I have an 07 1200 custom with Boss bags. I'd like to upgrade my shocks while remaining compatible with the saddlebags. I've heard progressive 440's and road king shocks are both really sweet. Anyone had any experience with either of these? Or some others that you like? Gracias, amigos.
TLM

 

It really depends on your weight and riding style. I tried 12" Progressive 418's and a set of road king shocks on my XL1200n. While both were an improvement over stock neither was what I expected and I still felt a pretty good jolt on certain bumps. I weigh about 190lbs and i prefer a slightly more aggressive style of ride. I would like to refer you to a thread on another forum. There a couple guys have really done alot of research on sportster suspension. One of them in particular found by combining the body of a Roadster shock with the springs off a custom with a spacer to take up the slack of the shorter spring makes a very good shock. I have done this and it made a vast improvemnt over the stock, progressive 418 and road king shocks. Now once again I say for my style and weight. Depending on your weight and style of riding there may be a better way to go.

Here is a link to the thread.
http://xlforum.net/vbportal/forums/s...d.php?t=118153

 

I run the 2002 XL1200S model Showa piggyback premium shocks on my Roadster. I love them and the ride is awesome. The have 12 adjustments both in compression and rebound as well as 5 on the spring rate. Expensive? Yeah but worth every penny.

 

For what its worth I doubt he's looking to do piggyback resivoir shocks and they definitely wont work with Boss baggs. I'm also pretty darn sure Roadking or other air shocks wont work either as their diameter does not fit the cutout in the bags well.

You can read lots of threads on shocks for darn sure.
I will add this, unless you run with shocks that are about 12.5" the spring rate and travel on shorter ones will only ride marginally better than what you have and no matter the brand or model the results will be the same when running short shocks. I've run 11", 11.5 heavyduty and 11.5" std. spring Progressive 412 shocks and speak from over 24k miles on that assortment. 12.5" length shocks and up not only have more travel but also different spring rates (softer, even in the heavy models) and will ride smoother but will indeed increase the ride hgt. and amt. of space between the fender and tire so its eitehr looks or ride. As for the 440s I've been told by Progressive when I consdiered trying them that the IAS does not work in the shorter lengths and will ride no different than the 412s (same springs) so to take advantage of them you should opt for 12" or longer (their words not mine). They also work best with riders in the 250lb. range vs. lighter folks (again their words).

I think a number of us buy and try a variety of shocks before we just become content with the ride and its bumps/jolts at times

 

412's on the 883r 11" w/ a 1.5" lowering block and they ride way better than the 13" stockers that came on it.

 

For those who do not wish to spend a lot try 36 mm Ohlins, They are within a few $ of 440's but there is no comparison between the two. For those who wish to buy used or convert air shocks there is e-Bay but still no comparison so settle with what you have.

 

TLM, I put these 13.5" 440 standards, "Progressive" on my 2007 1200C, I could not have made a better choice, I weigh the same as you do. They eliminated the squatting on acceleration and actually move if I lean over the bike to unplug the Battery Tender. The stock shocks were the immoveable object. I also run Progressive fork spring with the full length spacer asnd BelRay 7W oil. Its nice to see the wheels follow the contour of the road.

 

Road king rear shocks !!!
Affordable and comfortable.

 

JMHO Here The absolute best Shocks are the Arnott Air Supension System. Pump it up on the Fly, but ain't cheap.. For me the best bang for the Buck was Progressive 412's .. Quite Happy with them..

 

I run Progressive 413's in 15" length.

They may not be the chromiest or best looking, but they are the best handling shocks and definitely the best value.