Infamous Rear Shocks ?

[H*GLEG]

Looking to upgrade the rear shocks on my 03 Deluxe. 
Bike has 24K on it.
Its mostly carring my 250lbs around, but bottoms out too frequently when riding 2 up.
Running a CT 195/60/16.

Ive read some of the old posts...
412s look to be lightweight.
430's ??
444s cant find.
Ive seen the I/S posts and traxxion dynamics.

any insight would be greatly appreciated. 
Thanks
Tom / HOGLEG

[Peteg]

I had the exact same experience with my stock shocks. I put new grommets in them but they were weak and even bottomed on level 5 with my wife on the back. The grommets did help some with low speed handling. I got a set of 412's and they really were a big improvement and helped a lot more for 2 up riding. I think the 412's with standard springs will work for me but I'm less than a 150 lbs and I'm thinking 2 up I'll have them on level 5. I tried level 3 with my wife and it worked, but now I'm on level 3 just me and I love it. At some point I may order a set of heavy duty springs if 2 up becomes an issue. The bike really seems to like a stiff back end at low speed with weight.  I agree the 412's would likely struggle for you. If you tried them, heavy duty springs for sure.

[hubcapsc]

Talk to Traxxion Dynamics about your bike, weight and riding style... they
can send you some Bitubo shocks that should be good.

-Mike

[98valk]

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,109768.0.html

https://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,101657.0.html

[sandy]

werx performance builds shocks custom for you. I've had a pair for over 12 years; very happy.

[h13man]

I used 412's on my VT1100C and wasn't impressed but on the Valk, can't say.

https://www.progressivesuspension.com/product/1408/412-series-shocks

[mbramley]

 I second the Worx shocks. I've had them on mine for a couple of years and like them. They are adjustable but come set up for how you tell them you ride. mine are set up for occasional 2 up and pulling a trailer but are nice solo also. I've never felt a need to adjust them.

[H*GLEG]

Thanks everyone.

[SCain]

I purchased the 444's off of amazon a couple of years ago. They are still available @ $614.00

Progressive Suspension 444-4221C Chrome 13" Heavy Duty Big Mile Riders Rear Suspension Shock

[Foozle]

I recently purchased the Progressive 412 HD 13" chrome shocks (412-4221C) for my 1997 Tourer - got them from a vendor on Amazon for < $300.  I'm 6'3" @ 280 lbs. and ride one up - have them on the second setting up from the softest.  I'm more pleased than impressed - but they're decent shocks for the money.  Just not a lot of choices out there . . . . .

[Peteg]

This is a very informative thread when worked together with the threads provided above from 98valk. In trying to sort through rear shock options, I came across YSS shocks as an interesting cheap made in Thailand shock that has some potentially better design options to the heavy duty 412's I bought.

Z362 shock for a 1500 Valkyrie
Length 320mm - 12.6" adjustable + 0.4" to 13"
30 click rebound adjustment
Threaded preload adjustment
Can be order in chrome
Past VRCC experience indicates shock too stiff
YSS offers a wide range of spring rates which could address the too stiff issue
for the 362 shock.
Spring Link
https://www.suspension-store.com/YSS_twinshock_springs#filter:b12aec10790b9a20a4ea01d2bcabd067

To match and interstate spring rate of 140-200 lbs/in we would look for the second number in the Spring part number to be 25 n/mm and the third number to be 35.
I guess the advantage I see to the YSS over the 412 is the ability to dial in the spring rate, the damping and have much more preload adjustment for two up riding. That being said there's probably a lot of risk associated with a cheap made in Thailand shock.

This may be the most useful information in this post, being a link that converts metric spring rates to SAE.

https://www.convertunits.com/from/N/mm/to/pound/inch

[Gondul]

This is a very informative thread when worked together with the threads provided above from 98valk. In trying to sort through rear shock options, I came across YSS shocks as an interesting cheap made in Thailand shock that has some potentially better design options to the heavy duty 412's I bought.
 

YSS has been around for a good bit of time and make quality mid-level shocks I'd say...
Put one on a friend's Hawk GT from Traxxion... came all set up for her weight, no adjustment needed. 

[Knapdog]

Poor Stock shocks on my '98 Tourer. Found a second pair of Interstate shocks on ebay in very good condition  for around £50. Much, much better. Wouldn't change them for anything else.

[H*GLEG]

got the Progressive 444-4221 13" Chrome Heavy Duty Big Mile Riders
$665 Ouch.