Aftermarket Shocks vs OEM Shocks

[miscott]

Hey Everybody...
  Have a question about shocks.
  I'm thinking I want to replace the OEM shocks on my 98 standard with a pair of the "   
Progressive Suspension Shock Absorber 430-4230C Honda GL1500C/CD Valkyrie 98-03". 

   

  Are they REALLY that much better than OEM?
  From what I can find out, they come in lengths for 11.5", 12", 12.5", and 13". Which one would I need to get in order to maintain my Stock Ride Height. I'm just under 6'3" and checking in at about 245lbs.
A little over stock ride height might even be a good thing if it helps to maintain a stock ride height after I'm on it, no?

  Do aftermarket shocks really improve the ride and handling of the Valk enough to justify the expense? I mean, they Look awesome, but I don't want to lay out that much moola just to be able to say my chrome coil-overs LOOK real good. How do they WORK?
  I have a friend who put some Bilstein shocks on his jeep, said it was night and day difference. Much improved! So I know SOME aftermarket parts work as advertised. Do these?
  Anybody use these Progressive Shocks on their Valk? Whats your opinion of them? Were they worth it?

[old2soon]

The ONLY  thing i can  help you with is-standard shock length is 13". Udder than that pretty sure others will chime in. I've heard good reports on your choice if that helps. I'm still on O E Ms. RIDE SAFE.

[JaysGone]

I just took off a set of Progressive 440s with the heavy duty spring last week.
They came on the bike, so no loss of $700 for me.
13 inches is stock height, cant go higher.
I weigh in at 220 and on their lightest settings were too stiff for me.
I put on a good set of OEMs.
I have to leave them on the 4th setting to not bottom out.
Now Ive been told the Interstate shocks have a heavier spring rate.
So Im looking for a set of those to try.

Progressives are ok for someone looking for a stiffer suspention and better all round handeling.
On a 95% highway ridden bike solo.
Which mine is and I am.
I have zero need for a Progressive rear shock.

But thats just me.
Others like them for whatever reason.
Im sure you will find out how they feel about them soon enough.

[hubcapsc]

I've got 13 inch Progressive 440s on my tourer. I weigh 195, the lighter springs weren't doing
it for me, and if my wife (130) was on board, they bottomed over every bridge expansion joint...

I've got the heavy duty springs now, they work great.

Stanley Steamer, who's faster and bigger than me, replaced his OEM Interstate shocks
with Progressive 412s... I think he sez he doesn't notice much difference... I had his OEMs on
my bike for a few weeks... for me the OEMs aren't near as good as 440s...

I don't know first hand about the 430s, but I've heard people on this board say good things
about them...

-Mike

[Tropic traveler]

Progressive 412's on my '97 Tourer felt very close to the same ride as the 75,000 mile stockers. One started leaking about 18 months after I got them, out of warranty. They are in the storage room now. Replaced them with lower mile Interstate shocks, very happy with them. 
Anybody need 1 good & 1 leaking standard length 412? 

[BF]

I've have Progressive 11.5" 412's on mine.  Got them used (low miles) and cheap 'cause I wanted to experiment with the shorter shock.....and don't know their heritage, but I think they're the standard 412's.  I can flat foot the bike now....that's a plus, but the ride seems about the same to me if not possibly a touch softer.  I think I need to set them to a stiffer setting though.  

Whenever I upgrade the 412's, I plan to replace them with a set of Works shocks.  

http://www.worksperformance.com/html/street.html

[miscott]

  Found this youtube video of CruiserCustomizing interviewing a rep from Progressive Suspension.
It turns out the 430's and 440's have a limited lifetime warranty.
10 minutes long. Didn't really cover things like ride quality and handling characteristics improvement? Found out that if I get a pair, I need the 13"HD to stay stock height, as I'm over 200lbs, but didn't really talk about WHY I should pop for a pair of THESE shocks as opposed to some others.

