412 progressive vs stock
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 0
From: Lake Ridge, VA
I have just 1300 miles on my 2 week old 2013 leftover RK police (FLHP). I have been riding for over 40 years (roadraced for 18 including 4 as AMA pro), but this is my 2nd harley ('02 fatboy was first). Among many other bikes, I've also had 2 Roadstars, and one Guzzi 1400 California, so I'm used to 700+ pound bikes.
This RK has the singularly most horrible suspension I have ever experienced. The front end while it has the correct springs, has way to much compression damping, so the front end has no compliance over square edged bumps. Lighter oil should fix it, just haven't done it yet. Hoping it will get better w/a couple miles.
The *** end of this bike is worse. The air shocks are practically rigid, in terms of spring rate, way too high (I weigh 185). I cant even evaluate the damping because they literally don't move, regardless of pressure. As it is I had a set of 12.75" progressive 412's on the shelf from a Guzz project. Even though progressive told me to use 130/90 springs (I ride solo), I have been using the 150/105's that were on there, and they occasionally bottom out, so I'm in no rush to try lighter springs (which I also have on the shelf). The bigger problem is they, like the forks have too much damping, and pack down over a series of stutter bumps.
It is comical when the bike hits certain bumps, bouncing back and forth, inducing false inputs into my throttle hand, and throttle.
Once I get the saddle, windshield and forks sorted, I'll be dropping some big bucks on quality shocks.
This RK has the singularly most horrible suspension I have ever experienced. The front end while it has the correct springs, has way to much compression damping, so the front end has no compliance over square edged bumps. Lighter oil should fix it, just haven't done it yet. Hoping it will get better w/a couple miles.
The *** end of this bike is worse. The air shocks are practically rigid, in terms of spring rate, way too high (I weigh 185). I cant even evaluate the damping because they literally don't move, regardless of pressure. As it is I had a set of 12.75" progressive 412's on the shelf from a Guzz project. Even though progressive told me to use 130/90 springs (I ride solo), I have been using the 150/105's that were on there, and they occasionally bottom out, so I'm in no rush to try lighter springs (which I also have on the shelf). The bigger problem is they, like the forks have too much damping, and pack down over a series of stutter bumps.
It is comical when the bike hits certain bumps, bouncing back and forth, inducing false inputs into my throttle hand, and throttle.
Once I get the saddle, windshield and forks sorted, I'll be dropping some big bucks on quality shocks.
Last edited by Seapup; Jul 6, 2014 at 03:36 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: Delaware
tnx, I remember you.
Might go ohlins, although, these high end harley shocks, which I just learned about from this thread, sound interesting.
I almost feel like I have to get at least 2 way adjustable damping (compression and rebound) to get thd ride I want. An 800# bike should ride like a freakin' caddilac!
Might go ohlins, although, these high end harley shocks, which I just learned about from this thread, sound interesting.
I almost feel like I have to get at least 2 way adjustable damping (compression and rebound) to get thd ride I want. An 800# bike should ride like a freakin' caddilac!
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 55
From: Sedalia,Missouri
I have also considered the 412's for my 2010 Ultra but others have convinced me to spend more for a better shock. Being on a limited bugget I have decided on either the Progressive 944's or the HD Premium. I forgot to mention I am also wanting the 12' height because I am 5'7. My stock shocks have 30,000 miles on them and do still hold air but I just don't like them.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
People talk a lot of BS about shocks on the forum. Some will have you believe $1000 shocks are needed, really? Bottom line, I have the 412 HD shocks in the 11.5 inch size, works great for me. Do you want to ride motocross on your bagger? Do you want to keep up with Jap rockets in the twisties? All I wanted out of my shocks was a reduced height, decent ride, and no bottoming, done deal. The stock shocks sucked, my Progressive HD 412s are much better. Spend more (lots!) and I'm sure you'll get a better shock, but I don't have a candy ***, the 412s work good enuf for me!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 35
From: Fl
It's obvious you have little knowledge of shocks , shocks serve two functions 1) primary function to help you maintain traction , which keeps you in control and up on two wheels 2) is a smooth and comfortable ride . How do shocks do that ? They react to changes in the road allowing the swing arm and wheel to either rise over a bump or go down into a pot hole etc. while the bike its self stays level. This gives you a smooth and controlled ride. Stock shocks are terrible , Progressive and a few others are better , Ohlins and JRi are far superior. Why ??? Look at dyno testing on various shocks . What does shock dyno testing show ? Shock Dyno testing shows the speed a shock reacts to change. The faster a shock reacts to change the smoother ride and more in control you will be. The slower reacting a shock is will not allow it to fully absorb a bump or handle a pot hole and the bike will follow the wheel and swing over the bump or into the pot hole . The bike won't stay level and you will loose some traction and it will not be as smooth. Progressive 944 are around $520 and only offer a preload adjustment and are still a slow responding shock , Ohlins #2 or JRi A are a preload adjustment only shock and are around $570. Either of these would be my suggestion. They are shocks made from racing technology and when you put them on a shock dyno you will see they are a high performing shock. Most guys don't understand suspension and their comments are limited to it feels better than stock , I'm not a sissy so f____ you , real intelligent comments . Do yourself a favor , do it once and do it right. Look in the classified section and you will always find used Progressive shocks for sale , do you ever see any Ohlins or JRi ? There is a reason for this . I hope this information is helpful and I really am not trying to be a smart *** or insult anyone , just offering good information.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
so what if a shock is 220 bucks. if they work and give a nice ride then so be it. thats why i started this tread. and why would HD put crap on a 24k bike always a smart a**. but anyways i was kinda wondering about the HD premium shocks too. Floridapoolboy thx for the response. thats what i was looking for in a response.
Tourer
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 263
Likes: 30
From: Canada, Thailand
I have a 2011 RKC with stock shocks, seems to ride fine but then again the roads where I live are very good. I guess the amount you need to spend is what you need to deal with the roads you ride on. This probably accounts for so many different opinions on shock performance
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,121
Likes: 489
From: sunny florida
I'm running the progressive shocks on my $35,000 bike and don't care if anyone likes it. The ride is 1,000 times better than the stock air shocks. I doubt very seriously that I could tell the difference between $200 shocks and $2,000 shocks. If I was racing or jumping, maybe. I only paid $159.00 for mine on sale....
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
From: St Johns
I just talked to Harold at motorcycle Metal and I believe I am on my way to the Ohlins #6. This is a lifetime shock as it can be setup and rebuilt for different bikes. I'm one for buying something one time and not having to do it twice.
Last edited by GungHo-HD; Jul 9, 2014 at 06:39 PM.