Progessive Shock options
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Progessive Shock options
Well the HD stock air shocks aren't cutting it. I have a 2011 Road King. This is a two part question. Which progressive shocks would you guys recommend. I want an easily adjustable shock. I ride 2up a lot of the time and usually the bags are full so I am carrying some weight. From what I have read and I could be totally off here but the 412's look like the way to go for what I want. Also I wanna go lower than stock but don't wanna have scraping issues either. How much shorter shock do you guys think I will be able to get away with,without having an issue?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
I ran a pair of 412 with the heavy springs at 11.5 inches for a while and had no issues with my 300 lbs and my ol at 140. It was way lower than I needed, but it rode good and never bottomed out even on the lowest preload. Tons better than the factory air shocks.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,570
Likes: 590
From: almost there
I like progressive. I have the 444 standard which are easily hand adjustable. Im 195 lb and 1 up leave them at minimal setting so 2 up with luggage they have plenty room for adjustment. 1/2" shorter than stock lowers you more than you think and still gets a nice ride, I would not go more than 1 inch shorter than stock. If carrying heavy weight you may need heavy duty. 444 can be bought for $350.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,325
From: Western South Dakota
Yes-sir-ee Bob or Charlie in this case.
Same here.
Ohlins and JRI's would be nice, but what they get for just the rear end for them.
I got both the 940's for the rear and Monotubes for the front.
A good and smart buy IMHO. FWIW.
Not any regrets and going on 2+ years.
Stage I
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1
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From: Georgia
I'm waiting on my Monotubes and 444's to come in. I'll do the rear 1st as they will be here tomorrow and post on them. I'm sure once the shocks are replaced the need to upgrade the front will be even greater.
Ridden my whole life. This is my first Harley and loving it. Suspension leaves a little to be desired though.
Ridden my whole life. This is my first Harley and loving it. Suspension leaves a little to be desired though.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 6,570
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From: almost there
Stock shocks leave a lot to be desired. Couple months ago I went 444 in the back and progressive springs in the front with complete fork rebuid on my 97 wide glide. What a major improvment.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
412s are progressive base shock and not much better than stock. I have 940s at stock height and while they are better than stock (about any thing is) I sure wish I'd of gone with Ohlins or JRI. If ya are gonna lower it, ya need as good as ya can get. If ya just want something a little better and easy to adjust the SE shocks are about the same as progressive. I scrape now, so any lower I'd scrape more.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Jun 26, 2013 at 10:09 PM.
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Stage III
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Oregon
Okay so have since changed my mind probably going with 444 series. Myself I run 250 or above loaded with all my gear I'm sure we are over 500 lbs. Should I go with the HD versions.
I do ride some by myself so don't want an overly rough ride when I do. Thanks everyone for all the info.
I do ride some by myself so don't want an overly rough ride when I do. Thanks everyone for all the info.
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