            

Progressive Motorcycle Suspension Overview Shock Video Cruiser Customizing	powered by Aeva

 
   These list for $545.00 at the Progressive Suspension website. $490.99 at CruiserCustomizing Website. Picked up pair on e-bay for $427.49 plus $30.00 Shipping. Pretty good savings! $$ saved is always nice!  
  http://www.ebay.com/itm/400267991039?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
   In looking for reviews of these shock, came across a couple Harley   Forums that had some reviews of these shocks. Reviews were all 5 stars with rider comments. One of em actually even compared the difference between these and OEM shocks as comparable to the difference Bilsteins made on his truck. "Night and Day". He was shocked at how well they soaked up, and smoothed, out the road. That seemed to be the prevailing opinion.
  As the owner of a lifted Jeep, I understand when somebody says Bilsteins.  These Progressive's may be just what I've been looking for. Bilstein Ride Quality with Hot-Rod Cruiser Looks. Hmmm  
  Still, would appreciate any rider reviews of these 430's from everyone.

            

Progressive shows us how to set Suspension Sag	powered by Aeva

[MOODY]

412's 430' all those numbers  jeez just call works shocks they will ask your weight your wife or riding partners weight and if you pull trailer or not and riding style and then build you a great set of shocks, I have a Fast black 97' standard weigh 340#( never discuss a ladies weight in public) and pull a LOADED Kwick Kamp I ride somewhat agressive and my works never bottom out even loaded, use middle setting mostly, If we have our A/C in tounge box in warm weather(Texas so most of the time) I set on firm if I remember 

[hubcapsc]

412's 430' all those numbers  jeez just call works shocks they will ask your weight your wife or riding partners weight and if you pull trailer or not and riding style and then build you a great set of shocks, I have a Fast black 97' standard weigh 340#( never discuss a ladies weight in public) and pull a LOADED Kwick Kamp I ride somewhat agressive and my works never bottom out even loaded, use middle setting mostly, If we have our A/C in tounge box in warm weather(Texas so most of the time) I set on firm if I remember 

I like my 440s, but I bet works are good, and sometimes wish I'd known about them
when I got my Valkyrie... the old shocks had to go right away...



-Mike

[miscott]

  Well, got my new Progressive Suspension 430 Series HD Adjustable Chrome Coilovers on tonight! Want to thank everybody for all the threads in this tech board! Found a previous thread that gave me a link to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Lift/Jack. Ordered one up for $94.00 w/ free shipping, and it came this morning. Assembly was a breeze.  
  Also found a previous thread about the Bolt On Valkyrie LIft/Jack Adapter! Ordered one up that arrived yesterday. Totally Awesome Product! Went on fairly easily! ( still have all the skin on my knuckles! )  
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/170818999916?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Once the adapter was mounted under the bike, the lift just hoisted up the bike like it wasn't even there! I couldn't believe how easily it lifted the bike! Once the bike was about 4 inches up in the air, the new shocks went on without a hitch! Bike on the lift with the adapter was steady as a rock! Wasn't worried about it tipping over! You'd of thought I knew what I was doing!  
  Have to admit that the new shocks look amazing on the Valk! Still have to set the Ride Sag, which the progressive Suspension video above did an excellent job of explaining. I'd never heard of Ride Sag before, so all in all, I've already learned a great deal about working on a Valkyrie, and saved $$ by doing it myself, because of the threads on this board, and the great advise from the seasoned Valk riders here that are more than willing to share their knowledge! Thanks to all!  
  Tomorrow I'll be out testing the ride and handling qualities of those new shocks. I'll post my assessment ( moho) and some pics of the shocks installed on the bike. They do look amazing on there, so I'm really hoping that any ride and handling improvements are enough to be "seat of the pants" apparent.  Thanks again to everybody! Your posts have helped to keep my Valk out of the shop, while teaching me how to "do it myself"!
   Now, about those Front Fork Springs! 
            
   

[JaysGone]

Good luck with the 430s.
On a side note.
I went to my local dealer yesterday and ordered the OEM shock bushings.
They were $4 and change each.
The parts book doesnt show how many you need so I ordered 4.
Also the grommets for the side cover, as mine are hard and hardly hold on the cover.
They were $5 and change each.
Im sure in an auto parts store they would have been under a dollar..............
Stealers indeed.

