First, I profess to know nothing about them, other than Im very interested in going to one soon - I currently ride an 11 inch progressive HD412 and while not a bad shock, I dont feel it suits the performance aspects Im looking for (realizing height has to do with it, but they also just feel like bricks)

Theres been alot of question/debate on this general topic - but felt like id be stealing others threads or moving them in a different direction with this.

My idea is to centralize the debate/opinions/specification comparisons and road test feedbacks on any/all of the mid level performance shocks, also average cost of all, etc

These are what I percieve to fit the category - please add others that apply
Works Trackers
Ohlins s36e
Progressive 418s

(if this has already been done and I missed in my search, lemme know)

 

My 12.5 progressive 418's for an 05 dyna came with springs way too stiff, even the standard shocks. Had quite a round with progressive about that and wound up sending them back to take some tension off the springs as they don't make lighter springs that fit that length. Still don't work right. Badly designed product. I will never buy another progressive shock.

 

I've had a poor experience with Progressive as well, not happy with the 440's I had, they just didn't react well with the road, I would add YSS Z 366 TRL to your list, I've been very happy with them. I also believe it's only half the battle to throw on rear shocks when addressing the suspension, the front Showa forks need a lotta help too.

 

agreed, front needs major help too, but I'd like to keep this thread limited to rear comparisons preferably - thanks for the add suggestion!

We'll see where this goes, it might be a played out topic, but as I said, looking to consolidate data to one help thread.

 

Ok, good enough, here's how I'd rank them
1)progressive 412
2)progressive 440/418
3)works
4)YSS
5)Penske/Ohlins

 

I would reverse this order. #1 would be Penske/Ohlin.....#5 the Progressive 412

I suspect that's what you meant

 

Ny performance do you mean comfort, riding twisties, haulin ***, or ?? The reason I ask is that if you ride in the twisties, longer shocks are important. Otherwise you will likely drag parts.

jmho

greg

 

greg, i checked out your thread yesterday about the extended fxdx shocks - I tend to agree with you - and sort of what brought me to get this thread started
ultimately by performance I am speaking about how they perform all around hard riding - twisties for sure included

Ill likely be raising my bike back up a bit when I finally select the shock - not sure ill go up to 13 though - although I do ave the mx bars on that would complete your 'dirtbike' look!

So ultimately, whats the best performing out of the 4 or 5 we have up here for debate? Is the most expensive in this category ultimately the best or...? Ithink they all look great - all have a dula rate or progressive wound spring, but theres a several hundred dollar swing thoroughout the grouping

 

Works has something the other manufactures don't. A 30 day ride warranty. They warranty the ride quality. You can send back and they will make modifications to the way they originally set them up for you till you are satisfied.

Progressive builds shocks for the masses. Not made to your weight or riding style at all. They are supposedly made of quite inferior technology and would certainly be considered the lowest quality of the ones you mentioned. I liked my progressive 412 for about a week. The ride quickly wore on me and I knew I would want a shock with more travel and comfort. (Had 11" 412's standard duty.)
Ohlin and Penske rule the racing world with far superior technology and quality. There are several other racing shocks and companies out there not mentioned that offer outstanding shocks of their caliber as well.

 

Sorry was ranking from worst to best