Mini review Progressive 412 HD
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Atlantic Canada, eh
Mini review Progressive 412 HD
PN 412-4050C...purchased from Fortnine.ca in Canada and rec'd in my mailbox in about 4 days.
I took off a set of 13" air shocks (which I didn't find that bad really) and installed the 412 - 12" Progressives (with Heavy duty spring) onto an '04 RKC.
I am a returning rider with only 1 season under my belt (been away 34yrs), mid 50's. Weigh 215 with normal clothes, so a bit more with all the gear (dressed like a pirate). I think all in this shock is at the lower limit for my weight and if I was heavier or 2-up, I might find it smoother.
I'm not very tall, so got these slightly shorter (1") shocks primarily to touch the ground better at intersections and when parking the bike. I installed them at the default setting as received which I think is the softest setting. It would appear the spring is the most expanded in this setting, whereas I think if I cinched it up 4 or 5 notches, the spring would have been most compressed. (stiffer? - can anyone comment on that?)
Not being very experienced I can't give an authoritative comparison. I would say they are equal to or slightly better than the air shocks. I know I hit a couple pretty bad bumps this morning that launched me off the seat (nothing new for NB roads) but I never heard the bike bottom out, which I have heard before running the air shocks at 8-10psi...... I really like that I can now flat foot the bike. I like chrome so I bought the chrome covers, though you can barely see them around the soft-ish (hard) leather bags on the RKC, lol.
I've only done 55 miles on them on country roads, a little highway and some city, but I am thinking I'll like them. They did seem to soften up a bit after the first few miles and I never heard the squeak/rattle some report.
I took off a set of 13" air shocks (which I didn't find that bad really) and installed the 412 - 12" Progressives (with Heavy duty spring) onto an '04 RKC.
I am a returning rider with only 1 season under my belt (been away 34yrs), mid 50's. Weigh 215 with normal clothes, so a bit more with all the gear (dressed like a pirate). I think all in this shock is at the lower limit for my weight and if I was heavier or 2-up, I might find it smoother.
I'm not very tall, so got these slightly shorter (1") shocks primarily to touch the ground better at intersections and when parking the bike. I installed them at the default setting as received which I think is the softest setting. It would appear the spring is the most expanded in this setting, whereas I think if I cinched it up 4 or 5 notches, the spring would have been most compressed. (stiffer? - can anyone comment on that?)
Not being very experienced I can't give an authoritative comparison. I would say they are equal to or slightly better than the air shocks. I know I hit a couple pretty bad bumps this morning that launched me off the seat (nothing new for NB roads) but I never heard the bike bottom out, which I have heard before running the air shocks at 8-10psi...... I really like that I can now flat foot the bike. I like chrome so I bought the chrome covers, though you can barely see them around the soft-ish (hard) leather bags on the RKC, lol.
I've only done 55 miles on them on country roads, a little highway and some city, but I am thinking I'll like them. They did seem to soften up a bit after the first few miles and I never heard the squeak/rattle some report.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Tampa
I got similar shocks on a similar bike (1994 RK), in the 12.5" length. I only weigh 180ish with full gear and I ended up swapping out the regular duty springs that came on the shocks with a set of springs that are designed to be used on the Dyna version of the 412's. Granted I'm lighter, but I've also taken the trunk, faring, and engine guard off the bike so there's about 80 less pounds from the FLHTC it left the factory as.
Much better feel at the onset of bumps and when moving down the road they really smooth out the bike. And yea, they do take a few hundred miles to smooth out. Like a new seat, bolt them up and hit the road, then assess how they feel.
I'm surprised at most shock manufacturers. They lump ALL the touring bikes into one set of shocks where there's a good 150lb difference between a base model Road King and the Super Dooper Ultra Classic with every option.
Much better feel at the onset of bumps and when moving down the road they really smooth out the bike. And yea, they do take a few hundred miles to smooth out. Like a new seat, bolt them up and hit the road, then assess how they feel.
I'm surprised at most shock manufacturers. They lump ALL the touring bikes into one set of shocks where there's a good 150lb difference between a base model Road King and the Super Dooper Ultra Classic with every option.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2017
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From: Atlantic Canada, eh
You're right Matt. And 55 miles is hardly a fair review, however I had time to type after getting back, so these were my first thoughts.
Perhaps in another 55 miles, they'll settle in further. Who knows. I didn't have a partner avail to set the sag, but looking over my shoulder with measuring tape in hand
and doing a little ESP and out of body experience, it seems I am likely in that 3/4"-1" zone they talk about. I just hope I am thinking about the adjustment in the right way.
I could've/should've I bought the normal duty for my weight class and intended use but grabbed the heavy duty as wife plans to ride 2-up with me SOMEDAY.....when that day will be is anyones guess. LOL
Appreciate the reply. Kindof a Newb, so nice to get some good info from those in-the-know
Perhaps in another 55 miles, they'll settle in further. Who knows. I didn't have a partner avail to set the sag, but looking over my shoulder with measuring tape in hand
and doing a little ESP and out of body experience, it seems I am likely in that 3/4"-1" zone they talk about. I just hope I am thinking about the adjustment in the right way.
I could've/should've I bought the normal duty for my weight class and intended use but grabbed the heavy duty as wife plans to ride 2-up with me SOMEDAY.....when that day will be is anyones guess. LOL
Appreciate the reply. Kindof a Newb, so nice to get some good info from those in-the-know
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 4,315
Likes: 1,663
From: Tampa
No prob.
PM me in the future if you wanna know how to change the springs in yours to the normal weight. I'd bet even with your wife well after the break in you'll get sick of the stiffness of them shocks.
PM me in the future if you wanna know how to change the springs in yours to the normal weight. I'd bet even with your wife well after the break in you'll get sick of the stiffness of them shocks.
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