Progressive 412

[hungryfroggy]

Hi, anyone know anything about Progressive 412-4223c Rear shocks?
I currently have them: http://motorcycle-accessories.cruis...sitechampion&utm_medium=sli&utm_source=google

on my bike, the 11" one. Is... it bad? is it good? I have not the slightest clue about suspension with cruisers, any information would help. Compared to the stock suspension, is it an upgrade? How so? is 11" too low? (i weigh 200lb)

 

[naughtyG]

412s are the cheapest of the Progressive range, with only preload adjustment. I think they're still an upgrade on the stock items, but that's debatable. 440s are definitely a good handling upgrade, and 418s are the top of the range with full damping and preload adjustment. All are available in stock size and then 1/2" increments.

11" is 2" lower than OEM. Makes the rear sit much lower, looks more like a cruiser, but kills your ground clearance and makes your center stand impossible to use without riding the rear tire onto a riser and your kick stand very dodgy (bike's almost upright) unless it has been cut down or suitably replaced.

Some people think lower = better handling, I'm not sure I agree. Lower front = quicker steering but less stable, lower rear = slower steering but better stability.

 

[tonyg-5386]

I have the 412's on my 1996 vmax and my 1979 xs1100. I have stock sizes on both of my bikes. It is their least expensive shock but in my opinion it is a decent improvement over the stock shocks. If you can afford it get the 418's or 440's. For my old man style of riding and occasional 2 up riding with my wife the 412's work fine. I also changed my front fork springs to progressive springs when I did the shocks and those 2 upgrades definitely made the bike handle better. I got everything from Sean M (one2dmax).

 

[Fire-medic]

The 412's are better than stock in my amateur opinion. I weigh > you & like them in the stock 13" length just fine. At your weight, I would go back to a stock length if you ever replace them, especially if you ride 2-up. I felt a very noticeable improvement from the stockers to the 412's.