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JohnGil
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« on: March 11, 2018, 07:34:17 PM » |
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All,
I recently became the owner of my dads 97' Valkyrie. I need to replace the rear shocks, and it
looks like there are 12" shocks on it now. I am a bigger guy (275lbs) and was wondering if I
should consider a larger shock. I am looking at the Progressive 412 Series. Thoughts?
Thanks,
John
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blackbird239
Member
Posts: 18
My 2002 Valkyrie
Philadelphia, Pa
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« Reply #1 on: March 11, 2018, 07:56:29 PM » |
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Hi. A few years ago I upgraded to the Progressive 430 shocks. The standard size shock is 13 inches. I asked for 12 and a half. I am 5'7" and about 210lbs. I am very happy with them. They have an adjustable preload. It is done by hand. I am happy. Good luck.
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sandy
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« Reply #2 on: March 11, 2018, 09:36:40 PM » |
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I agree with going to 13" shocks. With your weight, you need the suspension travel and HD springs. I think the 412's might be too weak for you. Look into Works Performance shocks. They build the shock valves and springs for you.
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JohnGil
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« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2018, 12:35:24 AM » |
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It seems the bike comes standard with 12" shocks, Amazon is telling me the 13" shock will not fit the bike. I cant imagine why, it would seem I will just need to compress 1" of spring to install it.
Am I correct? or is it physically a larger dimension?
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hubcapsc
Member
Posts: 16779
upstate
South Carolina
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« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2018, 03:38:39 AM » |
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I'm not sure what Amazon is telling you. Unless you can't touch the ground, I think you should get 13 inch shocks. I would never get 412s, it would be better to find some used OEM shocks that aren't worn out. Sandy mentioned Works Performance...  -Mike |
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Chrisj CMA
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« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2018, 04:22:00 AM » |
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It seems the bike comes standard with 12" shocks, Amazon is telling me the 13" shock will not fit the bike. I cant imagine why, it would seem I will just need to compress 1" of spring to install it.
Am I correct? or is it physically a larger dimension?
With the bike on a lift you can remove both shocks (support the swing arm with a strap and then install any length shock with no compressing anynthing |
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Gryphon Rider
Member
Posts: 5227
2000 Tourer
Calgary, Alberta
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« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2018, 06:45:20 AM » |
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It seems the bike comes standard with 12" shocks, Amazon is telling me the 13" shock will not fit the bike. I cant imagine why, it would seem I will just need to compress 1" of spring to install it.
Am I correct? or is it physically a larger dimension?
With the bike on a lift you can remove both shocks (support the swing arm with a strap and then install any length shock with no compressing anynthing Agreeing with ChrisJ CMA, but I just lift the bike barely enough to unload the shocks and no more. Any shock that fits an Interstate will fit a Standard or Tourer, so check for Interstate fitment. You could physically fit 15" shocks, though they would be terrible for U-joint life and would change your steering geometry. |
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John Schmidt
Member
Posts: 15210
a/k/a Stuffy. '99 I/S Valk Roadsmith Trike
De Pere, WI (Green Bay)
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« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2018, 09:05:57 AM » |
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It seems the bike comes standard with 12" shocks, Amazon is telling me the 13" shock will not fit the bike. I cant imagine why, it would seem I will just need to compress 1" of spring to install it.
Am I correct? or is it physically a larger dimension?
Wrong on size per Amazon, stock is 13"....not 12". Just because you're heavier doesn't mean you need longer shocks, just stronger. Get some heavy duty meant for an I/S, they're built with a stronger spring. I've had 12" Progressive 412's on my Tourer for quite a few years and changed the springs over to the HD version to support both me and any load I choose to carry. Rather than send the shocks to the factory to have different springs installed, I built a homemade shock compressor and took me less than 30 minutes to remove the light springs and install heavier ones. |
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Houdini
Member
Posts: 1975
VRCC #28458 - VRCCDS#144
Allen, TX
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« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2018, 11:54:20 AM » |
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I've had 12" Progressive 412 HD's on my IS for about 8 years now with no issues hauling myself, passengers, and luggage.
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« Last Edit: March 12, 2018, 11:55:51 AM by Houdini »
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"A Camera And A Bike....What More Do I Need?  |
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MarkT
Member
Posts: 5196
VRCC #437 "Form follows Function"
Colorado Front Range - elevation 2.005 km
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« Reply #9 on: March 12, 2018, 01:11:06 PM » |
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I'm same weight as you. After much experimenting, I've found Progressive 444-4057's are perfect for me. 13" length, 140/200 springs. Works for me, alone, with 130# passenger, and/or pulling a heavy trailer. 444's are more spendy than 412's, but definitely worth it IMHO. Here's a thread from last year on the subject. http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,96862.msg962579.html#msg962579 |
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