Are they softer and stronger? Or are the heavy duty models stronger and the regular models softer? I read one report that stated the heavy duty models are stiff.

I'm looking to improve ride comfort and to be able to ride two up without bottoming out.

 

The progressive shock do improve your ride and do stop the bottoming out. Which model are you looking at. I have 11" 412's on the rear of my bike and ride 2 up with my wife and once and awhile and do not have a problem with bottoming out. I had more of a problem with the fork springs then the shocks on the rear. I also put a progressive lowering kit in the front and am really pleased with how it looks. I do have to be careful when riding though because if I do hit a really big pothole or something it will still bottom out. The if you are 180+ lbs your gonna want to the heavy duty shocks they are suited more for people who do ride 2up a lot and will be carrying more weight.

 

I weigh 220 lbs. I heard the heavy duty shocks are pretty stiff. I'm looking for improved ride but if the heavy duty shocks are harsh like the stock shock/spring set up, I'll probably pass.

Anyone know?

 

The HD progressive 412's feel similar to the stock setup. I had been bottoming out the stock shocks (mostly when riding 2up) and bought them thinking it would be a big improvement. I ended up going back to the stock shocks with the preload on 4 or 5. I do think that Progressive makes excellent products, I just think the short length of the shock on the Custom makes it difficult to get a smooth ride without blowing through the travel and bottoming out.

 

I put the progressive 440s on my 1200C 1/2" longer than stock. The ride is much better and more controlled. It aint no Electra Glide but it's decent.

DC.

 

Badbs101,
I am the same weight as you. I have a 2005 custom not an R like you have.
I called and talked with a guy at Progressive Suspension's tech line.
I told him what I was looking for as far as ride quality. He suggested the 412"s, standard springs with 12.5"'s of travel(1 inch more than standard) and the progressive front springs with 15w oil.
I bought that and and am happy with it. Made a noticeable difference over stock. Shipping and all it was $258 for the 412's and front springs.
I would call them at Progressive Suspension explain what you are looking for and see what they recommend for your bike.
Randy

 

I have an 06 1200 XLR and put the 412's on it and love it. I am 240 and wife is 150. Bike would bottom out with oem shocks but not with 412's. I put 13.5" units on my bike. I put the shocks on the 4th setting when riding 2 up. 3rd setting by my self. I think you can't beat them.

 

badbs: I have a '05 XL 1200 R. I weigh 230 to 240 with riding gear and boots. I was bottoming out the rear on most every ride and the front on occasion. I installed "street" quality Progressive fork springs with 15 wt. oil and full length spacers; and then Progressive 412s with the "heavy" spring in 13.5" rear shocks. I ride solo with the shock preload at the lowest position and move to the No. 3 preload position when adding my 140 lb. wife. I also have a '05 Road King Classic with the air shocks to compare. The ride on the Sportster is not quite as nice as the RKC, but is very acceptable. The Sporster corners much better now. The ride is definitely more controllable and safe. If I had it to do over again, I would use the "standard" spring on the 412 shocks and ride with a slightly higher preload. ..................... BC

 

I'm sure the 13.5" shocks work much better. I weigh 190 and my other half weighs 130, which calls for the HD setup, so I went with the 11" HD (.5-.75" shorter than stock on my 1200c) and they felt way too stiff.... not to mention I was scraping my pipes on right turns and kickstand on left turns. I'm with Big Cholla..... if I had it to do over, I'd go with a 412 (slightly longer setup than stock) with the standard spring and run the preload higher.

 

The 06 1200 Stcck springs are progressive. At least I have a pair of 06 1200 springs that are. I bought them hoping they would fit my 91 883, but they are too long. Apparently this early 91 is a preamble of a hugger model or else the damping rod of the new 1200 is much shorter.