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I’m looking to get new rear shocks for my 1980 FLH 1200. I want to keep the original look with the long chrome spring covers. What shocks do you recommend? The shocks that I will be replacing measure 12” from eyelet center to eyelet center (13.25” overall length). I would not be surprised if these are the original shocks. Apart from looking beat, when the spring preload adjusters are turned old road grime and sundry sedimentary gunk comes out of the holes of the adjuster covers. They are too soft and mushy, even with the spring preload maxed. I am hoping that new shocks will yield a better ride and less sag when cornering.
Thanks!
The answers you will get are what ever someone has bought is the best.
I run the Progressive on a couple of bikes and like them. They make a model 412 with chrome covers.
J&P also sells a replica set for about half the price.
If I remember correctly most recent discussions regarding this topic (2-3 months ago) resulted in purchasing NOS items off Ebay. I also did the same thing about 2 years ago, the originals were made by Gabriel of Canada.
Progressive 412 - is the only thing i would use nothing else is better the ride is great - you will not be disappointed and they have a stock look to them
Lots of take off HD shocks on EBay. Are the J&P house brand shocks any good? They are inexpensive. Are they good, or cheap Chinese knock-offs? The Progressives aint cheap, but theyre cheaper than a set of Ohlins, et al., so really not so bad if they are high quality.
Another question: on a 4 speed FLH, is there an advantage to going with a longer shock, like. 12.5 or 13? My bike has very limited cornering clearance, and that is with moderate riding. I feel that when I am leaning in a curve these old shocks are compressing too much and the bike sags and the floorboards start to grind. I am hoping that better shocks will help with that, but I am not opposed to going with a better length if it yields positive results, so long as it doesnt change to look of the bike.
I have used the J&P's they were about the same as the OEM's in other words ok. I also I think when you put new shocks on you most likely won't grind the floorboards.
Lots of take off HD shocks on EBay. Are the J&P house brand shocks any good? They are inexpensive. Are they good, or cheap Chinese knock-offs? The Progressives aint cheap, but theyre cheaper than a set of Ohlins, et al., so really not so bad if they are high quality.
Another question: on a 4 speed FLH, is there an advantage to going with a longer shock, like. 12.5 or 13? My bike has very limited cornering clearance, and that is with moderate riding. I feel that when I am leaning in a curve these old shocks are compressing too much and the bike sags and the floorboards start to grind. I am hoping that better shocks will help with that, but I am not opposed to going with a better length if it yields positive results, so long as it doesnt change to look of the bike.
Front end needs more love than the shocks for that, 2" over tubes and cowbells with a progressive spring kit and 1/2"-3/4 extra spacer tube sticking out of the tube before you put caps back on. If she's old enough to still have the baffles in the tube caps remove them, useless. 30 weight non detergent motor oil instead of fork oil. Made my shovel wide glides a lot more rideable overall for my canyon habits.
Doesn't change the looks much and give you just enough riding height the dragging about goes unless you are getting real frisky. Rear shocks will help the overall ride but the front needs it more on the old girls.
Front end needs more love than the shocks for that, 2" over tubes and cowbells with a progressive spring kit and 1/2"-3/4 extra spacer tube sticking out of the tube before you put caps back on. If she's old enough to still have the baffles in the tube caps remove them, useless. 30 weight non detergent motor oil instead of fork oil. Made my shovel wide glides a lot more rideable overall for my canyon habits.
Doesn't change the looks much and give you just enough riding height the dragging about goes unless you are getting real frisky. Rear shocks will help the overall ride but the front needs it more on the old girls.
Thank you for that! I’m going to look into how to do that for this FLH. More cornering clearance will make this bike so much better!
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What Are the Best FLH OEM Style Shocks?
