Rubbermount_EVO Newbie seeks smoother ride

[Jerry P]

BKB, I took your advice and will receive new Progressive 412 shocks Wednesday

At 232 lbs solo, I'm getting 13.5" heavy duty springs, as you suggested

Seems $260 shipped price is cheap way to save my 80 year old lower back.....lol

Man, after 30 non Harley bikes, I LOVE to ride '05 XL1200 Custom

[BKB]

By the way, if the heavy duty springs are still to harsh, Progressive does sell just the springs. I recommended the h-d springs so as to prevent bottoming out on the bad bumps at your weight. I know for myself, at 71 years old & arthritic, that jolt of bottoming is worse than a slightly stiff ride that can be softened a bit with tire pressure &/or lowering the preset of the springs.

[Jerry P]

BKB, gotta thank you man

Installed new Progressive 412 shocks with HD springs, 13.5" with help from my friends yesterday.

Pretty easy and straightforward to do. Raised bike up about an inch (perfect for my height) and not too bad a more aggressive lean on side stand

Rode around park and noticed immediate smoother ride

Will get out on road and really test em out today and report back

Thanks BKB. You steered me in the right direction

BTW I haven't changed pre-load setting yet but, dumb question, which way (up or down) should I adjust to get just a bit softer ride?

[TowPro]

the progressive site says you should set preload so center to center on mount bolts is 12.25" with your weight on bike. Same if your fully loaded with passenger and luggage, 12.25"

Target Ride Length (in) : 12.25
Target Ride Length is the length of the selected shocks, installed, and as measured between the upper and lower shock mounts ***, when the full weight of the rider(s) & gear are on the bike and ready to ride. This is a fast and easy way to set your rear suspension at optimum Ride Sag (1/3 of total suspension travel)

[SLW210]

I wouldn't lower tire pressure for a softer ride. Bad idea. Could lead to premature (and catastrophic) tire failure among other things.

[Jerry P]

Went back to 36 psi in rear tire

Clicked 2 notches of pre-set (counter clockwise) to soften ride

Anxious to try her out if rain stops, that is

With heavy duty springs, I might have to go another notch of pre-set to further soften ride.

Thanks much for your help guys. I'll report back after rain stops

[Jerry P]

Guys, maybe it's my age or my lower back, but I gave up with this fine bike

Even with new Progressive 412 shocks tested at every pre-load notch, my lower back hurt

So on Feb 27, I sold this fine bike

Thanks so much for all of your help and advice.

I sure did appreciate all of ya and am gonna now go over to the Kaw Vulcan forum for help with my new to me (2014) ride (900 cc's, belt driven, fuel injected, mono shock 600 lbs, liquid cooled with only 4000 miles). I celebrate 80 years on Mar 6. Good to have been with you all.

Jerry

[SLW210]

Good luck.

My 80 year old neighbor said he's been looking to get back on a motorcycle. He looked at a V-Star, he said it seemed heavy to him, so he's going to look at smaller bikes.

He said his wife said she was going to leave him if he got a motorcycle. He says he is definitely getting a motorcycle now.

[Jerry P]

SLW210, thanks man

Tell your 80 year old neighbor to go ahead and get that V Star

This 80 year old is really enjoying 700 Lb Kawasaki and is keeping great wife (best ever) too. Three of us (Kaw, Harley & Yam) were out this pm on 50 mile run in 80 degree Florida sun and since I am senior, I get to lead, an honor indeed.

Jerry

[Ranchero50]

Custom shocks are too tight. For the next poor guy, the '03 sport shocks work well but you also need a longer kickstand from a rigid mount. Absolutely love how mine handles.