Did a search and it looks like it's been a while since this was discussed. Could be a good time for some new opinions or to listen again to the time-tested ones.

So.......Progressive 412s --OR-- Progressive 440s?

Quite a difference in price. Some say that for riding solo ( <225 lbs.) that the inertial damping of the 440s is not as effective, thus making the 412 the better choice.

Others swear by their 440s.

What are you running? How long? How's it working out for you? Know any good online vendors?

I ride an '08 XL1200C. The stock shocks were fine when I lived in Montana and enjoyed those lightly used roads, never mind the occasional frost heave (which no shock will protect you from). Now that I moved to civilization, it's time to get those stock shocks off! Those shocks are like tools of the Inquisition.

I weigh 215 lbs., rarely ride two-up (wife rides her own), but sometimes strap 20 lbs. of gear for camping/fishing trips. That said, I think I'd rather go with standard springs but in the 13" instead of HD springs in 11.5". I like the idea of a longer travel shock, and at that angle, I don't think the extra 1.5" will mess with the geometry of the bike significantly.

Any thoughts or helpful comments would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

Fabe, I went with the 440 standards in the 13.5" length at about 1,100 miles. I'm now at 14,400 and I'm convinced I made an excellent choice. If I were to change anything it would be to go with 13" as the top muffler can barely rattle against the bottom shock bolt at idle when unladen. The combination of the 440s plus Progressive fork springs and BelRay 7w fork oil is perfect.
PS, I'm 5' 9" and 205 lbs. The stock shocks were the equivalent of the, "immovable object."
I rode my bike 370 miles to western Pa. last July and enjoyed every minute of it. Picture #2 is on a bridge in Custer Sd. I now have a black leather jacket. The opinions on this subject are usually strong so I just say what I did and that it works.

 

I posted some inputs here and it was nice to get a response from progressive: https://www.hdforums.com/forum/sport...passenger.html
Anyway, I like the inertia valve idea of the 440, so I bought one with standard springs and 11". It was good for 2-up, But because of the shorter length, the shock travel was limited. So anyway I decided to try the 412's in a slightly longer length @ 11.5" ( I wanted to keep the nightster's low look at the rear) I was happy with it so I decided to keep it. That half inch surprisingly made a big difference. To be fair, Both shocks did eliminate bottoming out and both where better compared to stock.
I'm about 200lbs and wife is 130 with our gear on. I'm running 11.5" 412's with standard springs. Rode 2-up with my wife and she did'nt complain even when we hit some bumps and potholes. (200 miles so far on the 412's shocks) My suggestion to anyone looking for better shocks, if your inseam can afford it go for the longer shocks like 12-13". You'll get better suspension travel and more comfort.

 

I hear a lot of 412 vs 440 talk but what about the 430's? If like progressive says the 412 is "Good" and the 440 is "Best" why not go for middle ground with the "Better" 430 option? They are cheaper then the 440 and not much more than the 412.

 

Can someone chime in about using a lowering kit with the longer, 12-13 inch, springs? I was thinking of doing this eventually because I don't want to raise the rear much, or at all.

 

I went with the 13.5" 412s with a Tamara MW 1" lowering kit. (http://tamarackmw.com) and Progressive front springs with 7 wt fork oil. I think some people go with the heavier fork oil in the mistaken belief that it rides better. I believe it tends to ruin some of the plush ride characteristics of the Progressive springs. Any thicker and it would be too stiff IMO. Additionally, the lowering kit needs to be a high quality kit like Tamarack or LA Choppers. The sheet metal ebay specials have bent on some riders. Do a search.

I can't compare the 412's to the 440's but my guess is they are even better. I CAN tell you that the most important factor is the shock length. Longer shock = better ride. Period. I tried some shorter 412s first and wasn't overly impressed with the marginal improvement. I sold them and bought the 13.5"s with the lowering kit. It doesn't come close to riding like a touring bike but now I don't have to pucker everytime I see a manhole cover or railroad track.

 

i have the 412's HD and i beleive they are 13" (I CANT REMEMBER I BOUGHT THEM 3 YRS AGO)

I would not recomend the Heavy duty unless u 2 up all the time. for me the HD wasnt neccesary but i felt it was at the time and now even when i 2 up i still wish there was more play

i went 13" cuz i kept bottoming out on speedbumps so i wanted clearance.

the 440's are nice but if im gonna drop coin on the shocks then i'd go with some air suspension for a few hundred more than the 440

 

As far as I can tell, the only difference between the 412 and the 430, other than cosmetic, is that you can adjust the preload by hand on the 430, i.e. without the tool. Is that the only difference?

 

+1, Do not get the HD unless you're 2 up alot. I'm 230 lbs and the std shocks are more than enough for me.

 

I appreciate all your responses, guys.

It seems like the common denominator is shock length is truly important. (Going to go for the 13" I think).

It sounds like everyone is happy with what they run. I posted the same question in the Suspension forum and a guy there said that his 440s started leaking, so he went with 412s and is very happy.

I only have my tax return to work with on this, so I may go for the 412s and some front springs (plus a new seat!).