So I'm thinking of ordering some Progressive 412 shocks and I'm not sure what the best fit would be for me. I dont mind the stock height of my WG and I ride a lot with my GF. What is the stock size and what size do you guys recommend me to get. I'm 220lb and she is 120.

Thanks
Rodney

 

Hey Rodney,

Im gonna get new shocks sometime soon too. From casually reading the threads on shocks... Ricor and Works, and Ohlins seem to be the sought after ones... I've read
disappointment with 412s Althought I think Progressive has some others that people have
been real happy with. I dont have experience with any of them, just my 2 cents

 

Save your pennies and at least get the 440's. The 412's are marginally better than the stock ones. The 440's are a great improvement and have a lifetime warranty too.

 

If you decide on the 412, then will likely need the HD version if you ride a lot 2 up. But at 220 and solo, would stick with normal version. Under 12", the 412 are unforgiving.

 

Hey Rodney,

I'm at 207# and the GF is 135#. I'm running a set of Ricor 13.5 inch shocks and springs with SS valving. Since the GF has her own Low Rider I don't often have to ride two up, but, when we do this set up works great on our bumpy back roads of Southern New England.

Where are you in VT? I'm just a few miles south of Brattleboro.

 

Lots of threads on this topic here.

Go with 440's if u get progressives. Stock height is 12" and 440's come at 11.5 and 11. I assume that you would want to lower your bike if u r getting new shocks so just depends how low you want to take'er down.

 

The taller the shock, the better the ride.

I've got 13" Touring Air shocks on my Fat Bob and they work great.

If you are into the lowered look (like many people are) you will be giving up on ride comfort the shorter you go. If comfort is important to you, do not go less then 12".

 

Right you are clang.

If you are fortunate enough to live in an area where you don't get frost heaves and winter roadway damage, lowering your bike is a great thing. Let's face it a low bike just looks great! Unfortunately for many of us this issue becomes one of style vs. comfort vs. the real world. In my case I was bottoming out constantly with my stock shock and spring, and that was with the suspension pre-load at it's highest setting. For that reason I chose to go with a longer than stock shock. It may not look as cool, but I can't see myself anyways as I'm flying over the back roads at speed. So the question is yours; Do you want to look good or ride good?

 

+1 on the longer air shock. Went w/ a 13" & haven't bottomed out since. (01 FXDL)
Feels like I'm riding on a cloud : )
Can be a very cheap mod if you're patient & find the right shocks ($40 for mine + $5 for valves)

 

Been tons of air shocks on ebay these days, the 13"s sell for $60-$70, and the 12"s sell for more. I nabbed a set of the 12"s for $75 but haven't received them yet.