I have a 2016 883 Iron , went for a 50 mile round trip last week and my back was killing me . The Harley OME shock are just terrible . Has anyone installed the Progressive 412 shocks ? There around $270.00 . Would there be that much of an improvement ? Thanks

 

I have the 412's on my 883. They are an improvement, but it is still a stiff ride. There are better shocks out there but they cost alot more.

 

Better enough for the $270.00 ? Knowing what you now know would you purchase again and install , or just stay with the factory shocks ? Thanks

 

412's are a marginal improvement but not great shocks. Then again anything is an improvement over stock

Ohlins are great but not inexpensive.
YSS is a good budget choice, but usually oversprung for the application and getting technical help is difficult to say the least from their Thai factory - maybe the Dealer in the US is better?

Whatever you buy make sure the spring is suited for your weight and riding style. You will not be happy with a one size fits all approach, or the pick between 2 spring rate approach as offered by the likes of Progressive.
You might want to think of a shock with decent travel range so it can shock and not jolt up against the stop over bumps.

Good shocks are not inexpensive, and cheap shocks are......................just cheap

 

Been said before.
For the Iron/ Nightster stance the rear shocks are 11 inch with about 2 inches of travel with 1/3 of that taken up with sag.
For more comfort one could install 12.5 inch length shocks.

IMO
Better shocks can be an art.
Spring rates, compression, rebound, gas charges, rebuildable.
If no budget, the $270 Progressives may be a little better.
If a budget, I'd vote no.
Ohlins can be $1000. and with the Iron's stance, is this cost worth it?

Treat your Iron as rigid frame and any suspension you have is a bonus.
Good luck and have fun with your decision.

 

Well said and I understated the importance of range. A bike with a slammed stance has by design very limited suspension

You will be surprised at the price of Ohlins shocks from Motorcycle metal and the site prices are not Forum Member pricing

 

I gave a review of the Bitubos that DK Customs sells in another thread. In the review I mention you're wasting your time and money if you're not looking in the $500+ price range. Anything less is marginal improvement and you'll always be wondering if it can be a little better. It can be a LOT better,...but you gotta spend money here. A good seat helps too.

 

Agreed. There are three things that contribute to rider comfort, working from the ground up: tyres, shocks, seat. In order of benefit to the rider they probably come in this order: shocks, seat, tyres. Buying cheap shocks is wishful thinking, when a new seat for a similar price may well give better results, which will be even better after adding good shocks! Quality tyres are the cherry and icing on the cake.

 

I replaced my stock shocks with 12.5" Progressives initially. They were a significant improvement over stock and what I felt was a good value for what they offered. The increased travel was/is a definite plus. Still not satisfied with the ride, I replaced the Progressives with Bitubos from DK. I can't say enough good things about these shocks. The Bitubos combined with my Mustang seat and Progressive springs make my Iron comfortable and a joy to ride. Take a look at DK's website: http://www.dkcustomproducts.com/over...-shocks-15.htm
They did some extensive testing of a bunch of rear shocks and talk about their results.

 

What seat are you using? That makes a big difference as well. I had an 09 Nightster, replaced the 11" stock with 12.5" HD progressive 412s and used a Mustang touring solo seat. Transformed the ride, I would buy them again. Did the same for my wife's 11 Iron along with progressive fork springs.