I bought the 12" Progressive 440 HD, I can tell a real difference in the ride and handling. The ride was so good I changed out the front springs to Progressives and lowered the front an inch. I am very pleased with the ride and handling.

 

How about FXDX take offs? I bought mine for $160 on ebay in perfect condition, and they are quite nice as well if you don't mind the extra length.

 

So far all I did for the front was works performance triple rate spring kit. FXDX shocks were best Harley ever made, more travel the better as far as I'm concerned.

 

I just put Ohlin shocks on the bike- with piggyback, preload, rebound, compression, length adjustments. Great shocks. What a difference in ride. The Racetech cartridge emulators make the front end perform well, and so do Excel aluminum rims and Metzler 880 tires. I'll post a picture when the snow melts! Jay

 

I fitted Fournales adjustable air shocks about a year ago and am pleased with the improved ride. Also consider fitting a handling kit, such as TrueTrack, to really sharpen things up!

 

Sorry updated pricing for YSS
RZ 302 TRL=$459.00
these shocks have adjustable rebound damping, threaded preload and length adjustment of 10mm
RG 302 TRCL=$699.00
these shocks have a reservoir to separate oil and gas, adjustable rebound damping,adjustable compression damping,length adjustment of+10 mm and threaded preload
RZ 366 TRL=659.00
these shocks have adjustable damping, length adjustment of +10mm and threaded pre-load
RG 366 TRCL=989.00
these shocks have a reservoir for separation of gas and oil,adjustable rebound damping, adjustable compression damping,length adjustment of +10mm and threaded preload.
ALL are gas shocks,some are emulsion, others have reservoir for separation of gas and oil.All shocks are rebuldable and come with atwo year, no questions asked warranty. Prices are for black springs, chrome is +20.00 S/H is 25.00.The 302's have a 30mm body with a 12mm shaft, the 366 have a 36mm dia. body with a 16mm shaft. Prices were quoted to me this am. Just putting options out there for you guys. Peace.

 

I bought myself a pair of Progressive 412HD shocks. I can tell a noticeable amount of difference when riding two up!

 

Temporary thread jack: I plan to get a pair of those Metzler 880's as well, can you tell me where you got them from? What was the price for the pair?

 

Are you riding or racing and if riding, is it on pavement? I agree you get what you pay for but how much is really necessary for a good ride?

Not sure I follow you on the 12.5 - 13" and nothing else rule of thumb though. Some dyna's come standard with 12's and I'm running 12" HD's on mine and I weigh around 240 and I don't have to adjust for the old lady to rude comfortable too.

 

JG, I did the same as you to my 1200C Sportster, 13.5 440 Standards in the rear, Progressive springs using full length spacers in the front and 7w BelRay fork oil, the improvement is night and day. My butt and my spine love me for it.