New to Harleys and don't really ride them, but I'm looking to pick up some new shocks for my Dad for Father's Day.

The one's I'm most interested in are the Progressive 412s. But, I'm not sure if I should go for the 11" or 11.5" shock length? Any suggestions? And also, will the difference be noticeable from the stock shocks vs the Progressive 412s?

He's complained about how stiff the stock shocks feel. We've adjusted them as best as we could and it's still a bit rough. Though, I know these bikes will never feel super comfortable, I'm just looking for something a bit better. If it helps at all, he's a light rider. He's about 135-140lbs.

Any suggestions would be great!

 

Well if its a Low model then 11" is stock I believe. If its a Custom model then I think they have 13" shocks

 

Just a suggestion but why not get him a gift certificate to a HD dealer or the place you plan to buy them from? Then he can pick out his own shocks? Riding and comfort is such a totally personal preference, what works for me might not work for your dad. Regardless, I'm sure he'll appreciate it.
Going from stock to Progressive shocks was incredible for me. I have 12" rear 412s and the front spring kit and the ride is incredible. Make sure you don't buy the HD version (heavy duty) unless your dad is over 225 pounds or rides 2-up a lot of time, which doesn't seem to apply here. I wanted to increase my ground clearance an inch so that's why I went with 12" over the stock 11". Sounds like you might want to keep the same size as stock given the info you provided.

 

I put on the 412's on mine because when riding 2+ we were always bottoming out even with the setting on the firmest. I didn't get the Heavy duty version and I'm only on the 3rd setting 2+ and the ride is MUCH improve...again only my opinion.

Even when riding solo I felt the ride is better with the new shocks than the OEM, worth every penny and an easy self install!

 

Progressive suspension has a lookup for every bike on their web page.
I would get the heavy duty unless he is a real light guy.
Longer is better, gives a much better ride, I went an inch longer than stock.

I would say go at LEAST a half inch longer then stock...

There are places on the web than sell them cheap!



Brett

 

Sweet. Thanks for the tips everyone.

I will most likely be grabbing the 11.5" 412 Progressive shocks for him. Maybe 12" if I can find as good a deal on them.

Any other suggestions on making the ride more comfortable in the future? I ride a Ninja 250 and would've imagined the HD 883XL being much more comfortable. Boy, was I wrong..

Like I said, he's only 140 lbs and pretty old.. Just want to make things a bit more smooth for him..

 

The progressive shocks well help a LOT.

Two other choices, progressive sells fork springs (standard or lowering).
They help a lot for the front end (the standard ones do).
Or, you can change the fork oil from the stock 5 weight to 10 or 15 to prevent the forks bottoming out on even little bumps.
Thicker oil removes some of the jolt from bigger bumps.

A big soft seat also helps!

Brett

 

I would definitely look into a new seat if he's riding the stock now. There are a lot of threads here about seats, but I'd check out a Mustang wide solo or vintage solo seat for him, that might be the best option.

 

I have an 07 883 low with a sundowner seat and 12" 412 progressives. Rides great. The extra inch over stock isn't really noticable.