Progressive 412 suggestion
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15
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From: Toronto
What you didn't say so far, is what model Sporty these are going on.
For your weight, the SD 412 shock is what you want unless you ride 2up more than 50% of the time. The break point for going to the HD 412 is rider over 200-220 lbs.
Depending on the model of your Sporty as shock length varies, the best riding 412's are 12.5" and longer. The 412's come with 2 different spring rates depending on the length, 12.0" and under and 12.5" and longer. The spring rate on the 12.5 and longer provides a better ride based on Progressive's information and in my experience as well.
For your weight, the SD 412 shock is what you want unless you ride 2up more than 50% of the time. The break point for going to the HD 412 is rider over 200-220 lbs.
Depending on the model of your Sporty as shock length varies, the best riding 412's are 12.5" and longer. The 412's come with 2 different spring rates depending on the length, 12.0" and under and 12.5" and longer. The spring rate on the 12.5 and longer provides a better ride based on Progressive's information and in my experience as well.
Seems like I ride 2-up quite often, so my question now is should I go with:
412's @ 12" heavy duty
or
412's @ 12.5" standard
Will 12.5" STD when riding solo at 150lbs be suitable ?
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15
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From: Toronto
Thanks for your input guys.
Quick update: I adjusted the preload setting on the stock shocks and notices a huge difference, even when riding solo at 150lbs. Set the preload the the 5th position and we only bottomed out twice with passenger
I spoke with the Progressive tech and he has recommended that I go with standard springs. HD springs would be something recommend for riders that are 250 lbs or more, and ride 2 up more than 50% of the time. With my individual weight, the HD shocks would be way too stiff when I ride alone.
As for length, he did mention that the longer the shock the better the ride. I'll be ordering the 12" standard 412's this week. Can update once installed
Quick update: I adjusted the preload setting on the stock shocks and notices a huge difference, even when riding solo at 150lbs. Set the preload the the 5th position and we only bottomed out twice with passenger
I spoke with the Progressive tech and he has recommended that I go with standard springs. HD springs would be something recommend for riders that are 250 lbs or more, and ride 2 up more than 50% of the time. With my individual weight, the HD shocks would be way too stiff when I ride alone.
As for length, he did mention that the longer the shock the better the ride. I'll be ordering the 12" standard 412's this week. Can update once installed
Don't you mean you'll be ordering a 12.5" set w/ standard (75/120 lbs) springs. 412-4064x ?
x = color. (90/130 lbs) is the HD spring found in 412's -12" and shorter (I think). You can always click up on the standard if you're bottom out w/2up. You will love the difference.
x = color. (90/130 lbs) is the HD spring found in 412's -12" and shorter (I think). You can always click up on the standard if you're bottom out w/2up. You will love the difference.
Thread Starter
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Novice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15
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From: Toronto
Don't you mean you'll be ordering a 12.5" set w/ standard (75/120 lbs) springs. 412-4064x ?
x = color. (90/130 lbs) is the HD spring found in 412's -12" and shorter (I think). You can always click up on the standard if you're bottom out w/2up. You will love the difference.
x = color. (90/130 lbs) is the HD spring found in 412's -12" and shorter (I think). You can always click up on the standard if you're bottom out w/2up. You will love the difference.
However, are you saying that I should (go with 12.5") because of the difference in the spring type? As I mentioned, I do ride 2up more then I ride solo.
Maybe I'm being very picky now lol. Worried that at 12.5" and solo, the bike will loose it's lowered appearance.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 378
Likes: 134
From: South Dakota
I tried the air shocks and hated the way they looked - that stupid fitting poking out was ugly and, with the little rubber covers, they just looked comletely wrong and out of place. Then I realized that I had to make spacers so they'd clear everything. They never made it to the street.
I bought a set of 412's ("standard duty" 13-1/2 inchers) and put them on. I still needed spacers but they came with the shocks and are not noticeable at all.
The ride is an order of magnitude better than the stock shocks (I'm 6-2 and about 225). There's none of that hammer blow in your butt and lower back going over sharp bumps (it's more of a smooth, hard push) and I've not bottomed out yet with the preload set on 3. It is very hard for me to see how the 440's would be worth the extra expense over the 412's. With me on the bike I think the height is really close to where it sits with the standard shocks.
I also recommend the Progressive front springs. I chose the standard duty units and I'm very happy with them. The change is noticeable right away - much less harsh over bumps.
Novice
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 20
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From: north providence
The first thing you should know is that 412 shocks are just a notch above stock shocks. Better, but not by a lot. If you have the money, look into the 440 units.
But, if you are set on using 412 and you don't mind the added height, add at least 1" over stock. It makes s huge difference in comfort.
Deciding between standard and HD, you have to decide between occasional bottoming with standard and a harsher ride with HD on solo rides.
If you ride a lot 2-up, say 50% or more, the HD is a good plan. If less than 50% and your 2-up riding is generally slower and on smooth surfaces, the standard shocks will do fine.
Seriously though, a little more investment in a gas-charged shock is one of the best investments for a happy ride.
Yes, you will want better front suspension too. Look at progressive or Race Tech for some progressive wound springs.
But, if you are set on using 412 and you don't mind the added height, add at least 1" over stock. It makes s huge difference in comfort.
Deciding between standard and HD, you have to decide between occasional bottoming with standard and a harsher ride with HD on solo rides.
If you ride a lot 2-up, say 50% or more, the HD is a good plan. If less than 50% and your 2-up riding is generally slower and on smooth surfaces, the standard shocks will do fine.
Seriously though, a little more investment in a gas-charged shock is one of the best investments for a happy ride.
Yes, you will want better front suspension too. Look at progressive or Race Tech for some progressive wound springs.
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To go against the grain slightly . I've had my Sportster for about 4000 miles now and despite my initial reaction I have grown quite comfortable with the standard suspension . It can be a pain in the **** if the road surface is really bad but in general I find myself riding hundreds of miles without being conscious of any shortcomings . I guess it's all relative to what you are used to . I rode GSXR 1100's for 20 years so the Harley doesn't feel too bad by comparison .
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 12,254
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From: England
The stock suspension on my bike by virtue of the rider weight before requiring adjustment suggests that the lightest rider it takes care of is about 185lbs. For a lighter rider then there is no sag and no sag is bad news.
I went with Progressive 430 as I have saddlebags and they don't need tools for adjustment. The shock length is 11.5" to match what came off.
I weigh 145lbs so in theory the SD springs should be fine for me and might just about cope 2 up at 300lbs.
My own feeling is the shocks do not respond fast enough, they just seem incapable of smoothing out small not very deep pot holes.
With the angle of the spring a 12" shock would raise the bike height a negligible amount but I wonder if a proper rated linear spring would work better.
EDIT: After some reading of other folks experiences it seems on our unpredictable roads progressive springs are better. Linear springs are for the race track with a limited number of variables to the surface.
I went with Progressive 430 as I have saddlebags and they don't need tools for adjustment. The shock length is 11.5" to match what came off.
I weigh 145lbs so in theory the SD springs should be fine for me and might just about cope 2 up at 300lbs.
My own feeling is the shocks do not respond fast enough, they just seem incapable of smoothing out small not very deep pot holes.
With the angle of the spring a 12" shock would raise the bike height a negligible amount but I wonder if a proper rated linear spring would work better.
EDIT: After some reading of other folks experiences it seems on our unpredictable roads progressive springs are better. Linear springs are for the race track with a limited number of variables to the surface.
Last edited by Andy from Sandy; Aug 9, 2019 at 03:25 PM.