Not quite sure what exactly I posted. It had to do with shocks. I'm just so frustrated I could scream.
My 440's finally gave out after many years of service. Can't really afford 444's but was curious about the 430's. Called Progressive and immediately was told they were not for my bike, nor the 444's. Only 412's. They must get a lot of calls from Valk riders. The guy refused to talk spring rates and length of travel....liability concerns.
Ordered 412 with Std springs...412-4213. After putting them on and standing the bike upright the shocks compressed all the way under the weight of my I/S at the lowest setting. Adjusted to #4, got on the bike and they compressed so bad just a little bounce on the seat bottomed them out. No use in going up to #5 or going for a ride.
Called Progressive, they said I needed HD springs. So...bought a second pair with HD springs. 412-4234, 12". Couldn't find 13" listed on the sites I checked. On the lowest setting going for a 30 mile ride my spine is probably 1" shorter, surprised I didn't break any teeth and my guts are all twisted into a jumble! It's like riding a rigid bike.
I know Mark T posted a link to Progressive Specs and Tech. The problem is, I don't understand how to use the charts.
When shopping online, your only told if they fit your bike and only Std or Heavy Duty springs. You don't really know what your getting if you don't understand the chart and don't search out a specific part #.
I weigh 320#'s
So this is the spring rates of what I have bought so far...
The Std spring rate was 120/170 way too soft.
The HD's are 270/315 way too stiff.
Why would a shock with a 120/170 spring that won't even hold up the bike be recommended for a Valk?
It appears I may need to split the difference and search out a part # with a spring rate close to
195/240? Thoughts? Anyone? Or, put on the 416 air shocks I picked up several years ago.
Thankfully I was allowed to return the shocks with Std springs.
