Hi all,

i would appreciate your thoughts and help on which shocks i should buy for my 08 nightster. the 11" standards are killing me. i am nearly 6' and weight 90kg (198 pounds?). at this stage i have narrowed it down to the progressive 418 or 440 12.5" shocks, but i really don't know which would be better suited? or what the actual differences between the two are? the 418 seem to be dearer, but the progressive website says they 440 are the best of the best, and they are cheaper? any one had the same dilemma or experience? thanks heaps.

P.S: next will come the new seat (mustang vintage solo or corbin hollywood solo and front fork springs (progressive or works dual rate?) PLEASE FEEL FREE TO LEAVE ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS TOO,

 

I can't speak of the 418 but I have the 440 model on my Dyna and it was a huge improvement over stock. Eventhough I lowered mine I have more control and don't bottom out when I get into a turn hard or hit an irregularity mid turn.

 

Here's a way to improve your ride. After the shocks, have some front progressive fork springs installed using the screaming eagle HD fork oil.

 

Have you taken a look at the 430 Series?

http://www.progressivesuspension.com...ies/index.html

Black version looks great on the Nightster, ride quality is excellent and cost is less than the 440's.

418 Series has been discontinued, although there are still some in the market if that is your choice.

 

Either one will be a vast improvement, but DO NOT get the heavy duty shocks. I way 220, and even with my wife on the back, I never have to get more than the 4th setting. The HD shocks will be way too stiff.

If you want to keep the low look, then stay with the stock length. If you are after handling, the longer lengths will change the rake and trail enough to give your faster turning.

 

I have not got them on yet, but I e-mailed the guys at progressive and asked them what would be the shock for ride comfort to replace the 11in stock shocks on my 883L that would be affordable and they suggested the 13.5in 412s non heavy duty (or 812s, same shock with chrome covers). So that is what I ordered. And what I like about the 412s is the 812 LED lighted shock cover will fit. www.progressivesuspension.com/812light/index.html

If you are looking for more performance handling, the 418s have rebound damping adjustment like sport bike, or dirt bike shocks.

 

The black contrast cut would definately look good on a nightster or a black dyna,I'll be checking these out soon.

 

My son has the 440s on his Wide Glide and it's kind of embarrasing to hear him talk about how great they are. When PS says they're the best I agree with them. They made the bumps on the road go away.

 

hi, thanks for your help, now i am undecided which is better the 440 or 430? i don't really care which ones, i just want the best one of the two?

 

this is today's current train of thought, please feel free to add yours as well.

I am 90Kg (almost 200lbs), nearly 6' and have a fairly stock 08 nightster, aussie version.

1st step - rear shocks
getting new shocks. i am thinking an easy way to go are the 12 or 12.5" progressive shocks (430's or 440's, still undecided?). although i have read of late a lot of nightster owners are using longer shocks with lowering blocks? because they don't want to ruin the look of the bike? i sort of agree, but know nothing of lowering blocks.

2nd step - new seat
New Seat for solo riding (95% of the time) and for short trips (80% of the time) Mustang Vintage solo 12.5" or Corbin hollywood solo, i like the look of the corbin mostly.
then for when i go touring i am thinking something with a backrest?

3rd step - Front End
I am thinking the intiminators. i would like to know if i used these should i also put in new fork springs as well (work or progressive?) or stick with the standards?
i read a post by CBNightster that he increased his fork travel by adding new tubes (i think that's correct) i like the sound of gaining a bit extra travel, especially if i raise the back side with longer shocks? do you think this mod is worth its while? any pitfalls?
I am also thinking i could probably use a fork brace (stabilizer), as i am sure i feel a fair bit of flex in the front end around corners.?????