Suspension Upgrade Question
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Joined: Aug 2010
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From: Chicago,IL
Suspension Upgrade Question
I know this has been on here before, but every time i read it, i seem to get different answers from everyone. I am looking to put some Progressive 412 HD shocks on my bike. I ride by myself MOST of the time, but when my wife rides with me on occasion, we weigh a total of like 425...I want to keep the bike around the same height as it is, give or take an inch (dont think that will be noticeable), but im not sure WHAT THE STOCK LENGTH OF THE REAR SUSPENSION IS. Does anyone have any suggestions for which size to get in the heavy duty for my situation?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 484
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From: PA
measure from center bolt to center bolt , on my 08 custom it was 11 1/2 " and went to 13" and rides like a caddy...and if you go that route do the front fork springs , amazing ride.
Last edited by PAsportster; Jan 16, 2011 at 08:48 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 484
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From: PA
Account Deactivated
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,757
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
412's,,,,440's
springs,,
tips,info,,,
the shorter the shock the stiffer spring you need to compensate
for less travel.
One up/two up,,, big diff
Lots of riders go with the used or rebuilt Harley air shocks.
I would try If I were you the 412 heavy duty spring or better yet
go to the progressive site and find the spring rate chart.
Standard springs work best in the longer shocks,,13 to 13.5 inch.
Standard rate springs would prolly be ok if yer less than 200 Lbs solo,,,
BUT,,,
2 up,,425 Lbs will bottom out,,,prolly hard.
The spring wieghts go like
75/115
90/125,
100/135,
110/150,, these are examples,,no where near correct,,,,,,
Again the HD air shocks can handle the range you need,,and I think come In two different lengths.
If you can ride solo with the stiffer spring rates then you can go two up
with more preload.
Progressive will work with you,,even send you different springs and loan
you the tool to change them out on the shock...
tips,info,,,
the shorter the shock the stiffer spring you need to compensate
for less travel.
One up/two up,,, big diff
Lots of riders go with the used or rebuilt Harley air shocks.
I would try If I were you the 412 heavy duty spring or better yet
go to the progressive site and find the spring rate chart.
Standard springs work best in the longer shocks,,13 to 13.5 inch.
Standard rate springs would prolly be ok if yer less than 200 Lbs solo,,,
BUT,,,
2 up,,425 Lbs will bottom out,,,prolly hard.
The spring wieghts go like
75/115
90/125,
100/135,
110/150,, these are examples,,no where near correct,,,,,,
Again the HD air shocks can handle the range you need,,and I think come In two different lengths.
If you can ride solo with the stiffer spring rates then you can go two up
with more preload.
Progressive will work with you,,even send you different springs and loan
you the tool to change them out on the shock...
Guest
Posts: n/a
Be sure to get at least 12.5" shocks. Even Progressive says that their shocks shorter than that are no better than stock.
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,077
Likes: 1,601
My Sporty had 11" Progressives on it and they sucked. They were OK for highway riding and smoother roads but would bottom out frequently (and violently at times) on the beat up backroads I ride to work. That's with me riding solo at 180lbs. I can only imagine the horror of riding 2-up on them.
Personally, I would never go shorter than a 12.5" shock on a Sporty. That will still give a nice low look (for those that like that) and have enough travel to be useful. It sounds like you are a prime candidate for the Road King air shocks. The Progressive HD's will be a bit stiff when riding solo. The RK's can be nice and smooth when solo then aired up a little when you plan on riding with the misses.
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Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 51
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From: Chicago,IL
yeah im probably not going to get rid of my nightster, since she rarely wants to ride it. I just purchased some 12" street glide air shocks. Decided not to go with the road king (rk) since i didnt want to change the height of the bike too much. Hopefully this will take care of the problem!