point, I think the Hagon 2810's for under $400 were the best performance available. The 2810's are also built for rider weight and are offered in a bunch of lengths.
In your case, going with shorter shocks is going to reduce travel. While it looks cool, my understanding of shorter shocks is that they give a harsher ride with less cornering clearance. Also, you didn't mention which Progressives you went with. The 412's are not known to provide that much of an upgrade in road feel. I understand the 444's start getting decent performance, however, I believe all Progressives are either sprung "normal" or "heavy duty" vs. a spring weight more fine tuned for the rider.
In the $500'ish range, you have....
Progressive 444's - Provide adjustable preload and have a decent rebound/dampening system. Available in a broad range of lengths.
Hagon Nitro's - Provide adjustable preload and dampening. Sprung for rider weight. Available in a broad range of lengths.
Ohlins - I totally forget the model #, however, contact Howard at Motorcycle Metal. He builds these for your weight and riding style. I believe they are preload adjustable only and only come in 12.5"'ish and 13 3/8". These are closer to $600.
There may be other shocks in that price range, but these were the ones I targeted after researching.
If you go for a higher price point, a lot more options open up. For a lower price point, I think the Hagon 2810's for under $400 were the best performance available. The 2810's are also built for rider weight and are offered in a bunch of lengths.
Last edited by rauchman; Mar 16, 2015 at 09:54 AM.
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