Difference between Progressive HD and Std. shocks.

[John Schmidt]

I have a near new set of 12" HD Progressive 412 shocks and they're just too hard for my liking, even at the lowest setting. Probably no more than 1500 miles on them at the most....just enough to realize I don't like them. Can someone tell me, is the spring the only difference or is there something internally that also adds to the stiffness? I plan to call Progressive about it, just thought I'd post the question ahead of that. Appreciate any thoughts, opinions.

[Patrick]

I don't know anything about the 412s,but, I think the only difference is the springs.. I use the std springs on 440s and have no problems even with JoAnn..

[John Schmidt]

You're right Patrick, I called Progressive today and the springs are the only difference. They want $15 each to swap them out, plus shipping costs. I think I'll leave them the way they are unless I find a used 12" set I can swap out the springs with. On the trip to InZane from Columbus, OH, I became aware of the roads having those frost bumps all the way across the highway...at least that's what they looked like to me. All the way north, and all the way back south....I felt every cussed one of those bumps. They eventually knocked out my headlight and a couple times they were so harsh it even kicked out my cruise control. I just need to soften the ride in place of the HD version.

[bentwrench]

I have the stock length 12.5 (I think)440 HD on my tourer.they are amazing,I can feel those frost bumps through my forks but nothing at all in the rear.
bw

[Patrick]

Boy John,, your not used to all the neat stuff we northerners get to enjoy,, like frost heaves.. Those things are our speed bumps, kinda like Manatees are yours.. I'm not so sure I'd want to hit a Manatee on a motorbike though..

[John Schmidt]

Boy John,, your not used to all the neat stuff we northerners get to enjoy,, like frost heaves.. Those things are our speed bumps, kinda like Manatees are yours.. I'm not so sure I'd want to hit a Manatee on a motorbike though..

Me either, but I've run over the end of the tail of a gator while riding my Wing a few years back. Scared the crap outa me...came over a rise and there he was. I was doing about 65 on a country road, he was laying across the middle of the road...about 8' long. Was about dusk and he apparently was soaking up the last heat of the blacktop. It was a pretty good bump, but I didn't stop to see if I damaged anything. 

[Patrick]

ROTFLMAO !!  You ran over a Gator !! As long as you didn't get hurt, thats funny !!

A couple years ago a 6 pt ran out of a vineyard right in front of me.. I started around behind him, he got 3/4 of way across the road and decided to go back where he came from.. He jumped over the front fender and just missed getting tangled up in the windshield.. Thats the closest I've come except for the time I slid under the guard rail and into the barber shop back in 1965.. Well, we all have a few close ones, but, they were the closest for me anyway..

You ran over a Gator,, did I mention thats funny !!

[aslondon]

I have a set of std 440's on my 97 std.  Your weight is part of the equation that needs to be considered.  I weigh about 190 and the std springs seem to be just about perfect for me.  I just got back from a 1000 mile weekend to the Tail of the Dragon and actually, I could have probably setup mike bike to sag a little more.  I have progressive front springs also and although not too stiff, the bike seems to sit a little high changing the center of gravity.  All my buddies were dragging pegs through the Tail and I could not drag even if I had wanted to (which I didn't).  It is a smooth setup and was very comfortable the entire trip.

Al
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