Interstate Shocks

[the bull]

I figure that this would be the best way to get answers because I have spent hours reading previous posts about progressive 444-4221 shocks and I still am undecided.  I ride 2 up very often and pull a trailer.  I am 5' 7" so I do not want to raise the bike any higher.  Not sure if I should go with the 13" or change to the 12.5" shock.  I also could not find any recent posts.  Has anyone purchased these recently.  Also, how hard was it to modify these to fit the Interstate?

Need answers quickly so I can order them ASAP because I am going on a 9,000 mile trip in a few weeks.

[Hook#3287]

I can't give you any advice specific to that shock model, but I have two sets of Progressive and neither needed any mods to install.  I may be remembering wrong, but I believe they give you an assortment of spacers.  You just need to use the correct ones.

As far as the height goes, that's a personal preference.  If you're good with the height of the stock shocks, than go with 13", if you want lower, then go with 12.5".

[Jess from VA]

The only thing I can add is 18yo 13" OE shocks may be (sit you) closer to 12.5" new shocks than 13" new shocks.  We're only talking a half inch at the rear wheel, and less than that where you put your feet down.

While your weight alone (at 5'7") may not justify heavy duty (spring weight) shocks, riding double often and with trailer would make me lean toward heavy duty springs over standard duty.  But this may make the ride harder than you are used to when solo. Of course Progressive always recommended HD shocks for all interstates (when they were only selling 440s).

[98valk]

Progressive air shocks 416 springs are 125/180 lbs/in  + 0-70 PSI, max pressure is 100 PSI however they state air pressures above 70 psi will decrease shock life and bike might be overloaded if 100 psi is needed. They are easy to rebuild. Same spring rate is used for all GL1100 and GL1500 and Valkyries.
I have not found what spring rate the increased air pressures correlate to.

I/S shocks spring rate is 140/200 lb/in any progressive direct replacement shock for the I/S will be this rate.

Progressive Heavy Duty shocks are over 200 lb/in, looking at their online catalog all the way to 300+ springs might be available.

416 and 412 use the same damper and valving.

[fudgie]

I bought mine last summer off of ebay. They had them listed for our valks. I originally bought 13" but it set me up higher then the oem shocks. Im 5'7'' also. I believe I went with the 12 or 12.5. I cant remember without looking at the box. They were much better. I also went with the HD. Im only 230 and she is $1.20 so it rides nice esp when loaded for travel. 98 tourer.