Shock Decision.

[LuxBlue]

I've been listening to a lot of forum discussion on the merits of changing out the stock rear shocks. I've decided to go the Progressive Shock route after suffering through bottoming out occasionally with the stock shocks on my '04 1200 Custom. I think I'm going to go with the Progressive 418 Series Chrome Heavy Duty shocks since, with riding gear, I'm about 200 lbs. and I do about 25% 2-up riding with my 120 lb lady. Sometimes with 20+ lbs. of gear. Sound right so far everybody? Or would I be OK with the standard shocks instead of the heavy duty? All the sizing charts point to the 11.5 inch shocks for my ride. I measured the stock shocks to be 11.75 inches so I'm betting you won't even notice the 1/4" difference. Also, I'm seeing prices anywhere from $350 to $500 for a pair. Anybody know a better price and/or the best place to purchase them? Thanks to a great forum!

[klown]

I've been listening to a lot of forum discussion on the merits of changing out the stock rear shocks. I've decided to go the Progressive Shock route after suffering through bottoming out occasionally with the stock shocks on my '04 1200 Custom. I think I'm going to go with the Progressive 418 Series Chrome Heavy Duty shocks since, with riding gear, I'm about 200 lbs. and I do about 25% 2-up riding with my 120 lb lady. Sometimes with 20+ lbs. of gear. Sound right so far everybody? Or would I be OK with the standard shocks instead of the heavy duty? All the sizing charts point to the 11.5 inch shocks for my ride. I measured the stock shocks to be 11.75 inches so I'm betting you won't even notice the 1/4" difference. Also, I'm seeing prices anywhere from $350 to $500 for a pair. Anybody know a better price and/or the best place to purchase them? Thanks to a great forum!

for that price you may want to go ahead and get 440's

[decman]

No, for 11.5" the 418's or 412's is the way to go.
440 are only 'better' at 12" and above.

Either Jireh or MAW for prices.

[decman]

I would also go with the HD springs

[klown]

No, for 11.5" the 418's or 412's is the way to go.
440 are only 'better' at 12" and above.

Either Jireh or MAW for prices.

Where did you get this information from? I called up progressive last week and asked them about what kind of rear shocks to get. I told them I wanted 11" shocks and they said the best solution is the 440's. I am just curious why you think the 440's are worse at less than 12"

[klown]

I would also go with the HD springs

Personally, I would think you were crazy if you get new shocks and go with HD springs. HD springs are not progressive rate springs, progressive springs are. If you are worried about bottoming out, then you need to get progressive rate springs, they actually get much stiffer as they are compressed more, unlike the HD springs.

[Trout]

Where did you get this information from? I called up progressive last week and asked them about what kind of rear shocks to get. I told them I wanted 11" shocks and they said the best solution is the 440's. I am just curious why you think the 440's are worse at less than 12"

Several months ago, maybe a year ago, when Progressive had a different website, they had a guy named Larry that would answer tech support questions online. I studied the site very closely as I was trying to decide which shocks to get. As I recall, Larry said that the 11" 440's didn't have enough travel to take advantage of the IAS technology. I also remember him saying that Progressive had dropped the 11" 440 from the product lineup. I can't find an application selector on their site anymore, so I would check to be sure that they even offer an 11" 440. Even if they do, an 11" shock has very little travel and it's main function in life is to lower a bike as much as possible while retaining some 'suspension' functionality. Again, recalling info from Larry, if someone wants an 11" shock, the recommendation was always the 412. The 418 starts out at 11.5" and my friend has a set. I like them very much. They look great and provide a great ride. I myself bought a set of 12" 440's. They replaced a set of stock 11.75" Hugger shocks, and the difference is night and day.

[LuxBlue]

Thanks for the replies but now I'm confused. Aren't the "heavy duty" version of the 418s the same progressive rate as the regular, just meatier springs? With a combined weight of almost 350 lbs for 2 riders and gear will the regulars be enough? The 5th position on my stock shocks barely holds that up now and around town I'm set on position 3 for most 1 and 2 up riding with out gear. Also, I know it's only a cosmetic thing but I like the looks of the 418s over the 440s. Anything has to be better than stock.

[thunderpaw]

The standard spring rates are 75/120 lbs
The heavy duty ones are 90/140.

If you weigh 225 or more and/or carry a passenger and 'stuff'...opt for the heavy duty shocks.

Any of the Progressive shocks are a quantum leap above the stockers. The 412s are excellent (I believe they are an evolution of the much loved SW shocks of the 70s) The 418s are gorgeous and give the rider manual control over compression damping...more control than some boutique shocks at more $. The 440s are pretty too, with billet end caps. They also are the only shock in the line designed to run inverted(less unsprung weight). The compression circuits are somewhat unique, lending to the Edelbrock truck shocks-with their "IAS Technology". Basically, there are two circuits...one for progressive compression, and the other, like a 'blow-off' circuit under higher rates of acceleration(of the suspension). The ride is controlled and comfortable (trewth) without my even thinking about it.

Kim

[decman]

Yes Trout is right on, I got my info from Larry before
he left the company. Sorry but since he left, the
tech info from Progressive has been poor.
You can still search the BB for some of his answers.

