I saw some progressive 412 shocks in the J and P catalogue for $256.00. Does anyone have this particular shock on a sporty, and if so do they help the ride considerably if they are replaced with the stock length? I don't want to lower my bike, but I took a trip to memphis this weekend and it was a rough ride, so I'd like to improve the comfort level. Are shocks the first thing to replace or is there something else I should do first to get a more comfortable ride?

 

I'm no expert, XLCruise, but I suggest finding a buddy who has an after-market seat and plopping your butt down on it and seeing what a difference that can make. I have the Sundowner (which makes me a little prejudiced), and I really like it, but there are others available to make those long rides more enjoyable. Like you, I'm considering Progressives, but one thing is for sure--lowering shocks do not make for a good ride.

 

Are the stock shocks on your bike adjustable? If so, you might want to play around with different settings to see if that helps the ride.

 

I agree a better-than-stock-seat is the first step to a more comfy ride.
That said, I have the Progressives (11") and am very glad I do - no harsh bottomming and a more controlled ride.

 

I have a H-D Sundowner seat on its' way to me now from a U.S. H-D dealer and I'm also going to be installing Progressive 412 shocks (1" lower from stock) and I expect to get a more comfortable ride.

Tom

 

I also have recently added the Sundowner seat, just haven't updated to photo to show it. I weigh 180 lbs. and I can raise my stock shocks 2 more notches but I think that will make the ride stiffer yet. The Sundowner made a whole lotta difference, but not near enough.
Maybe I'll invest in the 412's and see what happens. I don't want to lower the bike at all though, so I guess 13.5 inch 412's would be the proper length for stock.