Progressive Shocks

[Tourus]

   Hey guys, I have a 2000 Tourer with 57,000 miles. I'm thinking about changing my rear shocks. I have found a set that seem to be in very good condition and priced right. They are progressive 412-4219 which when I look them up are 12.50 in., that will lower the rear a half inch. Will this create any problems in handling if I don't lower the front end.

Thanks for taking the time to read and respond
Steve

[Houdini]

A 12.5" Progressive shock will be the same "sitting on bike" height as a 13" Honda shock since they don't compress as much as a Honda shock.  I bought a 12.5 to lower my bike a little and ended up sitting approximately the same height. 

YMMV

[Jess from VA]

Houdini has it right.  The Honda shocks may have been a true 13" when new, but you'll note they are no longer new.  Shocks wear out from miles and age, I think.

Even if they did lower the bike a bit, no need to fiddle with the front end for that little bit.

[Crazy Dago]

  I had a set of 11 inchers on for a while, with no problem in handling.

[Jess from VA]

I had a set of 11 inchers on for a while, with no problem in handling.

Must never lean over much.

[Crazy Dago]

  Very little, had to double check after you put your kick stand on the ground. NO TROUBLE IF AREA WAS FLAT.

[Tourus]

    Thanks guys for your input. I didn't think a 1/2 inch would make
a big difference but in some cases it could. Jess with 12,480 post you should know a lot and or a little about everything valkyrie so thanks for chiming in your opinion means a lot. I don't think I would consider going to 11in., but thanks for sharing that experience first hand. Always better to hear it from the guy that did it. Just curious as probably others are why did you try 11in., looks, easier to flat foot it, or just to see how it would handle. Not judging you I once tried steering by crossing my arm and having my left hand on the throttle and right hand on left side, I wrecked in probably less than 10 seconds anybody got any opinions on my shock question please post it.
Anybody with any don't tries that could satisfy our curiosity and possibly our lives please post it 

Thanks, And ride safe
Steve

[Jess from VA]

Steve, probably over half my posts have nothing to do with motorcycles.  LOL

I try to help, but I am no real mechanic, more like a parts man.

Used shocks are a bit of a risk you know.  The issue is not the 12.5", but whether they have heavy duty or standard duty springs, and what you (and any usual back seater and gear) weigh.  And note the upper bushings everyone is always talking about are for stock shocks, Progressive has their own mounts, and new ones usually come with a small selection.  I think they will put different springs on what you have, if you need them, for some money.  When I was in need of shocks, I spent some time with their tech people on the phone, and got very able assistance and information.  And progressive has pretty good warranties, but only to the original buyer, and this is worth considering when pricing new vs used.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=progressive+412&tag=googhydr-20&index=automotive&hvadid=62493194712&hvpos=1o1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=9868992279239454521&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_402h8xctca_b

I think these are new.  http://www.amazon.com/PROGRESSIVE-METRIC-412-4219C-412-4219-SHOCK/product-reviews/B008K5PM7I

http://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1407/412-cruise-series-shocks

I also know a little about FL, like your tallest mountain is 300 feet.  

[Tourus]

     Jess thanks for your input. I have lived in Fl. for 50 years and did not know how high our tallest mountain is so I googled it and its actually 312 feet. It is near a town called Clermont, very nice area. It is about 60 miles from my house in central Fl. I have ridden through the area but not up into the mountain, I would remember this because of the nose bleed I would have had Central Florida has 100's of miles of back roads and twisties great for riding especially this time of year

Ride safe
Steve