A week or so ago, I posted a question about getting Progressive 412 shocks for my bike (2012 FLHTK). I already knew one of the OE HD air shocks was leaking oil. During the removal of the old shocks I found that both shocks were leaking. One was leaking worse than the other.

After a ton of reading I decided on standard 12.5 inch Progressive 444’s. I did have Burly lowering blocks on the bike but removed them when I installed the new shocks. I figured the bike should be close to the same seat height without the lowering blocks, and I was right.

I ride solo pretty much 100% of the time. I can’t say they are like riding on a magic carpet as some members of the forum have said. They are better than stock, that’s for sure. I have much more confidence in corners now compared to the OE air shocks, especially since one of the old shocks wasn’t working properly. After a good 100 mile ride today on varying road conditions I can say I am quite satisfied. There is a dip on one section of a back road that I like to cruise on. With the old shocks that dip would throw me off the seat. Today I hit the dip and it felt like a minor bump.

I don’t know how the standard version of the 444’s would be with 2 up fully loaded but Progressive offers a heavy duty version. I think I made the right choice and I won’t have to check the air pressure anymore in my shocks. I won’t miss that.

 

Many shocks will be more subtle after some miles (break in)