Ohlins shocks......that good!?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,088
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From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
Unless I'm wrong, I'm going to disagree JINKSTER. Progressive has many springs and spring rates for the different length shocks. However, they also have the same spring rates for the 13" and 12" shocks. I think it would depend on the stroke of the shocks that might determine the spring rate. They have 12" shocks with 3" of travel with the same spring rate as what you have on your 13", Progressive model # 412-4049B/C as an example. They also have an 11" with 2" of travel with that same spring model # 412-4005B/C. The proper sag on these would be about 1/3 of the stroke.
I've also been looking at Progressives for my XL1200C, which has 12" shocks, but I also want a longer stroke than the OEM and to match the chrome.
I've also been looking at Progressives for my XL1200C, which has 12" shocks, but I also want a longer stroke than the OEM and to match the chrome.
Last edited by RKZen; Mar 8, 2024 at 10:16 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 1,144
Likes: 950
From: Port Saint Lucie, FL
Unless I'm wrong, I'm going to disagree JINKSTER. Progressive has many springs and spring rates for the different length shocks. However, they also have the same spring rates for the 13" and 12" shocks. I think it would depend on the stroke of the shocks that might determine the spring rate. They have 12" shocks with 3" of travel with the same spring rate as what you have on your 13", Progressive model # 412-4049B/C as an example. They also have an 11" with 2" of travel with that same spring model # 412-4005B/C. The proper sag on these would be about 1/3 of the stroke.
I've also been looking at Progressives for my XL1200C, which has 12" shocks, but I also want a longer stroke than the OEM and to match the chrome.
I've also been looking at Progressives for my XL1200C, which has 12" shocks, but I also want a longer stroke than the OEM and to match the chrome.
What it gets down to is "Bike Fitment" when ordering so if you select a Progressive 312 Series Standard 12" shock for your FLH you will get greeted by Part# 412-4079B/C which has a lowly 2.35"s of travel on a rather stiff and spikey 115/150 coil spring (and the dealers/manufacturers have to do this for liability reasons to keep the bike from bottoming out) where if you order up the Progressive 412 Series Standard 13" shock for your FLH? You will be greeted by Part#412-4072B/C which has a somewhat generous 3.48"s of travel with a much plusher and more comfy riding 90/130 coil spring and they can do this because of the extra travel in the shocks stroke which in turn is suitably compensated for via factory set damping.
I've highlighted the specs for both the 13" and 12" 412 Standard Shock specs in the image below...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,456
Likes: 3,720
From: backwoods
I hear ya!
I'm coming from 30 or so years with the same shocks on my 81shovelhead and my 2010 RK bottomed out a couple times while 2 up.
I brought the PSI up to 20 so well see what that does.
But I am curious about how different the ride rwally is with these reservoir types.
Also........those little cylinders look very cool on the back IMHO!!
I'm coming from 30 or so years with the same shocks on my 81shovelhead and my 2010 RK bottomed out a couple times while 2 up.
I brought the PSI up to 20 so well see what that does.
But I am curious about how different the ride rwally is with these reservoir types.
Also........those little cylinders look very cool on the back IMHO!!
But I suspect you put a brand new shock on and it will be better than either of those old shocks. Not sure $$$$ worth
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2023
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From: Florida
Who's Howard???
Club Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 11,588
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From: Inland NW
Ohlins? I got mine from Fuel Moto
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: SW WA.
(Ohlins gold tank version of this shock and the one you're inquiring about) is a straight up race shock that incorporates an very rider weight specific "Straight Rate Spring" which is a great choice for one-up time trials on track day? Leaves much to be desired for the touring types who occasionally load up and/or ride two-up on speed bump and pothole ridden public roads.
I've been more than pleased as has the wife when we hit a bad bump.
The rest of the time it rides way better than stock and handling was also much improved,Fuel Moto was great to work with.