i want to upgrade the rear shocks on my 06 SG, but id rather not spend $400+, so im looking at a set of Progressive 412's. either 13 or 13.5".

anyone tried these? any thoughts?

 

Depends on how fat you are...

And whether you are gonna be 2up with luggage. I put mine on and left the driveway and knew they werent enough shock for my 240 pound a## and a passenger and a tour pak. Sent them back and got some 944 shocks and the handling and load capacity of the bike are better than stock air shocks. Its like a new more refined motorcycle.


If I was strictly solo I might get away with the 412's, but most people with touring bikes arent in that position. I can see where some lighter bikes and riders would love them.

 

I'm 215# and have the heavy spring. Wife is about 180# and they are fine for 2 up riding without having them set to full tight. They are significantly better than the stock air shocks.

 

I'm a big guy and always ride two up with my wife. I went with the 412 13.5s on mine and couldn't be happier. It was night and day difference compared to the factory air shocks. Love mine. I'm sure the 944s are great. I'm retired and they are just not possible in our budget by any means.

 

Think you may have had wrong model of 412s. (SD vs HD springs). I have the 12" HD version and its way better than my 13" airshocks ever were. Im 225 and wife 130. Trunk and all loaded we rarely bottom out on anything but the bad ones now.

 

I had the HD's. Double checked part numbers after i put them on just to check.. I tried every setting as well. Dont know what the heck was going on but I knew I wasnt gonna like them.

 

Had them on my 07 SG Liked them better than stock. Not great but better. 944s on my ultra with HD spring. Really like them.

 

I just put the 412's on my Road King. For the price, they're good enough for me. I'm 160 and ride solo most of the time.

 

I ran many a pair of 412's on various Harleys over the years. They are meant to be a simple replacement shock for the crappy factory units. They are not sold, or even marketed as some high end superior suspension component. If all your looking for is to replace what you got with something a little better, they are a great option at an unbeatable price. If your looking to dramatically improve ride quality..... be prepared to spend more.

edit: I wanted to say this..... for many years, there have been companies making Chinese 412 knockoffs. Lots of sellers pawn theirs off using Progressives long standing reputation for quality. If you do go the $200-ish route, buy the genuine 412's. Don't try to save an extra 20-30 bucks with the ebay copies. There IS a difference.

 

Very well said! I have heard many positive comments about the Progressive's but opted for the Legend Revo-A's in my case. The ride on my SGS sucked with the OEM Shocks, but the Legend's have made a phenomenal difference. I had "reasonable" expectations about increasing the ride quality, but was surprised by the actual difference. It does come at a price though, as the Legend's are pricey. I selected them because they come with spring preload and rebound damping adjustment. They also have a lifetime warranty. While expensive, I consider this to be the #1 upgrade to my bike. I'm now planning to do the front end with Legend Axeo.