progressive rear shocks

[Mike R]

I know this has probably been asked but I didn't see it in the search that I did , I am also thinking of getting the progressive rear shocks , the question I have is I ride mostly one up but when I do ride two up my wife is kinda a big girl
I don't want a stiff shock to help with her , then have a terrible ride when I'm by myself , I know there is two spring options , can some one help ? Thanks

[ekap1200]

Hi, its been 65K miles since I bought them from Carl Leo. But I am thinking I did get the HD springs. What a sweet ride it is. Check with Carl first his knowledge is unsurpassed. My bike is air free and its the best modification I have ever made to the 1200. Gene K.

[voyager55]

You want the HD shocks

[Me Again]

You did not say if you were also big.If you are also big the HD shocks will probably be fine.But,if you are not that big you may want to consider the air shocks because if you are small the HD shocks may be to much. if you are medium to large the HD will also be fine. The progressives tend to compensate for weight and road conditions better than stock.

[Mike R]

I vary between 230 and 240 I have found that about 15 -18 psi in the rear to be what I like and damping on 1 in town and 2 on the hwy

[kjsett]

I vary between 230 and 240 I have found that about 15 -18 psi in the rear to be what I like and damping on 1 in town and 2 on the hwy

I went progressives last spring and haven't looked back.
cons:
Have to take the bags off to adjust.
Pros:
Everything.
Used to hit the speedbumps with my oil drain bolt. I would have to walk it over them, all of them.
Responsive ride.
Ok, I weigh about 30-40 pounds more and I purchased the HD's and found that if I set more than the minimum setting (rotate with a tool that comes with) it actually raises up my perspective over the windshield. Now for me the minimum setting is just fine, and it works for short rides with my 2-up person. She rides her own, but for short little jaunts she likes just riding along.
I pull a trailer when traveling so I will be setting it one notch, or two, up for the trip. I set it two up the other day in prep and, thankfully, that isn't what it normally is because with no load and just me it is way to stiff (plus I am seeing 1 to 2 inches higher over the windshield). I will try it with one notch and see how that goes.
I can't speak to the standard ones, but i think they would only be better if you don't ever pull a trailer and you and your significant other total under 300 to 350 pounds. (please don't hurt me). That is just my opinion.
To adjust, best to put it up on the center stand and pull the bags (without trailer on ).
Anyway, having laid her down (the only time) because I was top heavy and the air was too low (not enough clearance around a corner - hit peg), I am very happy with their performance.
Maybe see you in Estes. We will be only there Sunday afternoon thru Tuesday Noon (job issues) and will be camping at the KOA (tent and gold clamshell trailer from Arizona).
Enjoy,
Ken

[Mr Jensee]

my weight is running about 250 these days with some fluctuation. Most of my working life I was right at 200. My wife is about 230 and without adjustments to the shocks the progressives are fine for short jaunts up to 50 miles or more. I don't think with the HD you will have any problems.

[SgtSlag]

I can tell you that I put them on with the standard springs: I weigh around 215, she weighs around 250. After one year(?), one shock started leaking oil; both shocks were replaced, this time with HD springs (shocks only sold in pairs, ordered new shocks with HD springs, threw out the old set). The HD springs have been serving us both, for over two years: no issues. Full disclosure: we ride two up, 99% of the time. The rare times when I ride solo, I have not had issues with it topping out on me -- if it did, it was not enough to prove dangerous, or uncomfortable.

Personally, I would recommend the HD springs, on the sealed shocks. I want nothing to do with air-assisted suspension: too much hassle to deal with 5-10 PSI on fork tubes, and 30-40 PSI on the rear shocks -- I don't need the headaches of messing with these. Cheers!

[chevyman1]

I am 225 lbs and have the HD shocks and I don't have them at there lowest setting.
I don't usually change them when I ride 2 up.
here is a link for a source for the progressive rear shocks and front springs , They were the lowest price I don't know if they still are.
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Sea ... .y=15&mfg=
http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/Sea ... earch.y=12

[Mike R]

i have two more questions ,how hard is it to get to the adjuster for preload ? and, has anyone or does anyone run the 430 series shocks ? thnx ,Mike

[chevyman1]

Pull the saddlebag and the adjuster is right there.
I don't know about the 430 shock other then they cost more.

[KLloyd]

What an awesome thread! This is exactly the information I was looking for! Ordering shocks here in just a few minutes, and I've been searching my tail off for which one to get... this helped a ton!!!

[cliffordjames]

Is there any place online that shows you how to install these shocks? Also are there any places that show you how to install the spring shocks in front and add oil?
I am very tired of paying the off the wall prices of mechanics!
My rear right shock is leaking oil and also air, I can keep air in it for about 2 hours and then it is gone. I hate air shocks they are not a better alternative!
Thanks
Clif

[voyager55]

http://www.abbikeboard.com/jeff/spring/spring.html

Rear shocks only have 2 bolts.

[cushman eagle]

My left shock has been starting to leak for some time and the rally trip was all it took to give me a reason to replace them.
I was looking at the progressive listing on bike bandit seeing they have the 412 in standard and heavy duty.I weigh 170,and peg 135.Is the standard what I want?
I also see they offer the 416 airshock .The 416 is $449.96 the 412 is 269.96
I know it is easier to add or release air to adjust for the load,the 412 I need to remove the bags to adjust.
My other concern is how long before the 412s lose their nitrogen charge and have to be replaced?
We have been disappointed in the short life of nitrogen filled struts in farm equipment hoods and doors,and in automotive applications.I am asking for advice before I make an order.

[cranky]

.. I'd like to tag along on this thread, I weight 170 and ride alone, my saddle
bags are NOT empty!!! I'll guess I do not need HD shocks, TIA....
Going to put in standard Progressive springs in front soon...

[SgtSlag]

Air assisted shocks are high maintenance, period. Just my opinion.

If you realy want high quality, buy Ohlins. Progressive are a bargain-basement item, in comparison.

I like my HD 412's, and if you tour, factor in the weight in the bags, and the trunk. I recommend the HD springs if two-up, and touring, even if you both weigh 150# each. My $0.02, anyway.

Their front fork springs only come in one strength rating. Only the rear shock springs have two ratings (normal, and heavy duty). My normal spring'ed shocks only lasted one riding season, AND we bottomed out. A lot... You risk back injuries with that. Your bike, your choice. Cheers!

[chevyman1]

If you want good suspension go with Race tech front and rear there springs will not ware out, but you will spend $1000.00+ on them.
Approximately $250.00 front $800.00 rear.

[Draxxis]

I have the HD 412 shocks on the rear. I'm a big guy and my roommate isn't a small gal. My shocks are set to next to stiffest and they are comfortable. You can assist them down with the bags on. I have done it. Haven't tried turning them up yet because I found my perfect ride setting for the Buffalo NY area.