Shocks (Apologies)

[Hedgehog]

Sorry to raise a much discussed topic again,   vbut having read numerous posts on this great site, I've narrowed my choice of replacements for my 1997 Standard down to Progressive 440's or Progressive 412s. In both cases I was thinking about going for a 13 inch model as I understand this is the same as stock (?).

I weigh about 190lbs, height 5' 10''. Mostly ride without luggage or pillion.

My question is, given that I have knackered OE shocks with 20,000 miles on them, would the 412's be good enough? I like a firm ride (ahem  ) so was thinking of the Heavy Duty 412s...

I only ride 2000 miles a year so I'm wondering if the extra for the 440s is worth it? ???

Anyone tried either / both? ???


Many Thanks
 

Hedgehog

[RUDE DOG - Steelers]

Check out the 430's.   

[hubcapsc]

I've narrowed my choice of replacements for my 1997 Standard down to Progressive 440's or Progressive 412s.

I've got 440s with heavy duty springs on my 97 Tourer, I ride about 10,000 miles a year, I
really like the 440s. Stanley Steamer has 412s on his Interstate... he rides all the same curvy
roads as I do, faster, and he likes his 412s... that's not a comparison, but at least a thumbs up
on both shocks...

-Mike

[Hedgehog]

Thanks Hubcaps, that's good to know.


I've spent so much on the bike already - but the ride quality id very poor, so feel inclined to do something sooner rather than later.
 
HH

[BonS]

Not a direct comparison but I had 11.5" 412's  and they are brutal. I replaced them with 12.5" 440's and all is good. The 11.5" 412's would launch me off the seat on many road irregularities and I had to reposition myself afterwards frequently - really hard on the back and neck. The 440's, with an extra inch of travel, simply don't do this at all. I will never go back.

[hubcapsc]

I've spent so much on the bike already - but the ride quality id very poor, so feel inclined to do something sooner rather than later.

I can relate  ... my eBay Valkyrie was pretty tired when I got my hands on it. I bet I didn't
ride any more than 20 miles on the OEM shocks and fork springs... a Valkyrie can have really good
ride quality, so you're on the right track...



-Mike

[six2go #152]

Hedgehog: I have had 412's on my Valk since 13,000 miles. I now have 98,000. I find them to be perfectly suitable, especially if you are only riding 2000 miles per year.

I'm a bit heavier than you are but shorter, so ride height is important to me. My 1st 412's were the same length as stock(13") and raised the seat enough that I was stretching to find the ground. I don't recall if they were Standard or Heavy Duty. The 412's I have now are 12.5" HD's and they are just what I need. I run them in the #3 setting, they soak up the bumps just fine and don't try to pitch me over the bars.

It has been my experience that Progressives of the same length as stock do not sag as much causing a higher ride height.

[Hedgehog]

This is all helpful advice - so many Thanks to everyone.

Tends to support what I was thinking - I'm mean a bike this long and heavy should ride really well - right? Iron out the bumps like a MK II Jag...This one doesn't. Bounces wildly at the front, dives by several inches under braking and the rear is just soft and saggy.

Clearly something has to be done. So maybe 412s with HD springs and 12.5 inch length.

Hmm...

Now which piggy bank haven't I raided yet...?

[Hedgehog]

Front Springs booked in for upgrade after Christmas - Progressive HD's with heavier oil. 

[Challenger]

I went with the progressive front springs and std oil to eliminate the front dive under braking on my I/S, It's plenty stiff, I'd be leery of going to heavier oil also.

[six2go #152]

I went with the progressive front springs and std oil to eliminate the front dive under braking on my I/S, It's plenty stiff, I'd be leery of going to heavier oil also.

Agreed! A few years ago I went to Progressive Springs in the forks because EVERYBODY said it made the forks "better". However, I could never get anyone to define "better". I'm sure glad I didn't go with a heavier oil, it's plenty firm for me, almost "too" stiff(if that's a possibility  )

[BonS]

I have Progressive springs, bushings and oil in my garage waiting for some cold winter day. It took three tries to get the correct springs and 10 weight oil from Progressive. I ordered over the telephone and still had issues. They were easy to work with and paid for all the shipping mistakes but be careful and inspect your part numbers before you tear down your bike.

[MacDragon]

I went with the 412s in 11.5 length... I'm 5'8" and 175 - 180lbs.  Also went with the progressive front fork springs too... The ride is the best it's been.  What a joy.

[Hedgehog]

Again, thanks to everyone for the helpful advice.
Guess I'll drop the heavier oil idea then..

Cheers
HH