Rear shocks
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
Likes: 4
From: El Cajon Ca.
12.5" Progressive HD412s work great for what you are looking for. I have toured 2 up loaded with great results. I had the 440s before the 412s and had better results with the 412s. For the money they are great shocks.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Went to 13"s myself, improved the ride, didn't hurt the budget for around $120 shipped off eBay for new takeoffs. Riding 2-up, at 50psi, definitely helped.
I read the spec from Cycleworld, the standard 12" shocks on the new SG/RGs have 1.9" of travel. 2.9" really made a difference.
Regarding the height - so you see a little of the rear rotor, big deal. You won't even notice later. Makes filling the tire a little easier anyway if you do it on the floor.
I read the spec from Cycleworld, the standard 12" shocks on the new SG/RGs have 1.9" of travel. 2.9" really made a difference.
Regarding the height - so you see a little of the rear rotor, big deal. You won't even notice later. Makes filling the tire a little easier anyway if you do it on the floor.
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 194
Likes: 1
From: Toronto, Ont.
I put a set of Progressive 430 Series on my '11 RGC. The stock ride was real harsh so I went up 1" from stock on my bike, so 13's I guess. I have the 'HD' springs which can be kinda stiff solo if not adjusted right, but 2-up it is a huge improvement. For what I paid for them on Dennis Kirk I can't complain at all. Now to address the front end...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Sounds familiar. I tolerated my stock shocks for a few months and after trying some Progressive 440's I ended-up with Ohlins 2-3's, which transformed the ride to levels I thought were unattainable. They are not cheap, so if you want an economical solution I would find some used 13" stock EG shocks on Ebay, which usually go for around $50, and sell your 12" SG shocks. You may be able to break even.
If you do buy stock air shocks on Ebay, make sure the seller seals the air connection hole, because if not the oil will leak out. There is no official procedure for replacing the fluid, and HD says to replace the shock, but you can make a jig that will do the job.
If you do buy stock air shocks on Ebay, make sure the seller seals the air connection hole, because if not the oil will leak out. There is no official procedure for replacing the fluid, and HD says to replace the shock, but you can make a jig that will do the job.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 994
Likes: 45
From: North Carolina
jrdfatboy.....I have a 2008 SG and also want to keep the stock 'low' profile, but wanted a better ride.
When I had this conversation with Howard at Ohlins last week he suggested the Ohlins 2-2A. It has basically the same height as stock but with more travel. Howard is a real nice guy and not only knows his product, he also knows how it will effect your bike.
When I had this conversation with Howard at Ohlins last week he suggested the Ohlins 2-2A. It has basically the same height as stock but with more travel. Howard is a real nice guy and not only knows his product, he also knows how it will effect your bike.