Another progressive question

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Feb 2, 2009 | 08:08 PM

rnl_1200C

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Jan 2008

Posts: 886

Likes: 89

Another progressive question

I know this has been asked to death, but I need help with selecting the right progressive shock for me, and want to hear your recommendations. The progressive site is helpful, but I want to hear some real world feedback.

Here are the details:

2006 1200C, Sundowner seat, hard Leather bags.
I want to keep the stock height.
I rarely ever ride 2-up.
My weight is 250+ right now, but am on track to losing some... <sigh>

I ride about 140 miles daily to/from work, and am planning some long trips this year.
I really need to soften the ride.

Thanks for any info.

Feb 3, 2009 | 08:33 AM

capttawes

Road Warrior

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 1,688

Likes: 4

From: Crisfield, MD

Progressive will tell you if you called them that that your wgt. is on the edge of whats recommended for the heavy duty shocks. The best bargain is the model 412 and the stock repl. is actually their 11.5" (stocks are 11.75). I've run the 11", 11.5" heavy and currently have the 11.5" std. and can tell you that if you want to stay around the stock hgt. and be comfortable that the 12.5" std. will be the better choice as the spring rate is 75-120 but with more travel and when you're sitting on the bike it will feel like stock hgt. , If you go with the 12" std. the rate is 90-130 and heavy duty are like 95-115 rate. The 11"-11.5" are actually a little better than stock but still a little harsh and under load you will only have 1" of travel. I'm only 148lbs and ride 2-up pretty often and can say that the shocks do fade over time (mine have after a couple years) and for 2-up I run them on max preload and solo about the 3rd notch or they will bottom out now. I'm probably going to go with 12.5" later on.
A lot of guys that are around 200+ like the bagger air shocks that can be had on ebay anywhere from $50-100 so you might like to try them first in the 12-13" range. The model 440 is a nice shock for riders in the 225-250 range and seem to work well but also cost $400. Typically www.easternperformance.com has the best prices on progressives with free shipping (I've purchased 2 sets from them).

Last edited by capttawes; Feb 3, 2009 at 08:37 AM.

Feb 3, 2009 | 05:15 PM

bansheebob1794

Cruiser

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 109

Likes: 2

From: allentown pa.

I put a set of rear shocks from a roadster on my 05 1200 custom......they are 13 inch /and longger travel/////It lifts the rear up also,,,no more hitting pipes.