[Mike]

 Well, got my new Progressive Suspension 430 Series HD Adjustable Chrome Coilovers on tonight! Want to thank everybody for all the threads in this tech board! Found a previous thread that gave me a link to the Harbor Freight Motorcycle Lift/Jack. Ordered one up for $94.00 w/ free shipping, and it came this morning. Assembly was a breeze.  
  Also found a previous thread about the Bolt On Valkyrie LIft/Jack Adapter! Ordered one up that arrived yesterday. Totally Awesome Product! Went on fairly easily! ( still have all the skin on my knuckles! )  
 http://www.ebay.com/itm/170818999916?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

Once the adapter was mounted under the bike, the lift just hoisted up the bike like it wasn't even there! I couldn't believe how easily it lifted the bike! Once the bike was about 4 inches up in the air, the new shocks went on without a hitch! Bike on the lift with the adapter was steady as a rock! Wasn't worried about it tipping over! You'd of thought I knew what I was doing!  
  Have to admit that the new shocks look amazing on the Valk! Still have to set the Ride Sag, which the progressive Suspension video above did an excellent job of explaining. I'd never heard of Ride Sag before, so all in all, I've already learned a great deal about working on a Valkyrie, and saved $$ by doing it myself, because of the threads on this board, and the great advise from the seasoned Valk riders here that are more than willing to share their knowledge! Thanks to all!  
  Tomorrow I'll be out testing the ride and handling qualities of those new shocks. I'll post my assessment ( moho) and some pics of the shocks installed on the bike. They do look amazing on there, so I'm really hoping that any ride and handling improvements are enough to be "seat of the pants" apparent.  Thanks again to everybody! Your posts have helped to keep my Valk out of the shop, while teaching me how to "do it myself"!
   Now, about those Front Fork Springs! 
            
   

How are you liking the new shocks? I have been trying to order the same shocks from a local dealer here in Canada for four months. Keep saying back ordered.

Mike

[whitestroke]

Purchased bike with these shocks there Progressive   03-1317 210/250   anyone know what model these are?  To stiff for me even with wife on the back. Are they adjustable?  Also noticed some fluid leaking out of one of them.  What kind of Warranty do they have?

[miscott]

Hey Mike...
  Haven't had a chance to ride it yet, just woke up. I'll check out the ride today. Still have to clean up the garage from last night's big install! lol
  If your still looking for a pair of the 430's, check out this link. $427.00 plus $30.00 shipping.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/400267991039?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
  It's where I got mine. They were delivered in less than a week.
        

[miscott]

Purchased bike with these shocks there Progressive   03-1317 210/250   anyone know what model these are?  To stiff for me even with wife on the back. Are they adjustable?  Also noticed some fluid leaking out of one of them.  What kind of Warranty do they have?

 From looking at them, their either Progressive Suspension 412's or the 440's. Yes, their both w/ adjustable preload. If their to stiff when your riding 2up, there's a good chance that their the 440 HD.
You might try turning the preload to one of the "softer" settings.
The 440's, I believe, are rebuildable. They do come with a limited Lifetime Warranty. Probably to the original owner who purchased them. If those are the 440's, you've got some pretty nice shocks there.
Here's the link to the Progressive Suspension website. You may find more info there than I can give you.
   http://www.progressivesuspension.com/productlinemetric.html
  Also, check out the first video above - Progressive Motorcycle Suspension Overview. They talk about both the 412's and the 440's
      

[JaysGone]

Purchased bike with these shocks there Progressive   03-1317 210/250   anyone know what model these are?  To stiff for me even with wife on the back. Are they adjustable?  Also noticed some fluid leaking out of one of them.  What kind of Warranty do they have?

They are 440s.
My bike had them on too.
Same result for me, too stiff and off.

If they are leaking, no warrenty except to the original owner.
To have them over hauled is $150 per shock.

Progressives customer service said more or less to me dont bother to have them rebuilt unless they are leaking.
That would be the dampner fluids.
You can get new 412s for less.
Look at the bottom of the shock.
It should have the spring model number on a sticker, heavy duty or standard.
You can find the model numbers on Progressives site.

There is a PDF file with all the models and spring numbers on the web page.

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/hd/440series/index.html

[8Track]

Hey Scott,

What is the ride like with the new shocks? I'm looking at the 430s right now and just waiting to hear what you think of them.

Thanks,

Mark

[MacDragon]

I have the 412s on mine and the ride is great.  I had 11.5" put on since I'm 5'8" on a good day and 180lbs.  The bike was not ridable when I got her... so I bought the 412s to go on before the first ride.  I don't know what the difference is between progressives and OEM.  So far I'm satisfied though.