Progressive 412's std vs HD vs changing shock oil
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
Can't say how well progressive or ohlin shocks work on a harley. Can say that my stock 13" shocks with 15 oil do not bottom out when I'm banging down dirt tracks with adv type bikes, and rides very plush without any added air pressure on the asphalt.
Cost me two ~$20 for two different jugs of oil to get it right. That's several hundred less than good quality replacement shocks. The results are good enough that I'm no longer window shopping replacement shocks.
Cost me two ~$20 for two different jugs of oil to get it right. That's several hundred less than good quality replacement shocks. The results are good enough that I'm no longer window shopping replacement shocks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 22
From: USA
EDIT: Oh, and changing the oil out in the shocks takes 10 minutes each if you have the Harbor Freight vacuum brake bleeder and correct fitting to put into the shock. That bleeder is a great value and I've used it a dozen times or so.
Last edited by Bagger_Vance; Apr 27, 2014 at 07:13 PM.
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 1,117
Likes: 4
From: Log home in SE Michigan full time. Log cabin in east TN, Smoky Mountians part time
As posted....this mod works soooo well that I've not considered selling my Street Glide as it rides soooo much better and my back doesnt hurt at all. $10 worth of Bel Ray and the world is a smooth place. The rest of you doubters....keep paying the stealer for that incorrect information, after all they need the money, lol.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
Do you know what fitting I will need, and where I can get one?
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,423
From: USA
The vacuum pump kit will come with the fitting you will need. Just remove the brass bit the air line plugs into on the shock. Stick the tapered hose plug into it. It'll hold well enough to do the job.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 4,618
Likes: 290
From: Johnstown, PA
Thanks for the info!!! I have the HF pump kit, but not sure if I still have all of the fitting. They are cheap enough to just go buy another one?. Can this be done with the shocks left on the bike, or will I need to take them off and turn them upside down?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 2,087
Likes: 22
From: USA
The fitting did not come with my HF vacuum pump either. You might be able to do it on the bike somehow but I don't know the procedure. It only takes a couple minutes to take them off if you have a jack and will make your life a lot easier. If no jack then do one side at a time. Here is the procedure:
-Release all air pressure from shock
-Take shock off and put in your vice with fitting at the bottom
-Remove stock fitting and put in barbed
-Connect tubing to fitting
-Use the inline cup that came with the pump
-Hold cup below the shock fitting level
-Pump to create vacuum to fill up the cup with old fluid
-Release pressure
-Dump old fluid into a container you can measure
-Repeat drawing out old fluid until nothing comes out
-Turn shock right side up
-Measure the amount to put back in
-Fill up the cup with clean fluid
-Pump it up to create vacuum
-Turn the cup upside down and hold above the shock height
-Release pressure to draw new fluid into the shock
-Repeat until measured amount of good fluid is all in the shock
-Put stock fitting back in and reinstall
-Release all air pressure from shock
-Take shock off and put in your vice with fitting at the bottom
-Remove stock fitting and put in barbed
-Connect tubing to fitting
-Use the inline cup that came with the pump
-Hold cup below the shock fitting level
-Pump to create vacuum to fill up the cup with old fluid
-Release pressure
-Dump old fluid into a container you can measure
-Repeat drawing out old fluid until nothing comes out
-Turn shock right side up
-Measure the amount to put back in
-Fill up the cup with clean fluid
-Pump it up to create vacuum
-Turn the cup upside down and hold above the shock height
-Release pressure to draw new fluid into the shock
-Repeat until measured amount of good fluid is all in the shock
-Put stock fitting back in and reinstall
Last edited by Bagger_Vance; Apr 27, 2014 at 10:11 PM.
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Joined: Nov 2013
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From: Santa Clarita
Any mom 'n' pop auto parts store with knowledgeable people and Edelman fittings can help you out...1/8" NPT X 3/8" barbed hose fitting will get it done. I had one in my parts stock.