Thinking of replacing the stock air ride shocks on my 2013 FLHX, but want to stay under a $300 budget.

I'm thinking about either the Progressive 412's or getting the Harley adjustable coil overs from someone on ebay, the same ones used on the 2014+ FLHX Special.

Has anyone used both of these? Thoughts, opinions? Anyone 2014+ FLHXS guys swap out your shocks or have you been happy with the stock offering?

For info, I ride two up a lot, between the wife and I we clock in at just under 400lbs. With her on the back I don't dig the unstable feeling of the air ride around turns (run manuals recommended pressure for 2 up). When riding alone, I still feel it a bit.

Looking for the bike to handle better than it does now, and either option would offer night and day difference. Hoping for guidance on which route to go.

 

with your shocks you have 1.75" of travel-

the other touring models use 13" shocks with 2.75" of travel

you can get these cheap- new take offs.

as long as you have not changed your front end height, you can use 13's

the showa air shocks have been used for many years and work well for many of us- hundreds of thousands of miles for me...just adjust for load- ( I have used the 12" which didn;t do it for me at 230#- went back to 13's)


I am now trying out the 13" hand adjustables- they are very good- I got a screaming deal so can;t compare cost/benefit.

but I think that hand adjustable 12" would be throwing money away- the travel is compromised.



Mike

 

I'm confused why the travel would be compromised. The shocks would be take offs from a 2014 FLHX Special which are listed as 12inches. Harleys website claims fitment for 09 and later models.

 

for your load use 13inch shocks from the limited or ultra.12 inch street glide shocks take away 1 inch of travel and 2 up your loosing another inch just getting on the bike.

 

Like already stated, under 2" of travel on FLHX shocks. Whats to be confused about.

 

Confused because I have a FLHX with stock air shocks. Aren't they also 12 inches?

 

I put set of HD adjustable 12" on my 07 RK way better no more bottoming out with me and g/f = (400 lbs total) Set at about mid setting. Ride is much smoother ..
Now put set on friends 11" SG. He wishes he did it years ago.

Are there better shock out there sure but how much you want to spend.......

 

So no travel issues?

 

maybe I was unclear when i say the travel is compromised- i am comparing the 12" to 13" showa air shocks.

12" shocks have 1.75 inches of travel from stop to stop

the 13's have an additional inch of travel- that allows the dampening to occur over a longer distance and over more time- this results is a smoother ride and the shocks are more likely to ride in the areas between stops, less likely to "top out" or "bottom out".

that gives you an idea of what to expect when comparing 12" to 13" showa air shocks.

I would extrapolate that the 12" hand adjustables would have a similar deficiency compared to the 13" hand adjustables ( which i am now running) as any damping has to happen sooner and in less distance.

Mike

 

No it been good so far. Now honestly we have pretty good roads here in S. Florida if roads were worst I would look at 13" shocks . I was in New Jerey last year for 2 month for work if I had to ride there I want best shocks /airbags money could buy.