progressive 412 shocks

[Neal]

Trying to remember what it is we need to do to be able to install these on the XVII. Anybody remember?

[SgtSlag]

I'm not sure what you mean. The 412's are easy to install, assuming you order them for the XII (correct length). They simply slip on, then put the nuts on, to secure them. Can you be more specific as to what you are inquiring about? The 412's are non-air shocks. Cheers!

[cranky]

..... and the correct length is???? TIA...

[Neal]

I thought I remembered something about the mounts needed to be revised or something.

[VoyKimmer]

Yes I believe the left bottom mount where it mounts to the final drive spacer has to be ground down shorter a little but it’s been so long I forgot. There’s a suggestion on this sight somewhere from Chris In Kansas City about it. I remember doing it.

[Lucasind]

....when I ordered /installed mine years ago .....the progressives come with a bunch of various size slip on spacers /shims to make them fit any bile , nothing needs to be ground down ,or altered in any way.....

[Neal]

Okey Dokey ...Thanks guys

[SgtSlag]

The correct length is one way to get the correct part; the other method is to order by bike make, year, and model. Been years, don't remember the correct length.

NOTE: if you plan on riding two-up, get the Heavy Duty Springs! I made the mistake of ordering the regular duty springs... Blew out one shock within a month, due to bottoming out, repeatedly (Ouch!!!). Had to order a second set, with the Heavy Duty Springs -- been riding those for 5+ years, without issue. They are much firmer, but we hardly ever bottom out anymore.

I, too, did not need to grind anything. They were easy to install. Cheers!

[Lucasind]

I recall "cushman eagle" Loren saying he has the HD 412's on his bike , too stiff for his liking ....he would likely sell them to you Neal .....I suppose you could talk with him about that at the AVA rally next week , unless you plan on having yours replaced before you leave .....

[cushman eagle]

Tony,I made the mistake of putting the 416s on my bike
They are about like taking a piece of 1/4 x 1 strap of steel,drilling a hole in each end and bolting them on
I bought them because I liked the adjustability of the original shocks,and as the 416s are advertised as air shocks,I thought I would like them!

[Lucasind]

...oops , my bad ....I guess you don't ever want to gain all that weight you lost , to compensate ! LOL

[cushman eagle]

...oops , my bad ....I guess you don't ever want to gain all that weight you lost , to compensate ! LOL

Tony,you are certainly right about keeping my weight down I feel I have much more stamina.
We plan to see you June 23 about 5:30

[chevyman1]

If you don't mind spending a little more money the Race tech rear shocks are much better and a lot more adjustable .
I think AVA members get a discount, not sure if they still give it
]

[mayhem8]

I just picked up a 2003 Voyager XII and it has the stock rear shocks as far as I can tell and has 54K on the bike. Most of the time the ride is OK, but 2-up on some backroads sounds/feels like I'm bottoming out the rears with 34 PSI in the shocks on some relatively minor bumps. The manual said 36 PSI was I belive the max so may add a little more air, but sounds like some progressive 412's may be in my future.

[Neal]

Just add enough air so there's no give when you get on it. then start letting air out until you feel it move. Never mind that 36 pounds stuff. I use 40 solo and from 50 to 70 when 2 up and with a trailer. Never have had any trouble, even with 1 or
2 hundred thousand miles.

[HMB Don]

I understand your dilemma. When I first got my 1200 it rode like crap crap. Until I started running 50 lbs and #3 solo, 55lbs and #4 rebound double. I always check air pressure when on the centerstand.

[mayhem8]

I got the owner's manual with the bike and they recommend a max of 36 PSI in the rear shocks, but if that doesn't do it and I'm potentially looking at new shocks anyway, definitely worth trying a bit more. Between the Mrs and I we're probably close to 420 lbs total with helmets and all.

I also didn't check it on the centerstand because I couldn't get it up on the centerstand. I just realized that the centerstand is like 2 parts and one needs to come first. Got it up on the stand now and put 35 PSI in and will try that solo the next day it actually stops raining and I have a break to give it a try.

[mayhem8]

BTW - Thanks for the input. Good to know that I can just add more air. I have to believe that running higher pressure has got to be better than bottoming out the shocks. I'm about 230 lbs alone, dressed for riding.

While I have it up on the center stand I may go ahead and add more air.

[SgtSlag]

One of the first things to do with a new-to-you bike, is to change ALL of the fluids... I hope I did not over-emphasize that point.

Have you changed the oil in the OEM shocks yet? That makes a huge difference, possibly putting off your new shocks, order. Make certain you change out the fork oil, as well. Suspension fluid changes are critical, and often overlooked, and neglected.

After the fluid changes, you might have a bike that runs and feels like it's a new bike, off of the showroom floor. (Well, maybe not that extreme of a transformation. But it likely will show some drastic improvements, at least.) Cheers!

[voyager55]

You need to get rid of the OEM shocks & fork springs