Question about Progressive suspension.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 289
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From: North Carolina
Question about Progressive suspension.
Ok so I've had my 48 for about 2000 miles and love every thing about the bike. The way home from the dealer I was worried as riding out of the city was one spine jolt after another. I added a Mustang wide vintage solo and that made about a 200% difference, literally could spend hours in it, did over 300mi last friday and was fine.
Ive been searching the forum and reading up on the 412's from progressive, I have two questions regarding rear shocks:
1.What size 412's should I get. I'd like to keep the ride height the sameish. Would going with the 11.5" not be an improvement over stock?
2. If i go with the 12's would it alter anything else about the bike/ride, would anything else have to be modified for clearance?
When I do this I'm also going to get the front springs from Progressive, I've read these are a great improvement as well.
Thanks guys
Ive been searching the forum and reading up on the 412's from progressive, I have two questions regarding rear shocks:
1.What size 412's should I get. I'd like to keep the ride height the sameish. Would going with the 11.5" not be an improvement over stock?
2. If i go with the 12's would it alter anything else about the bike/ride, would anything else have to be modified for clearance?
When I do this I'm also going to get the front springs from Progressive, I've read these are a great improvement as well.
Thanks guys
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 168
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield
Check out ebay. A lot of people are finding used road glide air shocks and putting them on their sporties... I haven't found a decent pair but love the 412 black covered shocks..they have a but load of them on ebay. I will be getting the 12 inch ones for better travel. Also so my lady will enjoy the ride a bit more. I will also be doing the front spring kit.. Post with pics when you are done. I will do the same!
Supporter
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,434
Likes: 292
From: Earth
12" and under still have a pretty harsh spring rate due to the still short travel. 12.5" and over shocks have a much better spring rate. Remember that you so not gain the actual difference between your OEM shocks and what you decide to put on. I had 11.75" shocks as supplied by the MoCo and installed 13" 412's and it rides and handles very well.
I went with the 12.5" for the better spring rate and it was the best decision I've ever made with the bike. Unbelievable difference both solo and two up
At first I was worried about raising the bike, but going from 11" to 12.5" only raised the bike one inch due to the angle of the shock. Honestly I think it makes the bike look more aggressive. Maybe people are just being nice but I've got nothing but compliments on the new stance
At first I was worried about raising the bike, but going from 11" to 12.5" only raised the bike one inch due to the angle of the shock. Honestly I think it makes the bike look more aggressive. Maybe people are just being nice but I've got nothing but compliments on the new stance
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,095
Likes: 11
From: Central Illinois
I had a long talk with a guy at progressive and he informed me that the 444's have much better valving than the 412s.
Just a thought, if you really want a huge ride improvement, may as well pay a bit more for the 444s and get a shock with much better internals (they look the same though).
Just a thought, if you really want a huge ride improvement, may as well pay a bit more for the 444s and get a shock with much better internals (they look the same though).
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 289
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From: North Carolina
I've heard the 444's are great, just a little more than I want to spend.
I'm, sure the 12.5 and up are great however I really just don't want to raise the back end, JMO.
For some background I'm 5'11, 190 and honestly the ride isn't too harsh now with the mustang seat, just looking for a little improvement. I'd like to think they would be better than stock but if its identical at 11.5" honestly the upgrade isn't really worth it to me.
Anyone have thoughts on the 11.5" 412's with the front springs too?
I'm, sure the 12.5 and up are great however I really just don't want to raise the back end, JMO.
For some background I'm 5'11, 190 and honestly the ride isn't too harsh now with the mustang seat, just looking for a little improvement. I'd like to think they would be better than stock but if its identical at 11.5" honestly the upgrade isn't really worth it to me.
Anyone have thoughts on the 11.5" 412's with the front springs too?
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: North Carolina
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 173
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From: Texas
If you care about lean angle..
I went with 13s because I was concerned the 13.5s would be too tall looking... it was a mistake. My lean angle is still not very good with 13s. At the very least I am going to have to replace my exhaust again for more clearance.
If you don't care about lean angle I can tell you the 13s are extremely comfortable. I don't think I have ever bottomed them out solo.
I went with 13s because I was concerned the 13.5s would be too tall looking... it was a mistake. My lean angle is still not very good with 13s. At the very least I am going to have to replace my exhaust again for more clearance.
If you don't care about lean angle I can tell you the 13s are extremely comfortable. I don't think I have ever bottomed them out solo.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 114
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From: Cincinnati
You can also look at lowering blocks if you want a longer shock but want to keep the height down.
I'm picking up a set of electraglide air shocks this weekend and am going to install them. If the bike looks too jacked up, I'll install some of DK's lowering blocks.
I'm picking up a set of electraglide air shocks this weekend and am going to install them. If the bike looks too jacked up, I'll install some of DK's lowering blocks.
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Tourer
Joined: Apr 2013
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From: North Carolina
Hypothetically:
If I changed the rear to 11.5" progressive and left the fronts stock. What do yal think?
That would be the most cost and time effective. And the front inst really too bad, and I could live with the stock rears but I want an opinion on if the 11.5" progressives offer ANY improvement over stock.
This is my first time ever dealing with changing a suspension, forgive me for my ignorance on the topic.
If I changed the rear to 11.5" progressive and left the fronts stock. What do yal think?
That would be the most cost and time effective. And the front inst really too bad, and I could live with the stock rears but I want an opinion on if the 11.5" progressives offer ANY improvement over stock.
This is my first time ever dealing with changing a suspension, forgive me for my ignorance on the topic.