question about progressive shocks
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: San Francisco
question about progressive shocks
I was looking at getting some progressive 412 shocks. I was wondering if there was a big difference between the 412's and the stock shocks. I know that stock shocks are crap, but are the 412's a noticeable upgrade? Also is there a huge difference between the 430's and 440's? Worth the extra cost?
Lastly, I was looking for some around 12". Fitment says the 12" are for Dyna's but aren't the eyes and build of the shock the same? Do they just say they are for Dynas because 12" aren't the stock size for a sportster? Thanks so much in advance.
Lastly, I was looking for some around 12". Fitment says the 12" are for Dyna's but aren't the eyes and build of the shock the same? Do they just say they are for Dynas because 12" aren't the stock size for a sportster? Thanks so much in advance.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 2
The difference between the stock shocks and the 412's is like night and day.
They LOOK a lot better also!
I cant say how the more expensive shocks are, never used them.
I went from the stock 11.6 inch long shocks to 12 inch progressives, then went to 12.5 inch progressives for even more wheel travel.
We could not ride two up with the stock shocks, tried it once and kept bottoming out on even small bumps.
With the progressives, two up is fine and smooth.
I also got more ground clearance and don't drag the exhaust anymore.
The progressive fork springs are great also.
Brett
They LOOK a lot better also!
I cant say how the more expensive shocks are, never used them.
I went from the stock 11.6 inch long shocks to 12 inch progressives, then went to 12.5 inch progressives for even more wheel travel.
We could not ride two up with the stock shocks, tried it once and kept bottoming out on even small bumps.
With the progressives, two up is fine and smooth.
I also got more ground clearance and don't drag the exhaust anymore.
The progressive fork springs are great also.
Brett
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 886
Likes: 89
The difference between the stock shocks and the 412's is like night and day.
They LOOK a lot better also!
I cant say how the more expensive shocks are, never used them.
I went from the stock 11.6 inch long shocks to 12 inch progressives, then went to 12.5 inch progressives for even more wheel travel.
We could not ride two up with the stock shocks, tried it once and kept bottoming out on even small bumps.
With the progressives, two up is fine and smooth.
I also got more ground clearance and don't drag the exhaust anymore.
The progressive fork springs are great also.
Brett
They LOOK a lot better also!
I cant say how the more expensive shocks are, never used them.
I went from the stock 11.6 inch long shocks to 12 inch progressives, then went to 12.5 inch progressives for even more wheel travel.
We could not ride two up with the stock shocks, tried it once and kept bottoming out on even small bumps.
With the progressives, two up is fine and smooth.
I also got more ground clearance and don't drag the exhaust anymore.
The progressive fork springs are great also.
Brett
Road Captain
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 2
The ones that fit your bike.
They have two choices, replacement springs, or ones to lower the bike.
The ones that lower the bike just reduce the fork travel which is limited to start with, I would not go that way.
You can get them on line for $80.00 I think.
Brett
They have two choices, replacement springs, or ones to lower the bike.
The ones that lower the bike just reduce the fork travel which is limited to start with, I would not go that way.
You can get them on line for $80.00 I think.
Brett
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 748
Likes: 0
From: Ohio
I rode a bike three weeks ago with Prog 412 rear and the std Prog front springs. The ride was incredible compared to my stock Iron. I had been adjusting the pre-load on the stock ones and it just didn't work for me, never felt like a good ride. I actually contacted Brett to get his opinions on Prog shocks, given the expense of them. But I can tell you at least from that 10 mile ride it was very different and I ordered the same set-up for my bike.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
My setup is similar to Bretts, I run Progressive Fork Springs and 7w BelRay Fork Oil up front and 13.5" 440 standards with LAChoppers one inch lowering blocks. I the 3.42" travel of the 13.5" shock and not too much heighth. In the front I used the spacers at their full 3" length. I have a plush but well controlled ride on both ends.
When Cycle World tested a 1200C they said it had the best $5.00 shocks money could buy.
When Cycle World tested a 1200C they said it had the best $5.00 shocks money could buy.
Last edited by 1200Cdriver; May 27, 2010 at 10:27 PM. Reason: Add content
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: San Francisco
1200cdriver- do you think it would be better to get a longer shock with a lowering block, than to do a slightly shorter shock? I want to get the lowest look, so is it better to maintain that longer travel with lowering blocks?
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,599
Likes: 11
From: Colonial Beach, Virginia
D, if I had it to do over I would get the 13" shocks and go without the lowering blocks, the 13" have 3.18" travel, and I'd still stay with the standards as I weigh about 205. Woops, I just noticed that you want the lower look, if so I don't think you can go 13". What is your stock shock length, Thanks, Dave