ODB Reader for 2026 117 FXBB
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 13,118
Likes: 13,066
From: Texas, USA
Well off topic and I already have a "Thread" Policeman" batting his baton at me
Anyway I ordered this one Progressive Black 465 Series 13.5 in. Heavy Duty Shock w/Rap Adjuster
Has to be better than stock. At least you get rebound and preload adjustment. I weigh 190 and with full gear on probably close to 215. I put some Viking saddle bags on and they weigh around 30 pounds together with the mounting hardware attached to the bag.
At any rate Heavy duty is recommended riding two up, or if you are carrying more then 1/2 of the weight rating at all times. I think the FXBB can do a bit over 500 LBS? So I figure I am at half weight to fit the Heavy Duty with no issues. Link to look: https://www.denniskirk.com/progressi...prd/586382.sku
Lee
Anyway I ordered this one Progressive Black 465 Series 13.5 in. Heavy Duty Shock w/Rap Adjuster
Has to be better than stock. At least you get rebound and preload adjustment. I weigh 190 and with full gear on probably close to 215. I put some Viking saddle bags on and they weigh around 30 pounds together with the mounting hardware attached to the bag.
At any rate Heavy duty is recommended riding two up, or if you are carrying more then 1/2 of the weight rating at all times. I think the FXBB can do a bit over 500 LBS? So I figure I am at half weight to fit the Heavy Duty with no issues. Link to look: https://www.denniskirk.com/progressi...prd/586382.sku
Lee
Since then, I have come to believe that all Progressive shocks are a very stiff ride at best.
I hope you don't experience the same with only 215 pounds on a heavy duty shock. Update your thread and let us/me know. Sorry to digress from the OP.
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Stage II
Joined: Jun 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 1
From: PA
I'm not sure if I am the "Thread" Policeman" for changing the topic. I asked because I have a 2012 Heritage and was looking for an improved rear suspension over stock. Everyone raved about the Progressive 422s with RAP. I purchased the standard, not heavy duty, shock since I weighed 178 at that time. I'm now 169. After installing it I spent a week adjusting the preload. Even with the softest preload, the ride was stiffer than a teenager's dick watching his first **** flick. I much prefer the OEM shocks over the Progressives. The RAP is convenient, though.
Since then, I have come to believe that all Progressive shocks are a very stiff ride at best.
I hope you don't experience the same with only 215 pounds on a heavy duty shock. Update your thread and let us/me know. Sorry to digress from the OP.
Since then, I have come to believe that all Progressive shocks are a very stiff ride at best.
I hope you don't experience the same with only 215 pounds on a heavy duty shock. Update your thread and let us/me know. Sorry to digress from the OP.
Anyway I thought about it, and thought about the two, and am sure I will be carrying 250 lbs easy. With the saddle bags now on It wont take long. I mean right off, I carry a tire repair kit and a BestRest air compressor. Then camera a thermos basic first aid, hat, extra gloves and it just goes on and on.
Thank you for the heads up for sure. I have a friend who is a suspension wizard. He will get me set up with proper sag with just the rear shock. My next biggie is front forks and then we will see how it feels and what my friend says. I have read that a 13.5" shock will give you an approximate 1" raise in height so that is what I went with.
I will follow up sometime.
Lee
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clackavosticus
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Mar 22, 2026 07:49 AM
