I have about 5000 miles on a set of 490's. I can tell you they are far superior to the OEM shocks that came off. I don't find them too harsh. Ride is very nice

 

could you run a 13.5 progressive 490 on an 08 fxdb without messing with the front suspension?

 

You could, but you're going to notice right away how inadequate the stock front suspension is for these bikes. Least you could do for it is a decent set of fork springs and some decent oil.

 

Any advise on what to throw in there ? Nothing too crazy.

 

Progressive makes the fork springs too, or drop-in cartridges or something. They do for the FXDF at least, might depend on model.

 

I did what I consider the bare minimum and dropped in a set of racetech fork springs sprung for my weight (i had to get the third-highest rated springs). Swapped the stock fork caps out for Speed Merchant preload adjusters that I scored a deal on. Altogether I've got maybe $200 into that front end and it is miles better than stock. In the future I want to do the Gold Valves and put some better oil in there but for now it does the job.