I lowered mine in the back with 11 inch Progressive shocks and left the front alone. Handles fine to me.

 

FXDC here....have the 11 inch Progressive Shocks and ride two up 80% of the time have absolutely no complaints with the ride quality. I am tempted to do the Progressive lowering springs in front to see if I can tell any difference in the geometry and handling. Idaho roads leave a lot to be desired but compared to the old Scooters my 09 rides smooth....62 years young and Lovin Life.

 

i have the 11" hd412's and the ride is great..a little stiff but not bad and the new geometry was not enough to take away from the handling....i say go for it...

 

I have the 11" Progressives too. I love the look, but the ride is really stiff. It jars my back sometimes when driving on these shitty Oklahoma roads. Can anyone answer 2 questions?

1. I've never adjusted them. If I turn them, will the ride get softer?

2. Will lowering the front a bit help soften the ride? Theoretically, it would because the weight would be more evenly distributed.

 

1. Experiment. Turn them up/down and ride it. Adjust it till you don't bottom out and have comfort. Be warned, those shocks do NOT have much travel...therefore, you will have a stiffer ride due to a higher spring rate to keep the shocks in the working zone.


Your seat may have impact on your comfort.




2. This MIGHT have a bit of impact, however it is really just your rear shock choice. Lowering your front end with lower springs/heavier oil will only increase your harsh ride.



You want comfort? Have custom shocks built (Works, Ohilns, etc) to your weight, riding style/needs. Air shocks seem to be a cheap choice for comfort.

I'd start at your adjustments, your cheapest choice and ability to change. Then work your way up the cost line.

 

My 11" 412's dropped my rear (measured from the bottom of the rear strut to the ground) two full inches.

 

Yea but you have a Wideglide which has longer shocks stock than a Street Bob does.

 

Since we are on the subject of Suspension. I don't want to be accused of Hijacking the Thread.....But anyone here installed the relatively new Progressive Drop In Lowering Front Springs after having installed Progressive 412 11 inch Shocks???? I am still wondering if the Steering and Handling due to Front end Geometry and weight distribution is positively affected (improved)??? Been running just the 11 inch Progressive Shocks for 2500 miles with no specific complaints....

GARY

 

I did the drop in fork kit with 12 inch progressives as well as stock shocks with lowering blocks. I was very happy with their kit. Rides nice and handles better than stock.

 

I'm not clear what you did here.....did you put 12" progressives on the rear then use lowering blocks?....or did you use the stock rear shocks with lowering blocks? How much did you lower the front with the drop in kit? (1" or 2"?)