Next up on my list of things to do to my '07 883L Sporty is the shocks and springs. I've read plenty of shock threads. Even the 9 pages of shocks thread. All I've read really didn't solve my questions.

I am 5'9" and weigh 225# (in shorts and T-shirt). I ride mostly in urban stop and go traffic on roads that aren't great. I use my saddlebags all the time. My windshield is used in cold weather and will for longer distances. I rarely ride 2-up. I plan on occasional long trips. I'm not the corner carving type.

Riding comfort and compliance is my main concern. Ultimate handling is not my goal. I want my new shocks to absorb the many road imperfections we get here without bottoming out. I do not want a harsh ride. Comfort will be king.

I have a Mustang touring seat.

I already know the Ohlins are going to be better. I also know they are built to the customer's specifications. They also seem to have some adjustability in them. But are they going to be worth the several times the price I can get the Progressive 412 for?

Also, I'm sort of having a tough time deciding which 412 to choose. I would either choose the 12.5" standard, the 12.5" HD or 12" HD. I know the 12.5" and longer shocks are sprung differently than the 12" and under shocks. I have also heard that the heavy duty shocks can be harsh for those that are in between the 220#.

Will the Progressive 12.5" standard shocks bottom out on me? What about if I occasionally ride 2-up or ride with all my gear for touring?

Will the Progressive 12" HD ride better than the 12.5" HD? Will either be harsh? Will adjusting the preload help with either?

Is the Ohlins going to be worth almost 3x more than the Progressive shocks for the riding I do?

This isn't about whether or not the Ohlins are the better shock. That's a given. If I were looking at the Progressive 440, I'd probably choose the Ohlins. But what I'd like to figure out is if I should spend the money on the much more expensive Ohlins or are the Progressive 412 going to be good enough? If the Progressives, which should I get?

Money is always a factor. Spending extra on one spot means I have less money for something else. But I will weigh the options.

 

I am running the 12" progressive 412. I like them I am 250 ride 1 up. I like the ride these shocks give me. I have the shocks set on the lowest setting. No bottoming out. I had the 412's HD on a VTX I had. The shocks were to stiff. The olins maybe better but for the money the 412's can't be beat.

 

I can only comment on the Ohlins #3-3s I have on my Glide, which are truly remarkable. They are the only way to travel! The fundamental difference between them and any off the shelf shock is that they are custom built, for YOU and your bike. They are built by HDF sponsor Howard of Motorcycle Metal.

The #3-3 (that is his designation) are not the cheapest version of Ohlins he offers and he also now has another US brand available and offers custom-built shocks at different price breaks. I strongly recommend you call Howard and have a chat, when he will give you the best advice on shocks out there! Tell him you are a member of HDF, as he offers attractive discounts.

 

Comfort....I vote the budget 412.

Buy the 12.5 heavy duty....you are 2-up riding.
Even without 2-up with your 220 weight plus gear I'd still vote Heavy duty

After your new rear shocks be prepared to updrade your front springs too.

The Ohlins with its greater price offer greater "tuneability" of compression, rebound, fade resistance which may not really be necessary for a road bike that is not raced.

 

I'd send Progressive an email, I had similar questions on length and HD versus standard springs when I was looking at shocks and they were very helpful.

Sounds like you aren't considering the touring air shocks, but at your weight, and looking for overall comfort versus ultimate handling, I wouldn't rule them out, especially as a low cost option.

 

No matter how tuneable a shock is, it will become a set and forget as soon as the novelty wears off. You're simply not going to pull off the road and re-tune when road conditions change. I went with the 440's in the 13.5" length, they have never given me pause to re-consider. After 13,000 or 14,000 miles they are still a great choice. I am 5' 9" and about 205, I have 440 standards. At 70 years old my tender ole bones love the 440's and Progressive Fork Springs. I have no problem riding the 370 miles to New Cumberland, W.Va. to my daughters house.

 

I just put a pair of 412 HD on my Sporty. Stock shocks were on before that. Night and day difference. I can't speak for the Ohlins, but the $ is a big factor in the equation for me also. I went with the HD version as I am 6'1" and unfortunately 280 lbs. I currently am tuning them btwn the 2nd and 3rd settings. Your description of riding habits is almost identical to mine. These shocks have not only helped with the comfort aspect but the handling also. Both have improved exponentially. I went with the 13" over the stock 11.5" on my 06 883L. The extra travel length on the shock is nice and it hasn't ruined the look or the handling of the bike. I also found a set of new Progressive 412 on e-bay for $220.00 and opposed to the $300.00 they retail for. For the money, your type of riding and the handling, the Progressives are going to be the best value IMHO. Either way you are going to ask yourself as I have - What took me so long to do this ?
ps. If ya have a lift or can borrow one, installation is a piece of cake..

 

Since you say cash is an issue. Pickup some roadking air shocks and then use the extra cash you save to upgrade the front springs also.

A lot of folks have said the air shocks ride great and give you adaptability with pressure for various riding types (2up, loaded for touring, solo, etc.).

 

I can't use the RK air shocks. My saddlebags are form fit around the shocks and the air shocks won't fit.

 

The greatest benefit of Ohlins is that they have superior damping over most if not all other shocks. Nothing to do with racing, as they also make road shocks! Riding a familiar road and feeling the bike just ride smoothly over bumps that use to make it bang and crash is a priceless experience and pleasure. Worth every penny.