If all works out, tomorrow about 10:00 AM , I will own a black 06 1200-C.
I would like to get Progressive's on the frount and back. My concern is the rear shocks. First of all, I dont know If I should get heavy duty orreg. shocks.I read some place that 11.5" is the standard height on a 1200-C, is that right? I want it to ride a smooth as it can, with out bottoming out hard. I'm about 210 lbs. Riding 2-up is not a concern. So if 11.5 is right, and I go up to 12" shock, would that give me 1/2" more travel? If I have a extra 1/2 " then couldn't I set the shocks a notch down from what I would need to on a standard height, and not bottom out more?. I think Im starting to babble on.
What I'm trying to ask, is the more travel the shock has, the soffter I can set it, with out bottoming out, right or wrong?... Thanks.

 

GPH,
Congrats in advance for your new Sportster. I just added 12" HD Progressive 412 shocks and Progressive front springs.I went with the HD from advice on this forum sinceI am 230 lb The 12" does raise the bike slightly, but I like the added lean angle. The combination has made the ride totally different from the stock. Very smoth (on 2ndpreload) no bottoming even2-up (max preload)
Enjoy the ride. Good color choice - Black is the fastest color

 

As long as you are not riding two up, the standard Progressive 412's will work fine. 11.5's are called for, but 12's will fit, with a little more rake, and you will have to muscle them in to line up the mounting bolts. They are good looking shocks, beefier and the chrome is much better than stock.

 

Well, I now own a 06 1200-C. I didn't even have it home yet, and I went to the H.D.dealerand spent $ 130 on my new ride. A chrome brake resever cover, chrome rocker bolt covers, and the rear run-turn-brake-controller kit.
Then I went to a accessory shop, and got a front turn signal mount to get them back on the fork $ 22. so befor the bike is home, I went through $152 total.
As for the Progressive shocks, the guy at the shop said not to put on 12", said thats to much, and not to get the h.d. He said stay with the 11 1/2" standard. He said they would ride smoother and still be o.k. for occasional 2-up riding. This guy sells and installs them. But on the other hand 'hogsport' has the 12" and it rides smooth. [my bike looks like his] 'Dorkman' said 12" will go on but are a tight fit and the standard Progressive would work o.k.
So at this point I'm thinking I might go with the 12" standard and set them for a soft ride. Or go with 11 1/2" and hope it has the travel I need.
I would like feedback from more of you with 12" standard's and how it holds up to 2-up rides, and how smooth it rides.... Thanks.

 

Well i for one have a06'xlc 1200 with progg. 412 12.5' H.D. and ride 2up 50% of the time our weight is 330 # i'm 6', i put them on,no trouble love the ride no bottom out lots of travelwork great solo as well,the roadster bikes have12.5's on stock it does not sit to high for me. hope this helps.

 

I have the Heavy Duty 412's, 13 inch (standard length). I'm 225 with gear, 130 for the wife with gear, and another 15 or so for the backrest and two up seat. The heavy duty shocks are set at 2 in a range of 5 and work fine. No bottoming alone or with two up...and I pushed it. Not a hugedifference for solo ride, but big improvement for two up.

I see you couldn't get out the door without more chrome...heh, heh...more to come.

 

Dorkman, what do a set those babies cost? I do sometimes bottom out.

 

Try here: http://www.easternperformance.com/in...d=0&page=2

 

Mine were from easternperformanc.com, via their Ebay site, but you can buy them direct. Price was $189.95 with free shipping. Best price I found. A correction: My shocks are 13 inch, which is standard length for the 2004 XL883...I was thinking of the other fellow's bike when I wrote it. He has a "C", which is lower.

 

Thanks.
As of now, I think I will go with Progressive 12" standard shocks. I want it to ride as smooth as possible. 2-up riding is secondary for me.
I hope this works out o.k.....

Gary.