I'd do a search but I'm on my smartphone and search doesn't work for some reason.

Anyway, now that my annual bonus has hit my account, I'm looking to upgrade the suspension on my '06 1200L. I'm looking hard at the 440s. For those that have run both the 412s and the 440s, are the 440s worth more than double the asking price of the 412s? I've only been on a stock suspension and have no basis by which to form a comparison.

In addition to a better quality ride, I'm also hoping to raise the bike up. Consequently, I'm considering the 13" rear shocks. I realize raising the rear will quicken the steering somewhat. Any other considerations I need to be aware of? FWIW, I'll also be doing Progressive fork springs at the same time.

Lastly, anyone know of a better price on the 440s than $465 shipped?

 

I can't compare, but I am running 412s at 13.5 in on my 883 and they are great, and from Dennis Kirk they were only $209. I find it hard to believe on a cruiser anything would be that much better than the 412s..

 

Do yourself a favor and give WORKS Performance a call. They build and valve the shocks to order...length, your weight with gear, riding style...etc.. I just ordered a pair last week and they were built and shipped in 4 days. They are a work of art, completely rebuildable and they have a VERY good reputation. If you are a member of HOG they give a 10% discount. Mine where $460 + shipping with the discount(they are $515 for the black trackers). Well worth it!
http://www.worksperformance.com/html/home.html

 

My guess is the 440's are an improvement but not double. Any Progressive shock is going to be a pretty big improvement over stock shocks assuming they are longer. Those who bolt on the 11" Progressives and claim a huge improvement I don't understand. There just isn't enough travel in a short shock. I went 13.5" Progressive 412 shocks with 1" Tamarack MW lowering kit (all the smooth benefits of the longest Progressive shock without raising the bike too much). I first installed 12" Progressives and noticed little difference other than better damping but a still harsh ride. Incidentally, glad to see you're getting the front springs, they are a must when raising the rear and arguably have a bigger impact on the overall ride than rear shocks. With both installed I no longer have to be overly concerned if I hit a man hole cover dip or railroad track. It's no touring bike but it's liveable now.

I'm sure you won't be disappointed in the 440's but are they worth the extra $200 over the 412's? My guess would be no. Usually folks just buy one or the other (412 or 440) so it may be hard to find someone who has tried both. Hopefully someone who has run both will chime in.

 

i like the 812 myself , looks good and rides good...

 

Works Performance Shocks are great, but I don't see any reason to pay for full race quality shock on a bike the weight and frame geometry of a Harley.. Maybe on the XR..

As far as Progressive 812s, I was under the impression they are the same as the 412s but with fancy chrome covers.

 

Your right. I spoke with a guy working the Progressive booth at sturgis last year when the same question was asked and he just smiled and said that if people will pay more for the 812 name then who were they not to take their money)