I currently have some 11.5" Progressive 412HD's on my sporty. A definite increase in comfort compared to the stock shocks. However, I'm looking at putting 13" 412HD's on instead. Will I notice a big difference? Or should I put my $200 elsewhere?

 

When I first bought my bike I my weight was 235 pounds and bottoming out was a very regular thing. I bought 13.5 progressive shocks, The bike was pretty high and I noticed the bike had great clearence in turns but I made a mistake I thought I had 12.5 on my bike. I was wrong stock was 10.5. The bike handle a little soft but never had clearance problems, but was a little high. Over the last year I lost 35 pounds and put the stock shocks back on with a lowering kit. Love the look but hate the fact that I have to drive slower in turns. I will most prob save up some cash and get the 11.5's at some point. thats my take on it.

 

Depending on your weight (I am 190) Progressive suggest's the standard weight springs if you are less than 230-240 or you ride 2 up 50% of the time.
I had the HD springs on my 1200L (11.5) and Progressive put the standard springs
on for 15 bucks each(I paid shipping) and once I set the preload what a difference.
Hope this helps some, goodluck. (Fork springs and the mustang seat made it a totally
different bike)

 

on a side note...
i never got an answer to this question ages ago...but
in Aus [and im sure other places too] the stock length is 13" or maybe 12.5". Does this mean we just have longer shocks slapped on ours before sale or what?
Also i just put 12.5" progressives on my ride and the difference is awesome

 

I weight about 240lbs and rarely ride 2 up. With the 11.5" shocks the ride is very firm, but I have yet to bottom out. I'm guessing 13" standard spring would be the best?

 

I've run both the 11.5" and 12.5" 412's. Yes, you will notice a difference. The 12.5" and longer 412's use a different spring rate than the shorter shocks and the longer ones provide a much better ride (less harsh) and of course don't tend to bottom out like the shorter ones.