Larry used to say that 11.5" was the limit on the 440's
but he later started to recommended only 12.0"
I thought he should have a good reason for that
since the company would like to sell the 440's
if they can.

HD was progressive Heavy Duty not Harley Davidson.
Sorry I should have spelled it out.

[rider1951]

I've been listening to a lot of forum discussion on the merits of changing out the stock rear shocks. I've decided to go the Progressive Shock route after suffering through bottoming out occasionally with the stock shocks on my '04 1200 Custom. I think I'm going to go with the Progressive 418 Series Chrome Heavy Duty shocks since, with riding gear, I'm about 200 lbs. and I do about 25% 2-up riding with my 120 lb lady. Sometimes with 20+ lbs. of gear. Sound right so far everybody? Or would I be OK with the standard shocks instead of the heavy duty? All the sizing charts point to the 11.5 inch shocks for my ride. I measured the stock shocks to be 11.75 inches so I'm betting you won't even notice the 1/4" difference. Also, I'm seeing prices anywhere from $350 to $500 for a pair. Anybody know a better price and/or the best place to purchase them? Thanks to a great forum!


Go Parts Direct have very good prices on the 412s. I think they are a very good shock and a very good value for the money. I really like my 12 1/2" 412s. At your weight I think I would look at the heavy duty springs. I weigh in at 150 lbs and run the standar spring at the 2nd setting and sometimes the 3rd setting. I only ride solo so I don't know how they are with a passenger. I've found in the past it depends on who you talk to at Preogressive to which shock they like. I've been told the 440s are the only way to go and later told by someone else the 412s are the way to go. Unless you are really stuck on the slammed look you might want to go with a longer shock. I really could not see a lot of difference in bike height with the 12 1/2".

[txsporty]

Check out EASTERN PERFORMANCE CYCLES (http://stores.ebay.com/EASTERN-PERFORMANCE-CYCLES_W0QQssPageNameZstrkQ3amefsQ3amesstQQtZkm)

They have a bunch of stuff and if you email them, they can probably get what you want and be cheaper also!!! :D

[LuxBlue]

I ordered the 11.5 inch Progressive 418 shocks, heavy duty, in chrome today from Nature Coast Motorsports. I'll post again when I put 'em on to let you know how I like 'em. Thanks for all the input.

[prbetts]

Has anyone got 440's on a Roadster? If so, what length? I'm interested in performance more then crusing comfort and also a bit more cornering clearance, definitely not lowering.

[cantolina]

Go Parts Direct have very good prices on the 412s. I think they are a very good shock and a very good value for the money. I really like my 12 1/2" 412s. At your weight I think I would look at the heavy duty springs. I weigh in at 150 lbs and run the standar spring at the 2nd setting and sometimes the 3rd setting. I only ride solo so I don't know how they are with a passenger. I've found in the past it depends on who you talk to at Preogressive to which shock they like. I've been told the 440s are the only way to go and later told by someone else the 412s are the way to go. Unless you are really stuck on the slammed look you might want to go with a longer shock. I really could not see a lot of difference in bike height with the 12 1/2".

I got the 12 1/2 412's as well...

Ride 2 up all the time...on the 3rd setting.....they're awesome...

I weigh 150 as well, and the second setting is perfect for me alone....

Don't want to steer you from a more expensive product on price alone, but the 440's would have to be pretty bad-ass for me to be impressed with it now...

[missyd]

I looked at the PS shocks but never considered buying a pair of them. For a little bit more money I got my Ohlins and I am very happy with them. ;)

Just my 2c .... :shhhh

[SkippyRay]

No, for 11.5" the 418's or 412's is the way to go.
440 are only 'better' at 12" and above.

Either Jireh or MAW for prices.

I've got to say NO WAY!! I have a set of 11 440s on my bike and they are the shiza!! I can still dial them in and adjust.

[Shamdog]

Just bought 13" 412's for $138. Can't wait to try them!

[thunderpaw]

Has anyone got 440's on a Roadster?
Yes, I have the 13" 440s on my '05 1200R. Love them. I think the 418s will give nearly the same performance, with the exception of the 'blow off' circuit in the 440s. I went with the 440s because they were only a few bucks more, were designed to run inverted and I admired the valving technology. No regrets at all.

Kim

[Barry Clark]

Switching my 11" 03-1310's (90/130) for some 11" 412-4022's (115/155)...hopefully soon. The ones I got are for someone who isn't as heavy as me and when my wife hops aboard, then it is rub city.

[Big_Baazzoo]

now, of course, I'm finding the 440's in 11" but the 412's the shortest is 11.5"...hmmmm....

[HugoM]

. . . I really like my 12 1/2" 412s . . .
I'm considering the 12 1/2" for my 2005 1200 Custom. How's your bike's lean angle on its jiffy stand?

Thanks,

Hugo

[xena]

now, of course, I'm finding the 440's in 11" but the 412's the shortest is 11.5

Look here Baazzoo. Think I'm going to go for a set of these myself.

http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=412-4022C&Category_Code=