hey fellas, question, I am thinking about Progressive 412 shocks in black, now, in order to keep the same rear height as the original shocks or maybe just slightly lower, what size should I use?

thanks!!!!

 

Funny you bring this up. Just purchased and installed the Progressive 412 (412-4062-B) on my Iron. I went with the 11" standard duty since I am 185 and ride 2-up minimally and did not want to alter ride height.

The 11" is the shortest they make. To go shorter you need to get the 10" struts or the 10" shock like from Lick's.

Ride is better overall, but nothing is going to get rid of that harshness due to the short (1.5") of travel. Really beats you up on the concrete slab at 80mph.

Been running them on notches 1/2 or 4/5 for 2-up. I wrote Progressive for some setup tips and asking if I had the right units and they just responded. See below. Useless info and the spelling is atrocious... The 2008 883N? Shocks/forks are or are not the same??? Corning?

We have not yet tested the 883N model yet for 2009. From what we are hearing from the local dealer the shocks are the same as the 2008 883N but the front forks are the same. I can not recommend them as we have not yet tested them but will be this month. From what we have heard the 11” is the stock height and if you are 185lbs and ride most the time solo you want the standard spring rate. Yes around town there are much more bumps so you want a softer ride and during high speeds and corning you want a stiffer ride for better handling. Sorry I could not be of more assistance but if you check back with us in a few weeks we should have the applications listed at that time.

 

hey PBR.. thanks for the info, I really appreciate it!... question.. with the 412 Standard, does the rear height of the bike stay the same?.. I am pretty used to the stock shocks now... but you are right... it is pretty scary when you hit a bump on the highway going 80mph... I feel like being ejected from the seat sometimes... question... how difficult it is to install them?... I wish I had a way to paint the stock one completely black...

 

When you swap the 11" stockers for the 11" 412's the ride height is not altered, but the quality is improved a bit due to the better product. 11" is 11".

The only way to make it cushy from a shock perspective is to get longer ones (like 12.5" +) with more travel. Even the 11.5"'s or 12" have only like 1.5" or 2" of travel. No better.

Overall you have to suffer for low. The price we pay for style. You will constantly fight the harshness on the big bumps with stiffening them or bottoming out with softening them.

Not just an issue on the Nightsters and Irons, my dad's 50th Anni XL has 11 inchers and "rides like a buckboard". As per him, and he has owned XLs since 1969.

If color is your issue, just rattle can them. F*** it.

They did take some edge off, but not $200+ worth. Would keep the stockers in hindsight.

Living the Sportster life I guess it is time to just man up, and hang on.....

 

"Living the Sportster life I guess it is time to just man up, and hang on....." that's funny!... and thanks much for the advice, I will be saving that money only to waste it on wild girls!!.. :-)

Have a great weekend!..

 

Hi - I rode a sportster during my "Crazy Days" in the 70's....Yes they existed even back then...had not ridden since until now.....got on a 2010 XL 883 N IRON and was just blown away! Yes I brought it! Have researched the shock issue alot and here is my two cents worth. The only thing I dislike about the iron is the bottoming out on bumps on the highway 55 mph+.....I decided to replace the stock shocks with 12.5 Progressive Black 412 Shocks. Man, what a difference. I was really thinking of trying the 13 inch but I didn't want to alter the profile a full 3 inches....I thought the space between the tire and the fender with the 13 inchers would be slightly extreme - but wanted to realize some real ride comfort improvement.......so glad I did......................Considering the Progressive Front Fork Spring replacements next............RIDE A IRON!

 

Hey I too have the black 12" progressive 412s on my iron and they look as great as they ride. I'm 200lbs and bottom out sitting still with it on the softest setting but the first preload click turns it into a pillow for my fat ***. They have made a huge difference over the local roadwork and potholes. IMO they're worth every penny.

Edit: correction: I have the 12".

 

If you chose 12.5" ones, how much did your rear end lift up ?
A lot, or not much at all ?
That seems like a good solution on Iron, if it lengthens the shocks travel, but doesn't ruin the looks big time. Or affect the ride.
I have also experienced the bottoming out on highways on my stock shocks, several times. Not fun...
Thinking about changing the rear shocks soon, if those 12.5" ones are good, I might go for those. Rather than sticking with stock lenght 11's.

Edit: went to progressive's site, they have 11"& 11,5" & 12" & 12,5" & 13" & 13,5" lentgh. And in HD.
Uuups, what is the safe/best choice for 2012 Iron? From what I have read here, 11 is the stock lenght, but not the best one to have. But how long should one go for? Without making any stupid mistakes. Riding alone, always. Like the recommended 12,5" does it affect the swingarm or belt in anyway, as it is 1,5" longer?

 

I actually have the 12" and the bike looks just as great as before. I didn't personally notice a change. I'm sure 12.5 would look good too.

 

I have 12" Progressive 412's on my Iron. They are better than stock, but they are still a bit harsh. If I had it to do over I think I'd go with 13" just to get the extra travel. I like the look of the bike with longer shocks, plus the longer shocks help with lean angle.